NC Guardianship Forms: A Plain-Language Guide to AOC Forms

North Carolina guardianship proceedings use standardized forms issued by the Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC). Each form has a specific purpose. This guide explains the key forms, when to use each one, and where to find them.

All forms are available free at nccourts.gov — search by form number.

The Core Petition Forms

AOC-SP-200

Petition for Adjudication of Incompetence and Application for Appointment of Guardian

This is the main form that starts a guardianship case. It identifies the respondent, describes the basis for the incompetency claim, lists existing legal documents (like powers of attorney), describes the respondent's assets, and names the proposed guardian.

When to use: Any time you are initiating a full guardianship proceeding.

Companion documents: Always file with a supporting affidavit. If also seeking interim guardianship, file SP-198 at the same time.

See: How to complete AOC-SP-200

AOC-SP-198

Motion and Order for Appointment of Interim Guardian

This is the emergency motion. It asks the court to appoint a temporary guardian immediately — before the full incompetency hearing — based on a showing of immediate and irreparable harm.

When to use: When the situation is urgent and cannot wait for the full hearing. File alongside or shortly after SP-200.

Key requirement: Must be supported by an affidavit establishing immediate and irreparable harm.

See: How to file for emergency guardianship in NC

AOC-SP-207

Notice of Hearing on Petition for Incompetency/Appointment of Guardian

This is the notice form that must be served on the respondent and other interested parties after a petition is filed. It states the date, time, and location of the hearing.

When to use: The Clerk's office typically prepares this form after your petition is filed. You (or the sheriff) serve it on required parties.

Important: The respondent must receive personal service. Other parties may be served by mail.

See: How to serve notice after filing for guardianship in NC

Guardian-Related Administrative Forms

AOC-SP-201

Annual Guardian's Report

After a guardian is appointed, they must file an annual report with the Clerk documenting the respondent's current condition, living situation, and well-being. This is a guardian of the person report.

When to use: Every year after appointment as guardian of the person.

AOC-SP-206

Guardian's Bond

If appointed as guardian of the estate, you may be required to post a bond — a financial guarantee that you will faithfully manage the respondent's assets. This form relates to that requirement.

When to use: The Clerk will direct you on whether bonding is required based on the value of the estate.

AOC-GCR-1 through GCR-4 (Guardian and Trust Accountings)

These forms are used for annual accountings filed by a guardian of the estate, showing all assets received, all disbursements made, and the current estate balance. The guardian of the estate must file these annually with the Clerk (or the Clerk may refer them to the Commissioner of Accounts in some counties).

When to use: Every year as guardian of the estate.

Subpoena Forms (for Hearings)

AOC-G-100

Subpoena

Used to compel a witness to appear and testify at a hearing.

When to use: When you need a witness — a doctor, social worker, or other person with relevant knowledge — to testify and you are not certain they will appear voluntarily.

AOC-G-115

Subpoena for Records Only (Subpoena Duces Tecum)

Used to compel a person or institution to produce documents — medical records, financial records, facility logs — without requiring in-person testimony.

When to use: To obtain records from hospitals, care facilities, banks, or other institutions. Particularly useful when a facility has care records relevant to the respondent's condition.

See: How to subpoena records from a care facility in NC

Forms Related to Existing POA Authority

North Carolina does not have a single specific form for challenging a POA agent, but the following are relevant:

Petition for Judicial Relief (§ 32C-1-116): Filed in superior court, not on a standardized AOC form — you may need to draft this with an attorney. It asks the court to revoke, suspend, or limit a POA agent's authority.

Motion to Suspend POA Authority in Guardianship Proceeding: Can be raised in the SP-200/SP-198 filing as part of the relief requested, without a separate form.

Where to Get the Forms

All AOC forms are available at nccourts.gov/forms — free, downloadable PDFs.

The Clerk's office in your county will also have paper copies available and can tell you which forms are required for your specific filing.

The Clerk's staff can explain which forms to use. They cannot help you fill them out or give legal advice, but they can confirm which forms apply to your situation.

A Note on Completing the Forms

All guardianship petition forms require a verification — your signature under oath that the information is true to the best of your knowledge. You sign before a notary or before the Clerk when you file.

Providing false information in a verified court filing is a criminal offense.

The information on this page is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Please consult a licensed North Carolina attorney for guidance specific to your situation. Learn more about ElderAdvocate.law.