(a) Contents. — A petition for appointment of a guardian for a minor may name more than one minor, if the minors joined are all siblings or half-siblings. The petition shall contain the following in connection with each minor:
(1) Full name, date of birth, and residence address;
(2) A statement supporting venue in the county of filing;
(3) A statement indicating whether guardianship over the person or estate, or both, is sought;
(4) The name and last known address of the minor’s father and mother, further stating whether each parent is living, deceased, or his or her parental rights have been terminated;
(5) If the minor does not reside with a parent, the name and address of the current custodian or custodians;
(6) A statement describing the reason or reasons why the guardianship appointment is sought;
(7) The places where the minor has lived during the last five years, or since birth if the minor is less than five years of age, and the names and present addresses of the persons with whom the minor lived during that period;
(8) A description of any past or current proceeding involving the minor’s custody, identified by court, location, case number, and type of proceeding;
(9) The name and address, and relationship if any, of the proposed guardian or guardians;
(10) A statement affirming the competency and fitness of each proposed guardian, further attesting that the welfare and best interest of the minor will be properly protected by the appointment;
(11) If appointment over the minor’s estate is sought, a description and estimated value of all real property and other assets in the minor’s estate;
(12) A description of any anticipated periodic payments due to or on behalf of the minor, including but not limited to child support and government benefits; and
(13) A statement as to whether appointment of a curator or temporary guardian is needed to protect the welfare and best interests of the minor until a guardian is appointed and qualified to act.
(b) Verification. — The petition shall be signed by the petitioner and contain an affirmation or oath that the facts set forth in the petition are true to the best knowledge and belief of the petitioner.
(c) Filing. — The petition, along with a completed case information statement, shall be filed with the circuit clerk. At the time of filing, the filing fee for general civil actions and any necessary service costs shall be paid, unless the petitioner presents a completed affidavit of indigency.