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.
880.34(4)
(4) A ward who is 18 years of age or older, any interested person acting on the ward's behalf, or the ward's guardian may petition for a review of incompetency. Upon such a petition for review, the court shall conduct a hearing at which the ward shall be present and shall have the right to a jury trial, if demanded. The ward shall also have the right to counsel and the court shall appoint counsel if the ward is unable to obtain counsel. If the ward is indigent, counsel shall be provided at the expense of the ward's county of legal settlement.
880.34(5)
(5) After a hearing under
sub. (4) or on its own motion, a court may terminate or modify a guardianship of an incompetent.
880.34(6)(a)1.
1. Order the county department responsible for ensuring that the person receives appropriate protective services to review, at least once every 12 months from the date of the appointment, the status of the person and file a written evaluation with the court, the person and the person's guardian. Guardianship and protective services orders for psychotropic medication under
ch. 55 shall be reviewed annually. The evaluation shall include a description of facts and circumstances that indicate whether there is a substantial likelihood, based on the person's treatment record, that the person would meet the standard specified under
s. 880.07 (1m) (c) if protective services, including psychotropic medication, were withdrawn. The substantial likelihood need not be evidenced by episodes in the person's history that are specified in
s. 880.07 (1m) (cm). The evaluation shall also include recommendations for discharge or changes in the treatment plan or services, if appropriate.
880.34(6)(a)2.
2. Annually, appoint a guardian ad litem to meet with the person and to review the evaluations under
subd. 1. The guardian ad litem shall inform the person and the guardian of all of the following:
880.34(6)(a)2.b.
b. The right to an independent evaluation under
par. (d) of the person's need for a guardian for the purpose of consenting to or refusing psychotropic medication and the need for and appropriateness of the current treatment or services.
880.34(6)(a)2.c.
c. The right to a hearing under
par. (e) on the need for a guardian for the purpose of consenting to or refusing protective services, including psychotropic medication, and the need for and appropriateness of the current treatment or services.
880.34(6)(b)
(b) The court shall ensure that the person is represented by full legal counsel if requested by the person, the guardian or the guardian ad litem.
880.34(6)(c)
(c) The guardian ad litem shall file with the court a written report stating the guardian ad litem's conclusions with respect to all of the following:
880.34(6)(c)1.
1. Whether an independent evaluation should be conducted under
par. (d).
880.34(6)(c)2.
2. Whether the person continues to be a proper subject for guardianship under
s. 880.33 (4m) (a) and protective services, including psychotropic medication.
880.34(6)(c)3.
3. Whether a change in the treatment plan or protective services, including psychotropic medication, is warranted.
880.34(6)(c)4.
4. Whether the person or the guardian requests a change in status, treatment plan or protective services.
880.34(6)(c)5.
5. Whether a hearing should be held on the continued need for guardianship under
s. 880.33 (4m) (a) and protective services, including psychotropic medication.
880.34(6)(d)
(d) Following review of the evaluation under
par. (a) 1. and the guardian ad litem's report under
par. (c), the court shall order an independent evaluation of the person's need for continued guardianship under
s. 880.33 (4m) (a) and protective services or the appropriateness of the treatment plan or protective services, if requested by the person, the guardian or the guardian ad litem or if the court determines that an independent evaluation is necessary.
880.34(6)(e)
(e) The court shall order a hearing under this subsection upon request of the person, the guardian, the guardian ad litem or any interested person. The court may hold a hearing under this subsection on its own motion.
880.34(6)(f)
(f) The court shall do one of the following after holding a hearing under this subsection or, if no hearing is held, after reviewing the guardian ad litem's report and other information filed with the court:
880.34(6)(f)1.
1. Order continuation of the guardianship under
s. 880.33 (4m) (a) and protective services order, without modification. The standard for continuation of protective services, including psychotropic medication, is a substantial likelihood, based on the person's treatment record, that the person would meet the standard specified under
s. 880.07 (1m) (c) if protective services, including psychotropic medication, were withdrawn. The substantial likelihood need not be evidenced by episodes in the person's history that are specified in
s. 880.07 (1m) (cm).
880.35
880.35
Nonprofit corporation as guardian. A private nonprofit corporation organized under
ch. 181,
187 or
188 is qualified to act as guardian of the person or of the property or both, of an individual found to be in need of guardianship under
s. 880.33, if the department of health and family services, under rules established under
ch. 55, finds the corporation a suitable agency to perform such duties.
