What to bring to your hearing
Bring with you:
- The Order Terminating Guardianship (form GC-260) if you didn't already give it to the court clerk. If the judge agrees to end the guardianship, the judge will sign this form.
- Copies of your signed Proof of Service forms for the notice
- Notes of what you plan to say
Ask the probate clerk or Self-Help Center for rules or guidelines around bringing a child if you think the child needs to talk to the judge. Usually, children do not go to court but it depends on the court and the case.
If this is the first time you've been in a courtroom, review some basic tips about how to plan for your day in court.
Your day in court
You may need to wait before your hearing
Other people may have a hearing on the same day as you. Your case may not be called right away. You may end up waiting a few minutes or even more than an hour before it’s your turn.
The judge calls your case
Walk to the front of the courtroom
When it is your turn, the judge or courtroom attendant will call your name and say your case number. You go up to the front. The guardian, child's parents, and other relatives (or anyone who objects), will go up to the front. The courtroom attendant will show you where to sit or stand.
Tell the judge your name and answer their questions
The judge will ask you to say your names. Then, you may be asked to swear to tell the truth.
The judge may ask you why you think the child no longer needs a guardian. The judge may also ask the guardian and any other relative (like a parent or grandparent) to speak. And, if the child is in court, the judge may ask them where they want to live and why.
The judge makes a decision
If the judge decides it's in the child's best interest to end the guardianship, they will sign the Order Terminating Guardianship (form GC-260). If the guardians asked to have visitation with the child after the guardianship ends, the judge can order visitation.
You must follow the orders the judge made.