Guardianship and conservatorship in Arizona: who, where, cost

How a court can name a guardian or conservator in Arizona, what it costs and what to try first.

Checked against official sources: October 31, 2026.

Short answer

Guardian (general or limited), temporary guardian, conservator, temporary conservator.

Filing fee
$191 state filing fee for a petition to appoint a guardian, and $191 for a petition to appoint a conservator (superior court fee schedule effective December 28, 2024); courts may add local fees.
Court
Superior court (probate) in the county where the person lives.

What guardianship or conservatorship is

What it is called

Guardian (general or limited), temporary guardian, conservator, temporary conservator

When a court may appoint one

An incapacitated person is someone who, because of mental illness, disability, chronic drug use or other cause, lacks enough understanding or capacity to make or communicate responsible decisions about their person. The court may appoint a general or limited guardian only if it finds by clear and convincing evidence that the person is incapacitated, the appointment is necessary, and the needs cannot be met by less restrictive means, including technology. A petition for general guardianship must explain why a limited guardianship is not appropriate.

Kinds
  • General guardianship
  • Limited guardianship
  • Temporary guardianship (emergency)
  • Conservatorship and other protective orders
  • Temporary conservatorship

Law: A.R.S. §§ 14-5101, 14-5303, 14-5304, 14-5310, 14-5311

Who can ask, which court and your own choice

Who may ask

The person themselves or any person interested in their affairs or welfare.

Court

Superior court (probate) in the county where the person lives.

Choosing your own

You can nominate a guardian or conservator in your durable power of attorney or health care power of attorney. The person named in your most recent one is third in the court's order of priority.

Law: A.R.S. 14-5311, 14-5503(B)

Effect on a power of attorney

A conservator has the same power to revoke or amend your financial power of attorney that you would have, and your agent must account to the conservator. A guardian appointed for health care decisions acts as your surrogate instead of your health care agent.

Law: A.R.S. 14-5503(A); A.R.S. 36-3231

Cost, fee waiver and forms

Filing fee

$191 state filing fee for a petition to appoint a guardian, and $191 for a petition to appoint a conservator (superior court fee schedule effective December 28, 2024); courts may add local fees.

Fee waiver

You can apply to the court for a fee waiver or deferral (Arizona Judicial Branch, Fee Waiver and Deferral).

Steps

Steps

Other options and where to report abuse

Supported decision-making

Supported decision-making agreements

Effective October 30, 2023

An adult with a disability can choose a supporter to help them understand options, get records, and communicate their own decisions. The supporter does not make decisions, cannot sign legal documents for you, and cannot be paid. The agreement lasts until either side ends it in writing, you are found incapacitated, or a guardian is appointed.

Signed by you and your supporter in front of two or more adult witnesses, or a notary public. The statute gives the agreement form.

Source: Official text

Less restrictive options
  • Health care power of attorney and living will: Name a health care agent and give treatment instructions; free forms from the Attorney General.
  • Mental health care power of attorney: Name an agent for mental health treatment decisions.
  • Supported decision-making agreement: A supporter helps an adult with a disability make and communicate their own decisions.
  • Limited guardianship: The court gives the guardian only the specific powers the person needs.
Report abuse or exploitation

Arizona Department of Economic Security, Adult Protective Services · 1-877-767-2385

Call or text the Eldercare Locator to find your local adult protective services: 1-800-677-1116 · eldercare.acl.gov

Law: A.R.S. §§ 14-5721, 14-5722; Laws 2023, ch. 195 (SB 1291), approved June 20, 2023

Free help in Arizona

Report abuse or exploitation

Arizona Department of Economic Security, Adult Protective Services · 1-877-767-2385

Questions about powers of attorney in Arizona

How does guardianship or conservatorship work in Arizona?

An incapacitated person is someone who, because of mental illness, disability, chronic drug use or other cause, lacks enough understanding or capacity to make or communicate responsible decisions about their person.

What does a guardianship or conservatorship cost in Arizona?

$191 state filing fee for a petition to appoint a guardian, and $191 for a petition to appoint a conservator (superior court fee schedule effective December 28, 2024); courts may add local fees.

What are the alternatives to guardianship in Arizona?

Health care power of attorney and living will; Mental health care power of attorney; Supported decision-making agreement; Limited guardianship.

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