880.31
880.31
Voluntary proceedings; conservators. 880.31(1)
(1) Any adult resident who believes that he or she is unable properly to manage his or her property or income may voluntarily apply to the circuit court of the county of his or her residence for appointment of a conservator of the estate. Upon receipt of the application the court shall fix a time and place for hearing the application and direct to whom and in what manner notice of the hearing shall be given.
880.31(2)
(2) At the time of such hearing the applicant shall be personally examined and if the court is satisfied that the applicant desires a conservator and that the fiduciary nominated is suitable, the court may appoint the nominee as conservator and issue letters of conservatorship to the nominee upon the filing of a bond in the amount fixed by the court.
880.31(3)
(3) A conservator shall have all the powers and duties of a guardian of the property of an incompetent person. The conservator's powers shall cease upon being removed by the court or upon death of the person whose estate is being conserved.
880.31(4)
(4) Any person whose estate is under conservatorship may apply to the court at any time for termination thereof. Upon such application, the court shall fix a time and place for hearing and direct that 10 days' notice by mail be given to the person's guardian, if any, the conservator and the presumptive heirs of the applicant. Upon such hearing, the court shall, unless it is clearly shown that the applicant is incompetent, remove the conservator and order the property restored to the applicant, or if the applicant so desires and the nominee is suitable, the court may appoint a successor conservator.
880.31(5)
(5) If the court shall upon such hearing determine that the person whose estate is administered by a conservator may be incapable of handling his or her estate, the court shall order the conservatorship continued, or if the applicant so desires and the nominee is suitable, the court may appoint a successor conservator.
880.31(6)
(6) Appointment of a conservator shall not be evidence of the competency or incompetency of the person whose estate is being administered.
880.31(7)
(7) If an application for conservatorship is filed, the fee prescribed in
s. 814.66 (1) (b) shall be paid at the time of the filing of the inventory or other documents setting forth the value of the estate.
880.31 History
History: 1971 c. 41 s.
8; Stats. 1971 s. 880.31;
1975 c. 393,
421;
1977 c. 449;
1981 c. 317,
391;
1993 a. 486.
880.31 Annotation
Gift by competent conservatee without approval of conservator was void. Zobel v. Fenendael, 127 W (2d) 382, 379 NW (2d) 887 (Ct. App. 1985).
880.32
880.32
Notes and mortgages of minor veterans. Notwithstanding any provision of this chapter or any other law to the contrary, any minor who served in the active armed forces of the United States at any time after August 27, 1940, and the husband or wife of such minor may execute in his or her own right, notes or mortgages, the payment of which is guaranteed or insured by the U.S. department of veterans affairs or the federal housing administrator under the servicemen's readjustment act of 1944 or the national housing act or any acts supplementary thereto or amendatory thereof. In connection with such transactions, such minors may sell, release or convey such mortgaged property or any interest therein, and litigate or settle controversies arising therefrom, including the execution of releases, deeds and other necessary papers or instruments. Such notes, mortgages, releases, deeds and other necessary papers or instruments when so executed shall not be subject to avoidance by such minor or the husband or wife of such minor upon either or both of them attaining the age of 18 because of the minority of either or both of them at the time of the execution thereof.
880.32 History
History: 1971 c. 41 s.
8;
1971 c. 228 s.
36; Stats. 1971 s. 880.32;
1989 a. 56.
880.33
880.33
Incompetency; appointment of guardian. 880.33(1)(1) Whenever it is proposed to appoint a guardian on the ground of incompetency, a licensed physician or licensed psychologist, or both, shall furnish a written statement concerning the mental condition of the proposed ward, based upon examination. The privilege under
s. 905.04 shall not apply to this statement. A copy of the statement shall be provided to the proposed ward, guardian ad litem and attorney. Prior to the examination, under this subsection, of a person alleged to be not competent to refuse psychotropic medication under
s. 880.07 (1m), the person shall be informed that his or her statements may be used as a basis for a finding of incompetency and an order for protective services, including psychotropic medication. The person shall also be informed that he or she has a right to remain silent and that the examiner is required to report to the court even if the person remains silent. The issuance of such a warning to the person prior to each examination establishes a presumption that the person understands that he or she need not speak to the examiner.
