Effective date text
(a) Proposed ward or ward. A petitioner shall have notice served of a petition for appointment or change of a guardian upon a proposed ward or ward and existing guardian, if any, by personal service at least 10 days before the time set for hearing. If the proposed ward or ward is in custody or confinement, a petitioner shall have notice served by registered or certified mail on the proposed ward's or ward's custodian, who shall immediately serve it on the proposed ward or ward. The custodian shall inform the proposed ward or ward of the complete contents of the notice, certify on it that the custodian served and informed the proposed ward or ward, and return the certificate and notice to the circuit judge. The notice shall include the names of all persons who are petitioning for guardianship. A copy of the petition shall be attached to the notice. The petitioner shall ensure that the proposed ward or ward attends the hearing unless, after a personal interview, the guardian ad litem waives the attendance and so certifies in writing to the court the specific reasons why the proposed ward or ward is unable to attend. In determining whether to waive attendance by the proposed ward or ward, the guardian ad litem shall consider the ability of the proposed ward or ward to understand and meaningfully participate, the effect of the proposed ward's or ward's attendance on his or her physical or psychological health in relation to the importance of the proceeding, and the proposed ward's or ward's expressed desires. If the proposed ward or ward is unable to attend a hearing only because of residency in a nursing home or other facility, physical inaccessibility, or lack of transportation, the court shall, if requested by the proposed ward or ward, guardian ad litem, counsel for the proposed ward or ward, or other interested person, hold the hearing in a place where the proposed ward or ward is able to attend. The notice shall also be given personally or by mail at least 10 days before the hearing to the proposed ward's or ward's counsel, if any, guardian ad litem, presumptive adult heirs or other persons who have legal or physical custody of the proposed ward or ward whose names and addresses are known to the petitioner or can with reasonable diligence be ascertained, to any governmental or private agency, charity or foundation from which the proposed ward or ward is receiving aid and to such other persons or entities as the court may require. The court shall then proceed under s. 880.33.
54.38(2)(b)
(b) Personally or by mail at least 10 days before the time set for hearing, to all of the following:
54.38(2)(b)4.
4. Any other interested persons, unless specifically waived by the court.
54.38(2)(b)5.
5. The agent under any durable power of attorney or power of attorney for health care of the ward.
54.38(2)(b)6.
6. Any person who has legal or physical custody of the proposed ward.
54.38(2)(b)7.
7. Any public or private agency, charity, or foundation from which the proposed ward is receiving aid or assistance.
54.38(3)
(3) Notice of hearing for appointment of guardian for a minor. If the proposed ward is a minor, the court shall order delivery of notice by the petitioner of the time and place of the hearing to all of the following:
54.38(3)(b)
(b) The proposed ward's parent, unless the parent's parental rights have been judicially terminated.
54.38(3)(c)
(c) The proposed ward, if the proposed ward is over 14 years of age.
54.38(3)(d)
(d) Any other person that has the legal or physical custody of the minor.
54.38(4)
(4) Rehearings. Notice of a rehearing to determine if a ward is a proper subject to continue under guardianship shall be given as required under
subs. (1),
(2), and
(3).
54.38(5)
(5) Notice of appointment of guardian of a minor ward. If for any reason the court fails to appoint as guardian the nominee of the minor, the guardian who qualifies shall give notice of the guardian's appointment to the minor by certified mail addressed to the minor's last-known post-office address and shall file an affidavit of the mailing with the court within 10 days after the notice is given.
54.38(6)
(6) Notice of petition and hearing for temporary guardianship. The petitioner for appointment of a temporary guardian shall give notice of the petition to the proposed ward. The notice shall be served before or at the time the petition is filed or as soon thereafter as possible and shall include notice of the right to counsel and of the right to petition for reconsideration or modification of the temporary guardianship at any time under
s. 54.50 (3) (d) The petitioner shall serve notice of the order for hearing on the proposed ward before the hearing or not later than 3 calendar days after the hearing. If the petitioner serves notice after the hearing is conducted and the court has entered an order, the petitioner shall include the court's order with the notice of the order for hearing.
54.38 History
History: 2005 a. 264 s.
199;
2005 a. 387 ss.
100,
334,
336,
339 to
343,
345,
357,
370.
