Rule 302.Duties and Compensation of a Guardian Ad Litem in Conservatorship Proceedings

When the court appoints a guardian ad litem to look after the interests of someone facing a conservatorship, Rule 302(a) generally limits that appointment to a member of the District of Columbia Bar, departing from that only for good cause. The guardian's job, spelled out in Rule 302(b), is investigative and advisory: look into the petition's allegations, interview the proposed ward when that is feasible and appropriate to learn the person's own views on the conservatorship, talk with whoever else is necessary to assess whether a conservatorship is needed and who should serve, and file a written report with recommendations — including who should be conservator and what bond, if any, is appropriate — at least 72 hours before the hearing, serving a copy on the petitioner. The guardian then attends the hearing itself.

The court can expand or narrow those duties case by case, and the appointment ends automatically once the court disposes of the conservatorship petition, unless the court discharges the guardian earlier. That automatic termination does not cut off the guardian's ability to later seek fees and expenses for the work already done. Depending on how the case develops, the court can also reappoint the same guardian or name another Bar member for a specific purpose later in the proceeding.

Getting paid requires a petition supported by a detailed statement of the work performed, plus a certification that the written report was filed on time — or, if it was not, an explanation for the delay. Notice of that fee claim ordinarily goes only to the conservator, unless the claim runs against a specific party, in which case that party and the party's attorney get notice too; anyone entitled to notice has 20 days from mailing to object.