880.33(2)(a)1.1. The proposed ward has the right to counsel whether or not present at the hearing on determination of competency. The court shall in all cases require the appointment of an attorney as guardian ad litem in accordance with
s. 757.48 (1) and shall in addition require representation by full legal counsel whenever the petition contains the allegations under
s. 880.07 (1m) or if, at least 72 hours before the hearing, the alleged incompetent requests; the guardian ad litem or any other person states that the alleged incompetent is opposed to the guardianship petition; or the court determines that the interests of justice require it. The proposed ward has the right to a trial by a jury if demanded by the proposed ward, attorney or guardian ad litem, except that if the petition contains the allegations under
s. 880.07 (1m) and if notice of the time set for the hearing has previously been provided to the proposed ward and his or her counsel, a jury trial is deemed waived unless demanded at least 48 hours prior to the time set for the hearing. The number of jurors shall be determined under
s. 756.096 (3) (b). The proposed ward, attorney or guardian ad litem shall have the right to present and cross-examine witnesses, including the physician or psychologist reporting to the court under
sub. (1). The attorney or guardian ad litem for the proposed ward shall be provided with a copy of the report of the physician or psychologist at least 96 hours in advance of the hearing. Any final decision of the court is subject to the right of appeal.
880.33(2)(a)2.
2. If the person requests but is unable to obtain legal counsel, the court shall appoint legal counsel. If the person is represented by counsel appointed under
s. 977.08 in a proceeding for a protective placement under
s. 55.06 or for the appointment of a guardian under
s. 880.07 (1m), the court shall order the counsel appointed under
s. 977.08 to represent the person.
880.33(2)(a)3.
3. If the person is indigent, the county of legal settlement shall be the county liable for any fees due the guardian ad litem and, if counsel was not appointed under
s. 977.08, for any legal fees due the person's legal counsel.
880.33(2)(b)
(b) If requested by the proposed ward or anyone on the proposed ward's behalf, the proposed ward has the right at his or her own expense, or if indigent at the expense of the county where the petition is filed, to secure an independent medical or psychological examination relevant to the issue involved in any hearing under this chapter, and to present a report of this independent evaluation or the evaluator's personal testimony as evidence at the hearing.
880.33(2)(d)
(d) The hearing on a petition which contains allegations under
s. 880.07 (1m) shall be held within 30 days after the date of filing of the petition, except that if a jury trial demand is filed the hearing shall be held within either 30 days after the date of filing of the petition or 14 days after the date of the demand for a jury trial, whichever is later. A finding by a court under
s. 51.67 that there is probable cause to believe that the person is a proper subject for guardianship under
s. 880.33 (4m) has the effect of filing a petition under
s. 880.07 (1m).
880.33(2)(e)
(e) Every hearing on a petition under
s. 880.07 (1m) shall be open, unless the proposed ward or his or her attorney acting with the proposed ward's consent moves that it be closed. If the hearing is closed, only persons in interest, including representatives of providers of service and their attorneys and witnesses, may be present.
880.33(3)
(3) In a finding of limited incompetency, guardianship of the person shall be limited in accordance with the order of the court accompanying the finding of incompetence. If the proposed incompetent has executed a power of attorney for health care under
ch. 155, the court shall give consideration to the appointment of the health care agent for the individual as the individual's guardian. The court shall make a specific finding as to which legal rights the person is competent to exercise. Such rights include but are not limited to the right to vote, to marry, to obtain a motor vehicle operator's license or other state license, to hold or convey property and the right to contract. The findings of incompetence must be based upon clear and convincing evidence. The court shall determine if additional medical or psychological testimony is necessary for the court to make an informed decision respecting competency to exercise legal rights and may obtain assistance in the manner provided in
s. 55.06 (8) whether or not protective placement is made. The guardian, ward or any interested person may at any time file a petition with the court requesting a restoration of any such legal right, and specifying the reasons therefor. Such petition may request that a guardianship of the person be terminated and a guardianship of property be established.
880.33(4)
(4) When it appears by clear and convincing evidence that the person is incompetent, the court shall appoint a guardian.
