Who Can Request an Accounting
Transparency is key to custodial property management. This statute identifies exactly who can petition a court to compel an accounting. The list includes the minor (if at least fourteen), the minor's guardian, an adult family member, and the original transferor.
A minor who is at least fourteen years of age, the minor's guardian of the person or legal representative, an adult member of the minor's family, a transferor or a transferor's legal representative may petition the court for an accounting by the custodian or the custodian's legal representative or for a determination of responsibility, as between the custodial property and the custodian personally, for claims against the custodial property.
A.R.S. § 14-7669(A)A successor custodian can also petition for an accounting from the prior custodian. This ensures there is continuity when custodians change. The change may happen through resignation, removal, or death.
Court-Ordered Accounting After Removal
When a custodian is removed for cause under section 14-7668, the court does not simply appoint a replacement. The statute requires a full accounting. The custodian must also deliver all property and records to the successor.
If a custodian is removed pursuant to section 14-7668, subsection F, the court shall require an accounting and order delivery of the custodial property and records to the successor custodian and the execution of all instruments required for transfer of the custodial property.
A.R.S. § 14-7669(D)The court also has broad authority to require an accounting in any case under this article. This gives families a reliable path to answers when questions arise.
Why Accounting Matters for Families
A custodian manages assets that belong to a minor, not to the custodian. Without a right to demand an accounting, families would have few ways to check on how funds are being spent.
The accounting can cover income, expenses, distributions, and current values. For families where a custodian change has occurred, it creates a clean starting point for the new custodian.