880.36
880.36
Standby guardianship. 880.36(1)
(1) A petition for the appointment of a standby guardian of the person or property or both of a minor or person found incompetent under
s. 880.08 may be brought at any time.
880.36(2)
(2) At any hearing conducted under this section the court may designate one or more standby guardians of the person or property whose appointment shall become effective immediately upon the death, incapacity, or resignation of the initially appointed guardian. The powers and duties of the standby guardian shall be the same as those of the initially appointed guardian. The standby guardian shall receive a copy of the court order establishing or modifying the initial guardianship, and the order designating the standby guardian. Upon assuming office, the standby guardian shall so notify the court.
880.36(3)
(3) A standby guardianship of a minor is not applicable so long as a person has living one natural or adoptive parent who is willing and capable of exercising legal guardianship. Upon the death of the surviving parent, or upon a determination that the parents or surviving parent are incapable of exercising legal guardianship of the person, the standby guardian of the person or property or both shall automatically assume the duties of guardian, subject only to confirmation by the court within 60 days following assumption of the standby guardian's duties of office.
880.36(4)
(4) A standby guardianship of a minor becomes inoperative at the age of 18 unless there is a further determination of incompetency at that time.
880.36 History
History: 1973 c. 284;
1993 a. 486.
880.37
880.37
Application for limited guardianship of property. 880.37(1)(1) An incompetent person who is 18 years of age or older, a guardian or any person authorized to petition for guardianship of a person may apply to a court for a limited guardianship of property. Consonant with the least restrictive limitation of rights, when the person demonstrates to the satisfaction of the court that the person is capable of managing in whole or in part the person's wages, earnings, income or assets, the court may appoint a limited guardian of such person's property, or in the event one person is appointed or serving as both guardian of the person and of the property of such person, a guardian of the person with limited powers as guardian of the property. Such limited guardianship shall be used until the person has established himself or herself as reasonably capable of managing personal affairs without supervision.
880.37(2)
(2) A limited guardian of the property shall receive, manage, disburse and account for all property, both real and personal, of the person not resulting from wages or earnings.
880.37(3)
(3) Unless otherwise specified by the court, the person of 18 years of age or over for whom a limited guardian of the property has been appointed shall have the right to:
880.37(3)(a)
(a) Receive and expend any and all wages or other earnings from the person's employment; and
880.37(3)(b)
(b) Contract and legally bind himself or herself for any sum of money not exceeding $300 or one month's wages or earnings, whichever is greater.
880.37(4)
(4) Notwithstanding
sub. (3), the court may place such other limitations upon the rights of a person subject to limited guardianship of property under this section as it determines are in the best interests of the person.
880.37(5)
(5) The appointment of a limited guardian of property shall have no bearing on any of the rights specified in
s. 880.33 (3) except upon specific finding of the court based upon clear and convincing evidence of the need for such limitations. In no event shall the appointment of a limited guardian constitute evidence of or a presumption as to the incompetence of the ward in any area not mentioned in the court order.
880.38
880.38
Guardian of the person of incompetent. 880.38(1)
(1) A guardian of the person of an incompetent, upon order of the court, may have custody of the person, may receive all notices on behalf of the person and may act in all proceedings as an advocate of the person, but may not have the power to bind the ward or the ward's property, or to represent the ward in any legal proceedings pertaining to the property, unless the guardian of the person is also the guardian of the property. A guardian of the person of an incompetent or a temporary guardian of the person of an incompetent may not make a permanent protective placement of the ward unless ordered by a court under
s. 55.06 but may admit a ward to certain residential facilities under
s. 55.05 (5) or make an emergency protective placement under
s. 55.06 (11). The guardian of the person has the power to apply for placement under
s. 55.06 and for commitment under
s. 51.20 or
51.45 (13).
880.38(2)
(2) A guardian of the person shall endeavor to secure necessary care, services or appropriate protective placement on behalf of the ward.