880.33(4m)(a)(a) If the court finds by clear and convincing evidence that the person is not competent to refuse psychotropic medication and the allegations under
s. 880.07 (1m) are proven, the court shall appoint a guardian to consent to or refuse psychotropic medication on behalf of the person as provided in the court order under
par. (b).
880.33(4m)(b)
(b) In any case where the court finds that the person is not competent to refuse psychotropic medication under
s. 880.07 (1m) and appoints a guardian to consent to or refuse psychotropic medication on behalf of the person, the court shall do all of the following:
880.33(4m)(b)1.
1. Order the appropriate county department under
s. 46.23,
51.42 or
51.437 to develop or furnish, to provide to the ward, and to submit to the court, a treatment plan specifying the protective services, including psychotropic medication as ordered by the treating physician, that the proposed ward should receive.
880.33(4m)(b)2.
2. Review the plan submitted by the county department under
subd. 1., and approve, disapprove or modify the plan.
880.33(4m)(b)2m.
2m. If the court modifies the treatment plan under
subd. 2., the court shall order the appropriate county department under
s. 46.23,
51.42 or
51.437 to provide the modified treatment plan to the ward.
880.33(4m)(b)4.
4. Order the appropriate county department under
s. 46.23,
51.42 or
51.437 to ensure that protective services, including psychotropic medication, are provided under
ch. 55, in accordance with the approved treatment plan.
880.33(4r)
(4r) If a person substantially fails to comply with the administration of psychotropic medication, if any, ordered under the approved treatment plan under
sub. (4m), a court may authorize the person's guardian to consent to forcible administration of psychotropic medication to the person, if all of the following occur before the administration:
880.33(4r)(a)
(a) The corporation counsel of the county or the person's guardian files with the court a joint statement by the guardian and the director or the designee of the director of the treatment facility that is serving the person or a designated staff member of the appropriate county department under
s. 46.23,
51.42 or
51.437, stating that the person has substantially failed to comply. The statement shall be sworn to be true and may be based on the information and beliefs of the individuals filing the statement.
880.33(4r)(b)
(b) Upon receipt of the joint statement of noncompliance, if the court finds by clear and convincing evidence that the person has substantially failed to comply with the administration of psychotropic medication under the treatment plan, the court may do all of the following:
880.33(4r)(b)1.
1. Authorize the person's guardian to consent to forcible administration by the treatment facility to the person, on an outpatient basis, of psychotropic medication ordered under the treatment plan.
880.33(4r)(b)2.
2. If the guardian consents to forcible administration of psychotropic medication as specified in
subd. 1., authorize the sheriff or other law enforcement agency, in the county in which the person is found or in which it is believed that the person may be present, to take charge of and transport the person, for outpatient treatment, to an appropriate treatment facility.
880.33(4r)(c)
(c) If the court authorizes a sheriff or other law enforcement agency to take charge of and transport the person as specified in
par. (b) 2., a staff member of the appropriate county department under
s. 46.23,
51.42 or
51.437 or of the treatment facility shall, if feasible, accompany the sheriff or other law enforcement agency officer and shall attempt to convince the person to comply voluntarily with the administration of psychotropic medication under the treatment plan.
880.33(5)
(5) In appointing a guardian, the court shall take into consideration the opinions of the alleged incompetent and of the members of the family as to what is in the best interests of the proposed incompetent. However, the best interests of the proposed incompetent shall control in making the determination when the opinions of the family are in conflict with the clearly appropriate decision. The court shall also consider potential conflicts of interest resulting from the prospective guardian's employment or other potential conflicts of interest. If the proposed incompetent has executed a power of attorney for health care under
ch. 155, the court shall give consideration to the appointment of the health care agent for the individual as the individual's guardian.
880.33(5m)
(5m) No person, except a nonprofit corporation approved by the department of health and family services under
s. 880.35, who has guardianship of the person of 5 or more adult wards unrelated to the person may accept appointment as guardian of the person of another adult ward unrelated to the person, unless approved by the department. No such person may accept appointment as guardian of more than 10 such wards unrelated to the person.
