(a) Every application for appointment of a guardian of a minor under the age of 14 years who is not the child of the applicant shall be made to the judge of the probate court and served upon the three nearest adult relatives of the child who reside in this state. If there are less than three adult relatives residing in this state, service shall be made upon all who are residents of this state. If no adult relatives reside in this state, before letters of guardianship are granted, the judge shall give notice of the application in the newspaper in which the legal advertisements of the county are published, once a week for four weeks. At the next regular term after service upon the adult relatives, or after the notice has been published once a week for four weeks, the letters may, in the discretion of the court, be granted to the applicant or to some other person.

(b) If the judge deems it necessary, a temporary guardian may be appointed under the same rules that apply to the appointment of a temporary administrator.