Rule 9.400.Appointment of Court Visitor
Current through August 1, 2026 · Last verified September 12, 2026
Full Text of Rule 9.400
Plain-English Summary
A court visitor is the judge's eyes in a protective proceeding, meeting the respondent and reporting back. This rule covers how the visitor is chosen, how the appointment is documented, and what the visitor receives.
Selection is not ad hoc. When appointing a visitor under the statutes the rule cites, the court selects the individual based on the requirements set out in the presiding judge order that the statute requires. The appointment runs on a standardized statewide order unless the judicial district has adopted another form by supplementary local rule or by presiding judge order.
Once the order is entered, the court provides the appointed visitor with a copy of the order appointing. Where the appointment is made under the statute governing visitors on a petition, the court also provides a copy of the petition, so the visitor knows what has been requested before making contact.
Each district also has standing work to do. Every court exercising probate jurisdiction must establish, by presiding judge order or by supplementary local rule, the qualifications and standards for visitors and the terms of payment and reimbursement for visitor services. Those local documents, rather than this rule, say who may serve and what the work pays.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the court choose a court visitor?
The court selects the individual visitor based on the requirements set out in the presiding judge order that the statute requires each district to issue. The choice follows published local requirements rather than case-by-case preference.
Is there a statewide appointment order, and can a district use its own?
The visitor is appointed by a standardized statewide order. A judicial district may use a different form if it has adopted one by supplementary local rule or by presiding judge order.
What does the court send the visitor after the order is entered?
A copy of the order appointing the visitor. If the appointment is made under the statute governing visitors on a petition, the court also provides a copy of the petition.
Where do I find the qualifications a visitor must meet?
In the presiding judge order or supplementary local rule for that judicial district. Every court exercising probate jurisdiction must establish visitor qualifications and standards by either route.
Who sets what a visitor is paid?
The judicial district. Along with qualifications and standards, each court exercising probate jurisdiction must establish payment and reimbursement for visitor services by presiding judge order or supplementary local rule.