880.33(6)
(6) All court records pertinent to the finding of incompetency are closed but subject to access as provided in
s. 55.06 (17). The fact that a person has been found incompetent is accessible to any person who demonstrates to the custodian of the records a need for that information.
880.33(7)
(7) A finding of incompetency and appointment of a guardian under this subchapter is not grounds for involuntary protective placement. Such placement may be made only in accordance with
s. 55.06.
880.33(8)
(8) At the time of determination of incompetency under this section, the court may:
880.33(8)(a)
(a) Hear application for the appointment of a conservator or limited guardian of property.
880.33(8)(b)
(b) If the proposed incompetent has executed a power of attorney for health care under
ch. 155, find that the power of attorney for health care instrument should remain in effect. If the court so finds, the court shall so order and shall limit the power of the guardian to make those health care decisions for the ward that are not to be made by the health care agent under the terms of the power of attorney for health care instrument, unless the guardian is the health care agent under those terms.
880.33(9)
(9) All the rights and privileges afforded a proposed incompetent under this section shall be given to any person who is alleged to be ineligible to register to vote or to vote in an election by reason that such person is incapable of understanding the objective of the elective process. The determination of the court shall be limited to a finding that the elector is either eligible or ineligible to register to vote or to vote in an election by reason that the person is or is not capable of understanding the objective of the elective process. The determination of the court shall be communicated in writing by the clerk of court to the election official or agency charged under
s. 6.48,
6.92,
6.925 or
6.93 with the responsibility for determining challenges to registration and voting which may be directed against that elector. The determination may be reviewed as provided in
s. 880.34 (4) and
(5) and any subsequent determination of the court shall be likewise communicated by the clerk of court.
880.33 History
History: 1973 c. 284;
1975 c. 393,
421;
1977 c. 29,
187;
1977 c. 203 s.
106;
1977 c. 299,
318,
394,
418,
447;
1979 c. 110,
356;
1981 c. 379;
1987 a. 366; Sup. Ct. Order, 151 W (2d) xxii, xxxiv;
1989 a. 200; Sup. Ct. Order, 153 w (2d) xxim xxv (1989);
1991 a. 32,
39;
1993 a. 16,
316;
1995 a. 27 s.
9126 (19).
Effective date note
Judicial Council Note, 1990: Sub. (3) is amended by striking reference to the right to testify in judicial or administrative proceedings. The statute conflicts with s. 906.01, as construed in State v. Hanson,
149 Wis. 2d 474 (1989) and State v. Dwyer,
149 Wis. 2d 850 (1989). [Re Order eff. 1-1-91]
880.33 Annotation
See note to 55.06, citing Guardianship & Protective Placement of Shaw, 87 W (2d) 503, 275 NW (2d) 143 (Ct. App. 1979).
880.33 Annotation
Written report of physician or psychologist under (1) is hearsay and not admissible in contested hearing without in-court testimony of preparing expert. In Matter of Guardianship of R.S. 162 W (2d) 197, 470 NW (2d) 260 (1991).
880.33 Annotation
A guardian may not be given authority to forcibly administer psychotropic drugs to a ward; an order for the forcible administration of psychotropic drugs may only be made in a ch. 51 proceeding. State ex rel. Roberta S. v. Waukesha DHS, 171 W (2d) 266, 491 NW (2d) 114 (Ct. App. 1992).
880.33 Annotation
Sub. (6) requires closing only of documents filed with the register in probate with respect to ch. 880 proceedings. 67 Atty. Gen. 130.
880.331
880.331
Guardian ad litem in incompetency cases. 880.331(1)(1)
Appointment. The court shall appoint a guardian ad litem whenever it is proposed that the court appoint a guardian on the ground of incompetency under
s. 880.33, protectively place a person or order protective services under
s. 55.06, review any protective placement or protective service order under
s. 55.06 or terminate a protective placement under
s. 55.06.
880.331(2)
(2) Qualifications. The guardian ad litem shall be an attorney admitted to practice in this state. No person who is an interested party in a proceeding, appears as counsel in a proceeding on behalf of any party or is a relative or representative of an interested party may be appointed guardian ad litem in that proceeding.
