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Question: What is a ward of the court?

Answer: Under Arizona Law (ARS 8-821-829), a ward of the court is someone who is under 18 and whose legal guardian is the court system instead of their parent or other person.

A minor can become a ward of the court where a police officer, child protective services worker or other interested person removes them temporarily from their home because of a good faith belief that removal is necessary to prevent abuse or neglect from occurring or continuing. Under Arizona Law (ARS 8-824) there must be a hearing within 72 hours of the temporary removal of the child. At this hearing a judge must determine if the child is to be returned to their parent, or other guardian, or if the child will remain a ward of the court. In order for the child to remain a ward of the court, the judge must find that the child will be subject to abuse or neglect if returned to their parent. Once a child is ward of the court, the court decides where they will live and will make other decisions on behalf of the child like the decisions a parent would make.


Comments
6 thru 10 of 11 comments
On 05/27/04
Tiff from CA said:
I am in the exact same situation. If you find out anything, let me know.
On 05/11/04
Tiffany from CA said:
I'm having the same problem. I've been on my own since age 17 and they won't let me apply for financial aid without my parents. How can I get around this? I haven't needed my parents for 5 years... you shouldn't need them either.
On 03/07/04
Thomar Auguste from FL said:
I am 19 years old and my mom and step dad make to much for me to recieve any type of scholarships, grants,or federal unsubsidized loan. The problem is that I have been independent since I was 17 living by my self and taking care of my own. Is there any way that I can base my financial aid on my income and not my parents?
On 02/24/04
Rob from TX said:
I am 21 years and my mom and step dad make to much for me to recieve any type of scholarships, grants,or federal unsubsidized loan. The problem is that I have been independent since I was 15 living by my self and taking care of my own. Is there any way that I can base my financial aid on my income and not my parents?
On 02/18/04
Nicole from WI said:
How do I find out if I am a ward of the court?
6 thru 10 of 11 comments



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