Rule 1-143.Guardianship and conservatorship proceedings; appointment of visitor, qualified health care professional, and guardian ad litem; timing and review of reports

This rule structures the pre-hearing review in guardianship and conservatorship cases. On the filing of a petition, the court appoints a qualified health care professional, a visitor, and, if necessary, a guardian ad litem, with all time periods counted in calendar days. Their reports are due before the hearing on a staggered schedule: the health care professional’s no later than fourteen days before, the visitor’s no later than eleven days before, and the guardian ad litem’s no later than seven days before.

Within three days of a report’s filing, the petitioner provides a copy to the alleged incapacitated person, the visitor, the guardian ad litem, counsel, and others the court designates, in a manner allowing a meaningful chance to review it. Before the hearing, the guardian ad litem reviews the reports with the alleged incapacitated person, explaining their contents and significance.