Massachusetts Guardianship Forms: Every Form You Need to File
Filing for guardianship of an elderly parent in Massachusetts means navigating a stack of forms through the Probate and Family Court — and using the wrong form or missing a required one can delay the process by weeks. Here's every form you need, in the order you need them.
The Core Filing Forms
Form MPC 120 — Petition for Appointment of Guardian of an Incapacitated Person: This is the main petition. It identifies the proposed guardian, describes the parent's incapacity, and specifies whether you're seeking full (plenary) or limited guardianship. If your parent also needs antipsychotic medication management, check Box 14 to request Rogers authority.
Form MPC 400 — Medical Certificate: A licensed physician, psychologist, or certified psychiatric nurse must complete this clinical evaluation. It documents the diagnosis, the nature and extent of incapacity, and an opinion on whether the parent can make personal and medical decisions. The court won't schedule a hearing without this.
Form CJP 34 — CARI/WMS Release Request: The court runs a criminal background check on every proposed guardian. You submit this form and the court processes the Court Activity Record Information (CARI) and Warrant Management System (WMS) check before appointment.
Citation: The court issues this after you file. It's the formal notice that must be served on your parent (in-hand, by a disinterested person, at least 14 days before the return date) and mailed to all interested parties — spouse, adult children, the VA if the parent is a veteran, DDS if there's an intellectual disability.
Post-Appointment Forms
Form MPC 720 — Decree and Order of Appointment: The court issues this after the hearing if guardianship is granted. It specifies the scope of authority and any limitations. If Rogers authority was requested and granted, the decree includes specific restrictions on medication administration.
Form MPC 821 — Care Plan: Every permanent guardian must file a comprehensive care plan within 60 days of appointment. This details the parent's living situation, medical care, social activities, and the guardian's plan for meeting their needs. It must be refiled annually on the appointment anniversary.
Form MPC 801 — Bond: The court may require a surety bond, particularly when the guardian also serves as conservator. The bond amount is typically based on the estimated value of the parent's assets.
Rogers Guardianship Forms (If Applicable)
If your parent needs antipsychotic medications and you've requested Rogers authority:
Form MPC 825 — Treatment Plan: A detailed clinical document specifying exact medications, dosage ranges, administration methods, side effects, and alternatives explored. Completed by the treating psychiatrist or physician.
Form MPC 826 — Motion to Extend/Amend Treatment Plan: Rogers authority expires after 12 months. File this annually with an updated MPC 825 and supporting clinical documentation to renew.
Form MPC 800 — Clinician's Affidavit: Updated medical documentation supporting the renewal of Rogers authority.
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Filing Order and Timeline
| Step | Form(s) | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| File petition | MPC 120 + MPC 400 + CJP 34 | Day 1 |
| Serve citation | Court-issued citation | 14+ days before hearing |
| Court hearing | — | 4–8 weeks after filing |
| Appointment decree | MPC 720 (issued by court) | At hearing |
| Care plan | MPC 821 | Within 60 days of appointment |
| Bond (if required) | MPC 801 | As ordered by court |
| Annual care plan renewal | MPC 821 | Every 12 months |
Where to Get the Forms
All Massachusetts Probate and Family Court forms are available free from the Trial Court website. Forms prefixed "MPC" are specific to the Massachusetts Probate Court. The CJP 34 background check form is available at any courthouse clerk's office.
There's no filing fee for a guardianship petition. If you're also filing for conservatorship (financial authority), that's a separate $255 filing fee. Most families file both simultaneously.
Pro Se vs. Attorney
Massachusetts allows pro se (self-represented) guardianship filings. The forms themselves are standardized. Where families get tripped up is the medical certificate (finding a physician who'll complete MPC 400 thoroughly), the notice requirements (serving every interested party correctly), and the care plan (filing MPC 821 on time every year).
If siblings are likely to contest the petition, an attorney is practically necessary. If the filing is uncontested and you're organized, pro se is feasible.
The Massachusetts Power of Attorney & Guardianship Kit includes a complete guardianship filing checklist with every form identified, filing order mapped out, and common pitfalls flagged — designed specifically for families handling the process themselves.
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