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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
11 thru 11 of 11 comments
On 07/02/03
michael from FL said:
Hi My dad died in 1992, and I was living in Georgia. Since my parents had no will, I will appointed a guardian ad litem. Does this mean I was a ward of the court? For college I am trying to apply for a scholarship. My mom does not support me, but has enough assets that I can not get a scholarship. Is there any way that I can become financially independent so that I may get a scholarship to attend college?
11 thru 11 of 11 comments



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