54.40
54.40
Guardian ad litem; appointment; duties; termination. 54.40(1)(1)
Appointment. The court shall appoint a guardian ad litem when a petition for appointment of a guardian is brought under
s. 54.34 (1), when a petition for receipt and acceptance of a foreign guardianship is brought under
s. 54.34 (3), to review the scope of a guardianship, to provide protective placement to an individual or order protective services under
ch. 55, to review any protective placement or protective service order under
s. 55.18, to terminate a protective placement under
s. 55.17, to expand an order of guardianship under
s. 54.63, to review incompetency and terminate a guardianship under
s. 54.64, to review the conduct of a guardian under
s. 54.68, [to expand an order of guardianship under s.
54.3, to review incompetency and terminate a guardianship under
s. 54.64, to review the conduct of a guardian under
s. 54.68,] or at any other time that the court determines it is necessary.
54.40 Note
NOTE: Sub. (1) is shown as affected by 2 acts of the 2005 Wisconsin legislature and as merged by the revisor under s. 13.93 (2) (c). The bracketed language duplicates the preceding language, except that the cross-reference to s. 54.63 was incorrectly duplicated as s. 54.3. Corrective legislation is pending.
54.40(2)
(2) Qualifications. The guardian ad litem shall be an attorney admitted to practice in this state and in compliance with
SCR chapter 36. No one who is an interested person in a proceeding, appears as counsel in a proceeding on behalf of any party, or is a relative or representative of an interested person may be appointed guardian ad litem in that proceeding or in any other proceeding that involves the same proposed ward or ward.
54.40(3)
(3) Responsibilities. The guardian ad litem shall be an advocate for the best interests of the proposed ward or ward 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 is not bound by, the wishes of the proposed ward or ward or the positions of others as to the best interests of the proposed ward or ward. The guardian ad litem has none of the rights or duties of a guardian.
54.40(4)
(4) General duties. A guardian ad litem shall do all of the following:
54.40(4)(a)
(a) Interview the proposed ward or ward and explain the contents of the petition, the applicable hearing procedure, the right to counsel, and the right to request or continue a limited guardianship.
54.40(4)(am)
(am) Interview the proposed guardian and any other person seeking appointment as guardian.
54.40 Note
NOTE: Par. (am) was created as s. 880.331 (4) (am) by
2005 Wis. Act 264 and renumbered by the revisor under s. 13.93 (1) (b).
54.40(4)(ar)
(ar) Make a recommendation to the court regarding the fitness of the proposed guardian.
54.40 Note
NOTE: Par. (ar) was created as s. 880.331 (4) (ar) by
2005 Wis. Act 264 and renumbered by the revisor under s. 13.93 (1) (b).
54.40(4)(b)
(b) Advise the proposed ward or ward, both orally and in writing, of that person's rights to be present at the hearing, 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.
54.40(4)(c)
(c) Interview the proposed guardian, the proposed standby guardian, if any, and any other person seeking appointment as guardian and report to the court concerning the suitability of each individual interviewed to serve as guardian and concerning the report under
s. 54.15 (8).
54.40(4)(d)1.1. Review any power of attorney for health care under
ch. 155, any durable power of attorney under
ch. 243 executed by the proposed ward, and any other advance planning for financial and health care decision making in which the proposed ward had engaged.
54.40(4)(d)2.
2. Interview any agent appointed by the proposed ward under any document specified in
subd. 1.
54.40(4)(d)3.
3. Report to the court concerning whether or not the proposed ward's advance planning is adequate to preclude the need for guardianship.
54.40(4)(dm)
(dm) Inform the court and the petitioner or petitioner's counsel, if any, if the proposed ward requests representation by counsel.
54.40 Note
NOTE: Par. (dm) was created as s. 880.331 (4) (dm) by
2005 Wis. Act 264 and renumbered by the revisor under s. 13.93 (1) (b).
54.40(4)(ds)
(ds) Notify the guardian of the right to be present at and participate in the hearing, to present and cross-examine witnesses, to receive a copy of any evaluation under
s. 55.11 (1) (intro.) or
(2), and to secure and present a report on an independent evaluation under
s. 880.33 (2) (b) [
s. 54.42 (3)].
54.40 Note
NOTE: Par. (ds) was created as s. 880.331 (4) (ds) by
2005 Wis. Act 264 and renumbered by the revisor under s. 13.93 (1) (b). The correct cross-reference is shown in brackets. Corrective legislation is pending.
54.40(4)(e)
(e) Request that the court order additional medical, psychological, or other evaluation, if necessary.
54.40(4)(f)
(f) If applicable, inform the court and petitioner's attorney or, if none, the petitioner that the proposed ward or ward 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 ward's best interests or that the proposed ward's or ward's position on these matters is ambiguous. If the guardian ad litem recommends that the hearing be held in a place other than a courtroom, the guardian ad litem shall provide the information under this paragraph as soon as possible.
