Family reviewing guardianship paperwork together at a kitchen table

Purchase a Guardianship Packet

Everything a family needs to navigate the probate court guardianship process — court forms, step-by-step instructions, and real examples, all in one packet.

This packet is for you — not for us.

Many families ask us if purchasing the packet means The Arc will become their loved one’s legal guardian. It does not. The packet is designed to help you — a parent, sibling, or trusted supporter — pursue guardianship yourself through the 4th Judicial District Probate Court. The Arc only serves as court-appointed guardian for adults already enrolled in our Guardianship Program.

Why this packet exists

Colorado’s court forms for adult guardianship are comprehensive but dense. Families often tell us the hardest part isn’t finding the forms — it’s knowing which ones apply, in what order, and what the court actually expects each one to say.

Our guardianship team has walked hundreds of families through this process. The packet distills 30+ years of that experience into a single resource you can sit down with at your kitchen table — with completed examples right next to each blank form, so you always know what “done” looks like.

What’s inside the packet

Court forms

Every form the probate court requires to open a guardianship case, pre-organized in the order you will file them.

Step-by-step instructions

Plain-language walk-through for each form — what it is, why it matters, and exactly what to write.

Completed examples

Real-world examples of filled-out forms so you can see what a correctly completed petition looks like before you write yours.

Filing & court checklist

A clear checklist for filing with the 4th Judicial District Probate Court, including fee information and what to bring to your hearing.

Post-appointment guidance

What happens after the court names you guardian — your first-year report, decision-making authority, and where to turn for help.

How it works

From deciding whether guardianship is right for your family, to the hearing where the court appoints you — here’s what the journey looks like.

1

Confirm guardianship is the right path

Guardianship is the most restrictive option available. Before you buy the packet, we encourage families to consider supported decision-making or powers of attorney first — we are happy to help you think through the options.

2

Purchase the packet

Complete the form below. Your purchase helps fund guardianship services for adults already in The Arc PPR program.

3

Receive your packet

Packets are physical — delivered by mail or available for pickup at our Colorado Springs office. We will contact you after purchase to confirm your preference.

4

Complete, file, and attend your hearing

Use the included forms, examples, and checklist to file with the probate court. If you get stuck, our Guardianship team can answer procedural questions (we cannot give legal advice).

Mailed or picked up — your choice.

Packets are physical documents, not digital downloads. After your purchase, we’ll reach out to confirm whether you’d like yours mailed or ready for pickup at our Colorado Springs office.

Purchase your packet

Secure checkout powered by DonorView — the same system The Arc uses for memberships and donations.

Frequently asked questions

Does The Arc become the guardian?

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No. This packet is for you — a family member, friend, or trusted supporter — to pursue guardianship yourself through the probate court. The Arc only serves as court-appointed guardian for adults already enrolled in our Guardianship Program.

Why does the packet cost money?

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Proceeds directly support The Arc PPR Guardianship Program, which provides 24-hour support to the adults in our program. Buying the packet helps fund services for your wider community.

Is the packet digital or physical?

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It is a physical packet — mailed to you or ready for pickup at our office. A physical packet lets you write on the forms, spread them out, and bring the completed originals directly to court.

What if I have questions while completing it?

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Call or email our Guardianship team — we can answer procedural questions about the forms. We cannot provide legal advice; for that, we recommend consulting an attorney.

How long does the guardianship process take?

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From filing to appointment typically takes 2–4 months in the 4th Judicial District, depending on the court calendar and the complexity of your case.

Still have questions?

Our Guardianship team has walked hundreds of families through this process — we’re happy to help you decide whether the packet is the right next step.