880.38(3)
(3) A guardian of the person of an incompetent appointed under
s. 880.33 shall make an annual report on the condition of the ward to the court that ordered the guardianship and to the county department designated under
s. 55.02. That county department shall develop reporting requirements for the guardian of the person. The report shall include, but not be limited to, the location of the ward, the health condition of the ward, any recommendations regarding the ward and a statement of whether or not the ward is living in the least restrictive environment consistent with the needs of the ward. The guardian may fulfill the requirement under this subsection by submitting the report required under
s. 55.06 (10).
880.38 Annotation
See note to 55.06, citing State ex rel. Watts v. Combined Community Services, 122 W (2d) 65, 362 NW (2d) 104 (1985).
880.38 Annotation
The guardian of an incompetent in a persistent vegetative state may consent to the withdrawal or withholding of life-sustaining medical treatment without prior court approval if the guardian determines that the withdrawal or withholding is in the ward's best interests. In Matter of Guardianship of L.W. 167 W (2d) 53, 482 NW (2d) 60 (1992).
880.38 Annotation
A guardian of a person, who became incompetent after voluntarily entering a nursing home with 16 or more beds, may not consent to the person's continued residence in the home. Upon the appointment of a guardian, the court must hold a protective placement hearing. Guardianship of Agnes T. 189 W (2d) 520, 525 NW (2d) 268 (1995).
880.38 Annotation
Guardianships and Protective Placements in Wisconsin After Agnes T. Fennell. Wis. Law. May 1995.
880.39
880.39
Guardianship of person; exemption from civil liability. Any guardian of the person is immune from civil liability for his or her acts or omissions in performing the duties of the guardianship if he or she performs the duties in good faith, in the best interests of the ward and with the degree of diligence and prudence that an ordinarily prudent person exercises in his or her own affairs.
880.39 History
History: 1987 a. 366.
UNIFORM VETERANS' GUARDIANSHIP ACT
880.60
880.60
United States uniform veterans' guardianship act. 880.60(1)(1)
Definitions. As used in this section:
880.60(1)(a)
(a) "Administrator" means the administrator of veterans' affairs of the United States or the administrator's successor.
880.60(1)(b)
(b) "Benefits" means all moneys paid or payable by the United States through the U.S. department of veterans affairs.
880.60(1)(c)
(c) "Estate" means income on hand and assets acquired partially or wholly with "income."
880.60(1)(d)
(d) "Guardian" means any fiduciary for the person or estate of a ward.
880.60(1)(e)
(e) "Income" means moneys received from the U.S. department of veterans affairs and revenue or profit from any property wholly or partially acquired therewith.
880.60(1)(f)
(f) "U.S. department of veterans affairs" means the U.S. department of veterans affairs, its predecessors or successors.
880.60(1)(g)
(g) "Ward" means a beneficiary of the U.S. department of veterans affairs.
880.60(2)
(2) Administrator as party in interest. The administrator shall be a party in interest in any proceeding for the appointment or removal of a guardian or for the removal of the disability of minority or mental incapacity of a ward, and in any suit or other proceeding affecting in any manner the administration by the guardian of the estate of any present or former ward whose estate includes assets derived in whole or in part from benefits heretofore or hereafter paid by the U.S. department of veterans affairs. Not less than 15 days prior to hearing in such matter notice in writing of the time and place thereof shall be given by mail (unless waived in writing) to the office of the U.S. department of veterans affairs having jurisdiction over the area in which any such suit or any such proceeding is pending.
880.60(3)
(3) Application. Whenever, pursuant to any law of the United States or regulation of the U.S. department of veterans affairs, it is necessary, prior to payment of benefits, that a guardian be appointed, the appointment may be made in the manner hereinafter provided.
880.60(4)
(4) Limitation on number of wards. No person or corporate entity other than a county having a population of 100,000 or more, a bank or trust company or the commandant of the Wisconsin veterans home at King shall be guardian of more than 5 wards at one time, unless all the wards are members of one family. Such county shall act only for patients in its county hospital or mental hospital and for residents of its county home or infirmary, and shall serve without fee. The commandant shall act only for members of the Wisconsin veterans home and shall serve without fee. Upon presentation of a petition by an attorney of the U.S. department of veterans affairs or other interested person, alleging that a guardian is acting in a fiduciary capacity for more than 5 wards as herein provided and requesting the guardian's discharge for that reason, the court, upon proof substantiating the petition, shall require a final accounting forthwith from such guardian and shall discharge the guardian from guardianship in excess of 5 and forthwith appoint a successor.