54.40(4)(g)
(g) If the proposed ward or ward requests representation by counsel, inform the court and the petitioner or the petitioner's counsel, if any.
54.40(4)(h)
(h) Attend all court proceedings related to the guardianship.
54.40 Note
NOTE: Par. (h) was created by
2005 Wis. Act 387 as s. 54.40 (4) (h) and by
2005 Wis. Act 264 as s. 880.331 (4) (dr), which was renumbered by the revisor under s. 13.93 (1) (b).
54.40(4)(i)
(i) Present evidence concerning the best interests of the proposed ward or ward, if necessary.
54.40(4)(j)
(j) Report to the court on any matter that the court requests.
54.40(5)
(5) Communication to a jury. In jury trials under this chapter or
ch. 55, the court or guardian ad litem may tell the jury that the guardian ad litem represents the best interests of the proposed ward or ward.
54.40(6)
(6) 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 ward. 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 individual for whom the appointment is made may request that the court terminate any extension or reappointment. The guardian ad litem may appeal or may participate in an appeal. 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.
54.40 History
History: 2005 a. 264 ss.
213 to
215;
2005 a. 387 ss.
100,
477 to
487,
496,
497; Stats. 2005 s. 54.40; s. 13.93 (1) (b), (2) (c).
54.40 Annotation
A substantial relationship test applies for determining the need for attorney disqualification. Adversary counsel for the subject of an involuntary commitment may not be named guardian ad litem when the procedure is converted to a guardianship. Guardianship of Tamara L.P.
177 Wis. 2d 770,
503 N.W.2d 333 (Ct. App. 1993).
54.42
54.42
Rights of proposed ward or ward. 54.42(1)(a)(a) The proposed ward or ward has the right to counsel, if any of the following occurs:
54.42 Note
NOTE: Par. (a) (intro.) is shown as affected by 2 acts of the 2005 Wisconsin legislature and as merged by the revisor under s. 13.93 (2) (c).
54.42(1)(a)2.
2. The guardian ad litem or another person states to the court that the proposed ward or ward is opposed to the guardianship petition.
54.42(1)(a)3.
3. The court determines that the interests of justice require counsel for the proposed ward or ward.
54.42(1)(b)
(b) Any attorney obtained under
par. (a) or appointed under
par. (c) shall be an advocate for the expressed wishes of the proposed ward or ward.
54.42(1)(c)
(c) If
par. (a) 1.,
2., or
3. applies but the proposed ward or ward is unable to obtain legal counsel, the court shall appoint legal counsel.
Effective date text
(c) If the proposed ward requests but is unable to obtain legal counsel, the court shall appoint legal counsel. If the proposed ward is represented by counsel appointed under s. 977.08 in a proceeding under a petition for protective placement brought under s. 55.075, the court shall order the counsel appointed under s. 977.08 to represent the proposed ward.
54.42(2)
(2) Right to jury trial. The proposed ward or ward has the right to a trial by a jury if demanded by the proposed ward or ward, his or her attorney, or the guardian ad litem, except that the right is waived unless demanded at least 48 hours before the time set for the hearing. The number of jurors for such a trial is determined under
s. 756.06 (2) (b). The proposed ward or ward, his or her attorney, or the guardian ad litem each has the right to present and cross-examine witnesses, including any physician or licensed psychologist who reports to the court concerning the proposed ward.
54.42(3)
(3) Right to independent examination. If requested by the proposed ward, ward, or anyone on the proposed ward's or ward's behalf, the proposed ward or ward has the right at his or her own expense, or if indigent at the expense of the county where the petition is heard on the merits, 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.
54.42(4)
(4) Right to payment of expenses in contesting proceedings. If a guardian is appointed, the court shall, if the court determines it reasonable, allow payment from the ward's income or assets of expenses incurred by the ward in contesting the appointment. These expenses are payable before other attorney or guardian ad litem fees.
54.42(5)
(5) Right to be present at hearing. The proposed ward or ward has the right to be present at any hearing regarding the guardianship.
54.42(6)
(6) Right to hearing in accessible location. The proposed ward or ward has the right to have any hearing regarding the guardianship conducted in a location and manner that is accessible to the proposed ward or ward.
54.42 History
History: 2005 a. 264 s.
204;
2005 a. 387 ss.
100,
420,
460,
461,
463.