880.331(3)
(3) Responsibilities. The guardian ad litem shall be an advocate for the best interests of the proposed ward or alleged incompetent as to guardianship, protective placement and protective services. The guardian ad litem shall function independently, in the same manner as an attorney for a party to the action, and shall consider, but shall not be bound by, the wishes of the proposed ward or alleged incompetent or the positions of others as to the best interests of the proposed ward or alleged incompetent. The guardian ad litem has none of the rights or duties of a general guardian.
880.331(4)
(4) General duties. A guardian ad litem shall do all of the following:
880.331(4)(a)
(a) Interview the proposed ward or alleged incompetent and explain the applicable hearing procedure, the right to counsel and the right to request or continue a limited guardianship.
880.331(4)(b)
(b) Advise the proposed ward or alleged incompetent, both orally and in writing, of that person's rights to a jury trial, to an appeal, to counsel and to an independent medical or psychological examination on the issue of competency, at county expense if the person is indigent.
880.331(4)(c)
(c) Request that the court order additional medical, psychological or other evaluation, if necessary.
880.331(4)(d)
(d) If applicable, inform the court that the proposed ward or alleged incompetent objects to a finding of incompetency, the present or proposed placement or the recommendation of the guardian ad litem as to the proposed ward's or alleged incompetent's best interests or that the proposed ward's or alleged incompetent's position on these matters is ambiguous.
880.331(4)(e)
(e) Present evidence concerning the best interests of the proposed ward or alleged incompetent, if necessary.
880.331(4)(f)
(f) Report to the court on any other relevant matter that the court requests.
880.331(5)
(5) Duties in reviews. In any review of a protective placement under
s. 55.06 or of a protective service order under
s. 55.05, the guardian ad litem shall do all of the following:
880.331(5)(a)
(a) Interview the ward to explain the review procedure, the right to an independent evaluation, the right to counsel and the right to a hearing.
880.331(5)(b)
(b) Provide the information under
par. (a) to the ward in writing.
880.331(5)(c)
(c) Secure an additional evaluation of the ward, if necessary.
880.331(5)(d)
(d) Review the annual report and relevant reports on the ward's condition and placement.
880.331(5)(e)
(e) Review the ward's condition, placement and rights with the guardian.
880.331(5)(f)
(f) If relevant, report to the court that the ward objects to the finding of continuing incompetency, the present or proposed placement, the position of the guardian or the recommendation of the guardian ad litem as to the best interests of the ward or if there is ambiguity about the ward's position on these matters.
880.331(5)(g)
(g) If relevant, report to the court that the ward requests the appointment of counsel or an adversary hearing.
880.331(6)
(6) Communication to a jury. In jury trials under
ch. 55 or
880, the court or guardian ad litem may tell the jury that the guardian ad litem represents the interests of the proposed ward or alleged incompetent.
880.331(7)
(7) Termination and extension of appointment. The appointment of a guardian ad litem under
sub. (1) terminates upon the entry of the court's final order or upon the termination of any appeal in which the guardian ad litem participates, even if counsel has been appointed for the proposed ward or alleged incompetent. The court may extend that appointment, or reappoint a guardian ad litem whose appointment under this section has terminated, by an order specifying the scope of responsibilities of the guardian ad litem. At any time, the guardian ad litem, any party or the person for whom the appointment is made may request that the court terminate any extension or reappointment. The guardian ad litem may appeal, may participate in an appeal or may do neither. If an appeal is taken by any party and the guardian ad litem chooses not to participate in that appeal, he or she shall file with the appellate court a statement of reasons for not participating. Irrespective of the guardian ad litem's decision not to participate in an appeal, the appellate court may order the guardian ad litem to participate in the appeal.
880.331(8)
(8) Compensation. On order of the court, the guardian ad litem appointed under this chapter shall be allowed reasonable compensation to be paid by the county of venue, unless the court otherwise directs. If the court orders a county to pay the compensation of the guardian ad litem, the amount ordered may not exceed the compensation paid to private attorneys under
s. 977.08 (4m) (b).
880.331 History
History: Sup. Ct. Order, 151 W (2d) xxv (1989);
1993 a. 16;
1995 a. 27.
