Connecticut General Statutes

Conn. Gen. Stat. § 45a-616a (2026)

Appointment of permanent guardian for minor. Reinstatement of parent as guardian or appointment of successor guardian or permanent guardian

✓ current as of May 2026

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(a) Upon removing a parent as guardian pursuant to section 45a-610 or at any time after such removal, the Probate Court may establish a permanent guardianship if the court provides notice, as provided in section 45a-609, to the removed parent that the parent may not petition for reinstatement as guardian or petition to terminate the permanent guardianship, except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, or the court indicates on the record why such notice could not be provided, and the court finds by clear and convincing evidence that the establishment of a permanent guardianship is in the best interests of the minor and that the following have been proven by clear and convincing evidence:

(1) One of the grounds for termination of parental rights, as set forth in subparagraphs (A) to (H), inclusive, of subdivision (2) of subsection (g) of section 45a-717 exists, or the removed parent has voluntarily consented to the appointment of a permanent guardian;

(2) Adoption of the minor is not possible or appropriate;

(3) (A) If the minor is at least twelve years of age, such minor consents to the proposed appointment of a permanent guardian, or (B) if the minor is under twelve years of age, the proposed permanent guardian is a relative or already serving as the permanent guardian of at least one of the minor's siblings;

(4) The minor has resided with the proposed permanent guardian for at least one year; and

(5) The proposed permanent guardian is suitable and worthy and committed to remaining the permanent guardian and assuming the rights and responsibilities for the minor until the minor reaches the age of majority.

(b) If a permanent guardian appointed under this section becomes unable or unwilling to serve as permanent guardian, the court may appoint a successor guardian or permanent guardian in accordance with this section and sections 45a-616 and 45a-617, or may reinstate a parent of the minor who was previously removed as guardian of the person of the minor if the court finds that the factors that resulted in the removal of the parent as guardian have been resolved satisfactorily, and that it is in the best interests of the child to reinstate the parent as guardian.

(June 12 Sp. Sess. P.A. 12-1, S. 275; P.A. 17-136, S. 22; P.A. 18-45, S. 11.)

History: P.A. 17-136 amended Subsec. (a)(1) by replacing “subparagraphs (A) to (G)” with “subparagraphs (A) to (H)”, effective June 30, 2017; P.A. 18-45 amended Subsec. (a) by replacing “In appointing a guardian of the person of a minor pursuant to section 45a-616 or at any time following such appointment, the Court of Probate” with “Upon removing a parent as guardian pursuant to section 45a-610 or at any time after such removal, the Probate Court” and by replacing “notice to each parent” with “notice, as provided in section 45a-609, to the removed parent”, and amended Subsec. (a)(1) by replacing “parents have” with “removed parent has”.

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Notes of Decisions

Cited in 5 cases (3 in the last 5 years), 2017–2022 · leading case: In re Henrry P. B.-P., 156 A.3d 673 (Conn. App. Ct. 2017).

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In re Henrry P. B.-P., 156 A.3d 673 (Conn. App. Ct. 2017). · cites it 2× “See General Statutes § 45a-616a (a) (3) (A). A medical examination cleared him to enroll as a student at high school.”

In re Zakai F., 336 Conn. 272 (Conn. 2020). · cites it 4× “As such, this case is effectively a permanent transfer of guardianship under General Statutes § 45a-616a. Significantly, to establish a permanent guardianship, the court must find by clear and convincing evidence that the establishment of a permanent guardianship is in the best…”

In re Zakai F. (Conn. 2021). · cites it 4× “6 By contrast, a parent may be permanently removed as guardian pursuant to General Statutes § 45a-616a. If a parent is removed pursuant to § 45a-616a, § 45a-611 (d) provides that the parent may not petition for reinstatement of guardianship rights.”

In re Paulo T. (Conn. App. Ct. 2022). · cites it 2× “General Statutes § 45a-611 (d) (parent removed as guardian may not petition for reinstatement if court established per- manent guardianship); General Statutes § 45a-616a (Probate Court may appoint individual as permanent guardian for minor following removal of parent as…”

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