54.44(1)(1)
Time of hearing; provision of reports. 54.44(1)(a)(a)
Time of hearing for petition. A petition for guardianship, other than a petition under
par. (b) or
(c) or
s. 54.50 (1), shall be heard within 90 days after it is filed. The guardian ad litem and attorney for the proposed ward shall be provided with a copy of the report of the examining physician or psychologist under
s. 54.36 (1) at least 96 hours before the time of the hearing.
54.44(1)(b)
(b)
Time of hearing for certain appointments. A petition for guardianship of an individual who has been admitted to a nursing home or a community-based residential facility under
s. 50.06 shall be heard within 60 days after it is filed. If an individual under
s. 50.06 (3) alleges that an individual is making a health care decision under
s. 50.06 (5) (a) that is not in the best interests of the incapacitated individual or if the incapacitated individual verbally objects to or otherwise actively protests the admission, the petition shall be heard as soon as possible within the 60-day period.
54.44(1)(c)
(c)
Time of hearing for petition for receipt and acceptance of a foreign guardianship. 54.44(1)(c)1.1. If a motion for a hearing on a petition for receipt and acceptance of a foreign guardianship is made by the foreign ward, by a person who has received notice under
s. 54.38 (1m) (a) 3., or on the court's own motion, a hearing on the petition shall be heard within 90 days after the petition is filed.
54.44(1)(c)2.
2. If a petition for receipt and acceptance of a foreign guardianship includes a request to modify the provisions of the foreign guardianship, the petition shall be heard within 90 days after it is filed.
54.44(1)(c)3.
3. If a person receiving notice of the petition for receipt and acceptance of the foreign guardianship challenges the validity of the foreign guardianship or the authority of the foreign court to appoint the foreign guardian, the court may stay the proceeding under this subsection to afford the opportunity to the interested person to have the foreign court hear the challenge and determine its merits.
54.44(2)
(2) Standard of proof. Any determination by the court as to whether the proposed ward a minor, is incompetent, or a spendthrift shall be by clear and convincing evidence.
54.44(3)
(3) Presence of proposed guardian or petitioner. 54.44(3)(a)(a) The proposed guardian and any proposed standby guardian shall be physically present at the hearing unless the court excuses the attendance of either or, for good cause shown, permits attendance by telephone.
54.44(3)(b)
(b) The petitioner, for a petition for receipt and acceptance of a foreign guardianship, shall be physically present at the hearing specified under
sub. (1) (c) unless the court excuses the petitioner's attendance or, for good cause shown, permits attendance by telephone.
54.44(4)(a)(a)
Adult proposed ward. The petitioner shall ensure that the proposed ward attends the hearing unless the attendance is waived by the guardian ad litem. In determining whether to waive attendance by the proposed ward, the guardian ad litem shall consider the ability of the proposed ward to understand and meaningfully participate, the effect of the proposed ward's attendance on his or her physical or psychological health in relation to the importance of the proceeding, and the proposed ward's expressed desires. If the proposed ward is unable to attend the hearing because of residency in a nursing home or other facility, physical inaccessibility, or a lack of transportation and if the proposed ward, guardian ad litem, advocate counsel, or other interested person so requests, the court shall hold the hearing in a place where the proposed ward may attend.
54.44(4)(b)
(b)
Minor proposed ward. A minor is not required to attend the hearing.
54.44(4)(c)
(c)
Foreign ward. The petitioner for a petition for receipt and acceptance of a foreign guardianship shall ensure that the foreign ward attends the hearing unless the attendance is waived by the guardian ad litem. In determining whether to waive attendance by the foreign ward, the guardian ad litem shall consider the ability of the foreign ward to understand and meaningfully participate, the effect of the foreign ward's attendance on his or her physical or psychological health in relation to the importance of the proceeding, and the foreign ward's expressed desires. If the foreign ward is unable to attend the hearing because of residency in a nursing home or other facility, physical inaccessibility, or a lack of transportation and if the foreign ward, guardian ad litem, advocate counsel, or other interested person so requests, the court shall hold the hearing in a place where the foreign ward may attend.
54.44(5m)
(5m) An interested person may participate in the hearing on the petition at the court's discretion.
54.44 Note
NOTE: Sub. (5m) was created as s. 880.33 (2) (f) by
2005 Wis. Act 264 and renumbered by the revisor under s. 13.93 (1) (b).
54.44(6)
(6) Proposed guardian unsuitable. If the court finds that the proposed guardian is unsuitable, the court shall request that a petition proposing a suitable guardian be filed, shall set a date for a hearing to be held within 30 days, and shall require the guardian ad litem to investigate the suitability of a new proposed guardian.
54.44 History
History: 2005 a. 387 ss.
100,
333; s. 13.93 (1) (b).