Guardianship

Guardianship proceedings for an adult or a minor are filed in the Register in Probate office.

Petitioner may seek the advice of an attorney before or after a guardian is appointed.

Guardianship Process

• Procedure guidelines and forms are available through the links below or from the Register in Probate office.
• Adult guardianship:
  • Permanent guardianship (PDF) procedure guideline.
  • Temporary guardianship (PDF) procedure guideline.
• Minor guardianship of the estate:
  • Permanent guardianship (PDF) procedure guideline.
  • Temporary guardianship (PDF) procedure guideline.
• Minor guardianship of the person:
  • Full guardianship (PDF) procedure guideline.
  • Limited guardianship (PDF) procedure guideline.
  • Temporary guardianship (PDF) procedure guideline.
  • Emergency guardianship (PDF) procedure guideline.
• Choose one of the procedure guidelines above. 
• Access and complete the forms listed in the procedure guideline. 
• File the completed forms with the Register in Probate office to open a guardianship action with the court.

Additional Resources

• Additional court forms can be found at wicourts.gov.
• Additional guardianship information can be found at the Wisconsin State Law Library.
• New Guardian Training