What document initiates a guardianship proceeding?

The document that initiates a guardianship proceeding is the petition for guardianship. This petition serves as the formal request to the court, outlining the need for a guardian and providing relevant details about the potential ward's situation and why guardianship is necessary. In the petition, the petitioner must present evidence and rationale for why they believe a guardian should be appointed, as well as any necessary background information regarding the individual who may need a guardian. The petition is pivotal as it officially brings the case before the court, leading to further legal processes, including hearings to assess the necessity and appropriateness of establishing a guardianship.

Other options do not fulfill this role as effectively. A will typically outlines the distribution of assets upon a person's death and does not initiate guardianship proceedings; a guardianship bond may be required later in the process to protect the ward's assets but does not start the proceedings; and an estate plan encompasses various legal documents regarding asset management and distribution but is not specifically focused on the guardianship process.