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Experienced Guardianship Attorneys in Oklahoma

Serving Oklahoma adoptive families with trusted legal guidance and advocacy. 

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Guardianship in Oklahoma

Seeking guardianship is one of the most important, and often most emotional, steps you can take to protect someone you love. Whether you’re pursuing guardianship of a child, an aging parent, or an adult who needs care, you need trusted support from experienced guardianship lawyers in Oklahoma who understand both the legal and personal challenges ahead. 

At Ball Morse Lowe, our guardianship lawyers in Oklahoma City, Norman, Edmond, and Stillwater help families make confident, informed decisions. We know that every guardianship case is unique, and we take the time to listen, explain your options, and create a strategy that prioritizes your loved one’s well-being.

Our family law team has extensive experience in general guardianship, limited guardianship, and special guardianship matters. No matter how complex your situation may be, our guardianship attorneys are committed to protecting what matters most: your family, your future, and the people who depend on you.  

With Ball Morse Lowe, you gain not only skilled legal representation but also a compassionate partner who stands beside you every step of the way. 
family laughing at the dinner table

Your First Step to Securing Guardianship

Pursuing guardianship can bring with it many complex emotions and uncertainty about the road head. The best first step you can take is to work with an attorney that understands your situation and can guide you on the many decisions that will need to be made. 

A 15-minute call could change everything. Reach out today to discuss your guardianship options.

The Oklahoma Guardianship Process

Connect, Consult, Retain

Reach out to our team to schedule your free consultation. Once you’ve determined if we’re a fit and you’ve retained Ball Morse Lowe as your guardianship attorney, you’ll immediately be referred to your new legal team to get started. 

Determine the Type of Guardianship Needed

The first step in starting your guardianship case is determining which type of guardianship best fits your unique needs. Oklahoma courts recognize three types of guardianship: General, Limited, and Special (also known as temporary or emergency).  

File a Petition with the Court

To begin the guardianship process, you must file a formal Petition for Guardianship with the District Court in the county where the proposed ward resides. Once the petition is filed, the court will review your request and schedule a hearing. Because the guardianship process in Oklahoma involves strict procedural and evidentiary requirements, it’s highly beneficial to work with an experienced guardianship attorney who can draft your petition, manage the filing process, and ensure every legal standard is met. 

Notify All Required Parties

After filing, Oklahoma law requires that all interested parties be formally notified of the guardianship proceedings. This typically includes close family members and, when possible, the proposed ward. 

Complete a Background Check and Home Study

To confirm the suitability of the proposed guardian, the court may require a background check and a home study. This process ensures that the guardian’s environment is safe and that they are capable of meeting the ward’s needs. Background checks confirm there are no disqualifying criminal records, and a home study may include interviews or a visit from a social worker or guardian ad litem. 

Attend the Guardianship Hearing

At the court hearing, the judge will review the petition, hear testimony, and consider all evidence regarding the proposed ward’s condition and best interests. The court may appoint a guardian ad litem or attorney to represent the ward during the proceedings. 

Receive the Court’s Decision and Fulfill Ongoing Duties

If the court determines guardianship is appropriate, a Guardianship Order will be issued, granting you legal authority to make decisions on behalf of the ward. Guardians must fulfill ongoing duties, including submitting annual reports, maintaining records of financial and medical decisions, and notifying the court of major changes in the ward’s status or living arrangements.

Oklahoma’s Commonly Asked Guardianship Questions

Who can become a guardian? 

A guardian is typically a responsible adult who can provide care, oversight, and decision-making support for another person who cannot fully care for themselves. Oklahoma courts prioritize appointing family members or close relatives, but in some cases, a trusted non-relative may be approved. The court’s focus is always on the best interests of the individual needing protection.
Do I need a lawyer to file for guardianship?  While it’s possible to file on your own, guardianship cases are often complex and involve strict procedural rules. Working with an experienced guardianship attorney helps ensure your paperwork, evidence, and filings are accurate and complete. An attorney can also guide you through court hearings and help prevent costly delays or errors in the process.
What’s required to become a guardian for an adult?  Courts do not easily take away an adult’s legal rights. To be appointed as a guardian, you must prove, typically with medical evidence, that guardianship is necessary, that the proposed guardian is suitable to serve, and that there are no less-restrictive legal alternatives available, such as a power of attorney or supported decision-making arrangement. Demonstrating how the proposed guardian helps the ward with daily living can further show the court why guardianship is essential to the ward’s wellbeing. Our guardianship lawyers in Oklahoma City can help you gather and present the right documentation to meet these requirements.
What’s required to become a guardian of a child? 

To become a guardian for a minor, you must show that the child’s parents are unable or unfit to provide proper care or supervision. The court will review the child’s best interests, your relationship with the child, and your ability to provide a stable home environment.
What’s the difference between guardianship and power of attorney? 

Power of attorney is set up in advance by someone who is still capable of making decisions, allowing a trusted person to act on their behalf should they become incapacitated and unable to make decisions later.

Guardianship, on the other hand, is established by the court when a person is not able to make decisions and hasn’t appointed someone beforehand. 

Learn More- Guardianship or Power of Attorney: What's Best for Me? 
How long does the guardianship process take?  The timeline varies depending on the complexity of the case, the court’s schedule, and whether there are any objections or disputes. Some guardianships, such as temporary or special arrangements, may be resolved within a few weeks, while others may take several months. Our guardianship attorneys can help you understand what to expect based on your specific situation.
How much does it cost to obtain guardianship?   The cost of obtaining guardianship depends on several factors, including the type of guardianship, filing fees, and whether the case is contested. Because every situation is unique, it’s best to discuss your circumstances during a consultation with a guardianship lawyer in Oklahoma.  
How long does it take to terminate guardianship?  Terminating a guardianship requires filing a petition with the court and demonstrating that the ward no longer needs a guardian or that circumstances have significantly changed. The process can take several weeks or months, depending on the complexity of the case and court availability.
Where does Ball Morse Lowe provide Guardianship services? 

Our Family Law team serves 32 of Oklahoma’s 77 counties. Although our office locations are primarily in central Oklahoma – Oklahoma City, Norman, Edmond, and Stillwater.  

We can accept Guardianship cases filed in the following counties:   Beckham County, Blaine County, Bryan County, Caddo County, Canadian County, Carter County, Cleveland County, Comanche County, Custer County, Garfield County, Garvin County, Grady County, Kay County, Kingfisher County, Jackson County, Lincoln County, Logan County, Love County, Marshall County, McClain County, Murray County, Noble County, Okfuskee County, Oklahoma County, Pawnee County, Payne County, Pontotoc County, Pottawatomie County, Roger Mills County, Seminole County, Stephens County, Washita County