A Standby Guardian can help if:
- You are arrested, detained, incarcerated, removed or deported; or
- You have a mental impairment and can't understand the nature and consequences of decisions about the care of your children; or
- You have a fatal illness or a physically debilitating (disabling) condition that makes you unable to care for your children; or
- You die.
Things you should know before starting
Who can use this form?
If you are the parent or legal guardian of a minor child (under the age of 18) and you are worried that you may not be able to care for your child in the future, you can name someone as the child’s Standby Guardian (SBG).
Where to find the form
In most cases, you need the form for Family Court. Different locations may use different forms. Contact your local Family Court to ask for their "Designation of Standby Guardian" form. Note that this is not a "petition." Go to our article on how to find your Family Court, depending on where you live.
What to do next
You can print the form and fill it out by hand or fill out the form on your computer and then click print to get a typed version. If you fill it out on the computer, do not type in initials or signatures. Print it out first.
Sign the form by-hand, with two witnesses. Give your SBG the signed copy and make a copy for your own records. If something happens to you, your SBG must bring the form to the court.
Go back to the guide
This resource is part of a longer guide on legal planning documents. If you just landed here, click here to go back to the guide to learn more about other legal planning documents you may want to prepare.
For more information
See the Resource Guide (on breast cancer, but helpful for everyone) by The Family Center.
Last Reviewed: April 4, 2025