About The Court
1. How do I get appointed as a guardian?
An Application for Guardianship is filed with the Stark County Probate Court. The GSS staff will prepare the application and other necessary paperwork for your review and signature. The prospective ward and any next of kin are notified of the impending guardianship and the date and time of the hearing before the Probate Court. A Court Investigator will interview the prospective ward and report to the Court.
The Probate Court of Stark County is located on the 5th floor of the Stark County Administrative Building at 110 Central Plaza South, Canton, Ohio. There is parking available on the street and in the lower level of the building which can be accessed from Tuscarawas Street just east of Market. The phone number is (330) 451-7753. Further information on the Probate Court is available on the web at www.probate.co.stark.oh.us.
2. What will I have to do in Probate Court?
A Court hearing will be scheduled. The judge or a magistrate will place you under oath and ask you about your background and experiences to determine if you are suitable and qualified to serve as a guardian. The GSS staff will prepare you for the hearing and answer any questions you may have. You should allow about an hour for the process, however, in most instances the hearing time will be less.
3. Will an attorney represent me?
GSS has an attorney on staff to prepare the necessary paperwork and provide advice on an "as needed" basis. An attorney is also available to represent you at the hearing on your application for appointment of guardian.
4. Will I have to file reports with the Probate Court?
Yes. A Guardian's Report and an Expert Evaluation must be filed annually. The reports will be due on or before each anniversary of your appointment unless otherwise waived by the Court. The Guardian's Report and the Expert Evaluation forms are included in the Guardian Handbook that you will receive from the Court. The forms are also available at the Probate Court and from the Court's website.
You will complete the Guardian's Report based upon your contacts with the ward. The Expert's Report must be completed by the ward's doctor, and filed with the Probate Court. It is your responsibility to complete the Guardian's Report and return it to GSS. GSS will send the Expert Evaluation to the care facility for completion.
5. What if my ward moves?
You will continue to be the guardian as long as the ward remains under the jurisdiction of the Stark County Probate Court. You will be responsible for filing a change of address with the Probate Court indicating that the ward has moved, and providing the new address and phone number. Guardian Support Services (GSS) will complete the necessary forms and work with you during the move.
6. If my life changes and I need to stop being the guardian, can I do that?
We know that volunteers' lives change over time. If this means you need to end your involvement, we will find another volunteer to become a successor guardian in your place. The court will hold you responsible until the hearing appointing the new volunteer can be held. The sooner you let us know that your circumstances have changed, the sooner we will be able to match your ward with someone else.