Family law
Statutory Declaration of Guardianship of a Minor
A sworn declaration regarding the guardianship or care of a minor child — used to support a guardianship arrangement. Fill it in online, download a ready-to-sign PDF, and notarize in Ontario. Obtain legal advice for guardianship matters.
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Word files are editable. Review any changes carefully before signing or uploading.
Also known as
- Guardianship Affidavit
- Declaration of Guardianship of a Child
- Minor Guardianship Declaration
+1 more names
- Sworn Statement of Guardianship
The blanks fill themselves in as you type.
- Scope
- General template, not legal advice
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Statutory Declaration of Guardianship of a Minor
A compact preview of this template
01Guardian Information
Your full legal name
Child's full legal name
My guardianship arises from
STATUTORY DECLARATION OF GUARDIANSHIP OF A MINOR
I, ______, of ______, in the Province of Ontario, SOLEMNLY DECLARE that:
I am the lawful guardian of ______, born ______.
My guardianship arises from ______, particulars of which are: ______.
In that capacity I am responsible for the following in respect of the child: ______.
Purpose of this declaration (if specified):
I make this solemn declaration conscientiously believing it to be true and knowing that it is of the same force and effect as if made under oath.
Signed and sworn (or affirmed/declared) before me by videoconference in Ottawa, Ontario, while the Affiant(s)/Declarant(s) were located in ______________________, on ______________________, pursuant to O. Reg. 431/20, and Electronic Commerce Act, 2000.
______________________________ | ______________________________ |
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Overview
About this document
- 01
What is a guardianship of a minor declaration?
It is a sworn statement — also called a guardianship affidavit — describing the care of a minor child and the guardianship arrangement, sworn before a notary public or commissioner for taking affidavits.
It supports a process where the care of, or responsibility for, a child must be confirmed.
- 02
When you might need one
It supports guardianship and care arrangements.
- Confirming who has care of a minor child.
- Supporting a guardianship arrangement or application.
- Providing an institution with a sworn statement about a child’s care.
- 03
Important — get legal advice
Guardianship of a child and decisions about a child’s care are generally decided through the proper court or process, with the child’s best interests as the priority. This declaration supports such an arrangement but does not by itself grant guardianship.
Because the consequences are significant, obtain legal advice before relying on it.
- 04
Who signs it, and where it goes
The adult who has the child in their day-to-day care signs it, such as a grandparent, an aunt or uncle, or a family friend, after swearing that the facts in it are true. Where the parents are available, their own signed consent to the arrangement is the stronger document, and the two are often prepared together.
Most copies go to a school for enrolment, a clinic or hospital for routine care, a benefits office, or a sports or day-camp registration that needs to know who is responsible for the child. In Ontario, decision-making responsibility for a child comes from the Children’s Law Reform Act, through a court order or the parents’ own written agreement, and a declaration does not create it. Where an institution asks for a court order or for guardianship of a child’s property, this document will not substitute; a family lawyer or the Family Law Information Centre at the courthouse can point you to the right process.
- 05
How to notarize a statutory declaration of guardianship of a minor in Ontario
After you fill in your statutory declaration of guardianship of a minor and download the PDF, do not sign it in advance. A sworn document must be signed in front of a notary public or commissioner for taking affidavits, who administers your oath or solemn affirmation first.
Minute Notary commissions your statutory declaration of guardianship of a minor online by secure video, under Ontario's remote commissioning rules (O. Reg. 431/20), or in person anywhere in Ontario. Bring valid government-issued photo identification.
Good to know
Before you fill it in.
Short notes from our notary on this template. Worth a minute before you start.
- 01
Reviewed for use in Ontario by a notary public and commissioner for taking affidavits.
- 02
Fill it in online for free and download a ready-to-sign PDF — no account required.
- 03
Sign in front of the notary, who witnesses your signature and applies the seal.
- 04
Notarize online by video across Ontario, or in person anywhere in Ontario.
Frequently asked
Questions about the Statutory Declaration of Guardianship of a Minor
- Does this declaration grant guardianship?
- No. Guardianship and a child’s care are generally decided through the proper court or process. This declaration supports an arrangement but does not by itself grant guardianship.
- Should I get legal advice?
- Yes. The consequences are significant and the child’s best interests are the priority, so obtain legal advice before relying on it.
- Can I notarize it online in Ontario?
- Yes. You can swear it online by video under Ontario’s remote commissioning rules, or in person anywhere in Ontario with Minute Notary.
- Is this the same as guardianship consent?
- Related but distinct. A guardianship consent records a parent’s consent; this declaration describes the guardianship or care arrangement.
Keep exploring
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Fill it out - 02Statutory Declaration of Living Separate and Apart
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Fill it out - 03Statutory Declaration of Guardianship Consent
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Fill it out - 04Statutory Declaration of Separation of Legal Spouses or Common-law Partners (Service Canada)
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