880.331 Note
Judicial Council Note, 1990: This is a new section which more comprehensively identifies the situations in which a guardian ad litem should be appointed, the duration of such appointments and the guardian ad litem's duties. Sub. (1) requires such an appointment whenever it is proposed to appoint a guardian pursuant to s. 880.33, to protectively place a person, to provide protective services in lieu of placement under s. 55.06 (for instances in which a finding of incompetency is first required), to terminate a protective placement under s. 55.06 and upon the annual review required by State ex rel. Watts v. Combined Community Services Board of Milwaukee,
122 Wis. 2d 65 (1985).
880.331 Annotation
Sub. (2) identifies the qualifications for a guardian ad litem.
880.331 Annotation
Sub. (3) enumerates the general responsibilities of the guardian ad litem, consistent with the similar definition for other situations in which guardian ad litems are appointed.
880.331 Annotation
Sub. (4) continues the specific duties in guardianship, protective placement and protective services situations which were previously enumerated in s. 880.33 (2) (c), which is repealed. Sub. (4) refers to alleged incompetents. This is done recognizing that the term may sometimes apply to persons already adjudicated as incompetent.
880.331 Annotation
Sub. (5) is new and enumerates the duties of the guardian ad litem in reviews, consistent with the Watts decision.
880.331 Annotation
A particularly troublesome issue is addressed in subs. (4) (d) and (5) (f). The position of the committee is that the guardian ad litem is to notify the court if the proposed ward objects to the listed matters so that adversary counsel can be appointed. In practice, the proposed ward may not be clear about his or her view of these matters. In such situations, the guardian ad litem is required to notify the court so the court can decide whether there is an objection. If there is, adversary counsel is to be appointed.
880.331 Annotation
Sub. (6) addresses the subject of jury communication and is new, as is sub. (8) on fees. Fees for indigent proposed wards are to be paid by the county. In other situations the court may direct such payment to be made by any other appropriate person.
880.331 Annotation
Sub. (7) provides for the termination of the appointment upon the conclusion of the matter, unless the court extends the appointment or unless the guardian ad litem decides not to participate in an appeal. Even if adversary counsel is appointed, the guardian ad litem is to continue to represent the best interests as opposed to wishes of the ward. The subsection leaves to the court's discretion whether there are useful specific functions the guardian ad litem can perform after the final order which lead to reappointment or extension. Such an extension or reappointment may be until the annual review required by Watts, but the scope of the duties must be specified. The court may extend the guardian ad litem's responsibilities to include any review, but this does not occur unless the court expressly so orders. [Re Order effective Jan. 1, 1990]
880.331 Annotation
Substantial relationship test adopted for determining need for attorney disqualification; adversary counsel for subject of involuntary commitment may not be named guardian ad litem when the procedure is converted to a guardianship. Guardianship of Tamara L.P. 177 W (2d) 770, 503 NW (2d) 333 (Ct. App. 1993).
880.331 Annotation
The courts' power to appropriate compensation for court-appointed counsel is necessary for the effective operation of the judicial system. In ordering compensation for court ordered attorneys, a court should abide by the s. 977.08 (4m) rate when it can retain qualified and effective counsel at that rate, but should order compensation at the rate under
SCR 81.01 or 81.02 or a higher rate when necessary to secure effective counsel. Friedrich v. Dane County Circuit Ct. 192 W (2d) 1, 531 NW (2d) 32 (1995).
880.34
880.34
Duration of guardianship; review. 880.34(1)
(1) Any guardianship of an individual found to be incompetent under this chapter shall continue during the life of the incompetent, or until terminated by the court. Upon reaching the age of majority, an incompetent subject to guardianship under this chapter shall be reviewed by the court for the purpose of determining whether the guardianship should be continued or modified. The court shall make a specific finding of any rights under
s. 880.33 (3) which the individual is competent to exercise at the time.
880.34(2)
(2) The court shall review and may terminate the guardianship of the person of an incompetent upon marriage to any person who is not subject to a guardianship.
880.34(3)
(3) A ward of the age of 18 or over, any interested person on the ward's behalf, or the ward's guardian may petition the court which made such appointment or the court in the ward's county of residence to have the guardian discharged and a new guardian appointed, or to have the guardian of the ward's property designated as a limited guardian.
