54.46(2)
(2) Appointment of guardian; order. If the proposed ward is found to be incompetent, a minor, or a spendthrift, the court may enter a determination and order appointing a guardian that specifies any powers of the guardian that require court approval, as provided in ss.
54.20 (2) and
54.25 (2), and may provide for any of the following:
54.46(2)(a)
(a)
Coguardians. If the court appoints coguardians of the person or coguardians of the estate under s.
54.10 (5), and unless otherwise ordered by the court, each decision made by a coguardian with respect to the ward must be concurred in by any other coguardian, or the decision is void.
54.46(2)(b)
(b)
Power of attorney for health care. If the ward executed a power of attorney for health care under ch.
155 before a finding of incompetency and appointment of a guardian is made for the ward under this chapter, the power of attorney for health care remains in effect, except that the court may, only for good cause shown, revoke the power of attorney for health care or limit the authority of the agent under the terms of the power of attorney for health care instrument. Unless the court makes this revocation or limitation, the ward's guardian may not make health care decisions for the ward that may be made by the health care agent, unless the guardian is the health care agent.
54.46(2)(c)
(c)
Durable power of attorney. If the ward has executed a durable power of attorney before a finding of incompetency and appointment of a guardian is made for the ward under this chapter, the durable power of attorney remains in effect, except that the court may, only for good cause shown, revoke the durable power of attorney or limit the authority of the agent under the terms of the durable power of attorney. Unless the court makes this revocation or limitation, the ward's guardian may not make decisions for the ward that may be made by the agent, unless the guardian is the agent.
54.46(3)(a)
(a)
Petitioner's attorney fees and costs. If a guardian is appointed, the court shall award from the ward's income and assets payment of the petitioner's reasonable attorney fees and costs unless the court finds, after considering all of the following, that it would be inequitable to do so:
54.46(3)(a)1.
1. The petitioner's interest in the matter, including any conflict of interest that the petitioner may have had in pursuing the guardianship.
54.46(3)(a)2.
2. The ability of the ward's estate to pay the petitioner's reasonable attorney fees and costs.
54.46(3)(a)3.
3. Whether the guardianship was contested and, if so, the nature of the contest.
54.46(3)(a)4.
4. Whether the ward had executed a durable power of attorney under ch.
244 or a power of attorney for health care under s.
155.05 or had engaged in other advance planning for financial and health care decision making.
54.46(3)(a)5.
5. Any other factors that the court considers to be relevant.
54.46(3)(b)
(b)
Guardian ad litem and defense fees for indigents; liability. If the proposed ward is indigent, the county in which venue lies for the guardianship proceeding is 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 proposed ward's legal counsel.
54.46(3)(c)
(c) Fees if guardian is not appointed. If a guardian is not appointed under sub.
(2), the petitioner is liable for any fees due the guardian ad litem and the proposed ward's legal counsel.
54.46(4)(a)
(a)
Amount and sufficiency of bond. The order under sub.
(2) shall specify the amount of any bond required to be given by the guardian of the estate, conditioned upon the faithful performance of the duties of the guardian of the estate. No bond may be required for the guardian of the person.
54.46(4)(b)
(b) Waiver of bond. Unless required under s.
54.852 (9), the court may waive the requirement of a bond under any of the following circumstances:
54.46(4)(b)2.
2. If so requested in a will in which a nomination appears.
54.46(4)(b)3.
3. If a guardian has or will have possession of funds of the ward with a total value of $100,000 or less and the court directs deposit of the funds in an insured account of a bank, credit union, savings bank, or savings and loan association in the name of the guardian and the ward and payable only upon further order of the court.
54.46(5)
(5) Letters of guardianship. If a guardian of the estate has given bond, if required, and the bond has been approved by the court, letters under the seal of the court shall be issued to the guardian of the estate. If a court determination and order appointing a guardian of the person is entered, letters under the seal of the court shall be issued to the guardian of the person.
54.46(6)
(6) Emancipation of married minors. Except for a minor found to be incompetent, upon marriage, a minor is no longer a proper subject for guardianship of the person and a guardianship of the person is revoked by the marriage of a minor ward. Upon application, the court may release in whole or in part the income and assets of a minor ward to the ward upon the ward's marriage.
54.47
54.47
Lis pendens, void contracts. A certified copy of the petition and order for hearing provided for in ss.
54.34 and
54.38 may be filed in the office of the register of deeds for the county. If a guardian is appointed after a hearing on the petition and if the court's order includes a finding that the ward may not make contracts, all contracts, except for necessaries at reasonable prices, and all gifts, sales, and transfers of property made by the ward after the filing of a certified copy of the order are void, unless notified by the guardian in writing.
54.47 History
History: 1971 c. 41 ss.
8,
12; Stats. 1971 s. 880.215;
1973 c. 284;
1997 a. 304;
2005 a. 387 s.
410; Stats. 2005 s. 54.47.
54.48
54.48
Protective placement and protective services. A finding of incompetency and appointment of a guardian under this chapter is not grounds for involuntary protective placement or the provision of protective services. A protective placement and the provision of protective services may be made only in accordance with ch.
55.
54.50
54.50
Temporary guardianships. 54.50(1)(1)
Standard. If it is demonstrated to the court that a proposed ward's particular situation, including the needs of the proposed ward's dependents, requires the immediate appointment of a temporary guardian of the person or estate, the court may appoint a temporary guardian under this section.
54.50(2)
(2) Duration and extent of authority. The court may appoint a temporary guardian for a ward for a period not to exceed 60 days, except that the court may extend this period for good cause shown for one additional 60-day period. The court may impose no further temporary guardianship on the ward for at least 90 days after the expiration of the temporary guardianship and any extension. The court's determination and order appointing the temporary guardian shall specify the authority of the temporary guardian and shall be limited to those acts that are reasonably related to the reasons for appointment that are specified in the petition for temporary guardianship. The authority of the temporary guardian is limited to the performance of those acts stated in the order of appointment. Unless the court first specifically approves and orders bond, the temporary guardian may not sell real estate or expend an amount in excess of $2,000.
54.50(3)
(3) Procedures for appointment. All of the following procedures apply to the appointment of a temporary guardian:
54.50(3)(a)
(a) Any person may petition for the appointment of a temporary guardian for an individual. The petition shall contain the information required under s.
54.34 (1), shall specify reasons for the appointment of a temporary guardian and the powers requested for the temporary guardian, including the power specified in s.
51.30 (5) (e), and shall include a petition for appointment of a guardian of the person or estate or state why such a guardianship is not sought.
54.50(3)(b)
(b) The court shall appoint a guardian ad litem, who shall attempt to meet with the proposed ward before the hearing or as soon as is practicable after the hearing, but not later than 7 calendar days after the hearing. The guardian ad litem shall report to the court on the advisability of the temporary guardianship at the hearing or not later than 10 calendar days after the hearing.
54.50(3)(c)
(c) The court shall hold a hearing on the temporary guardianship. The hearing may be held no earlier than 48 hours after the filing of the petition unless good cause is shown. At the hearing, the petitioner shall provide a report or testimony from a physician or psychologist that indicates that there is a reasonable likelihood that the proposed ward is incompetent. The guardian ad litem shall attend the hearing in person or by telephone or, instead, shall provide to the court a written report concerning the proposed ward for review at the hearing.
54.50(3)(d)
(d) If the court appoints a temporary guardian and if the ward, his or her counsel, the guardian ad litem, or an interested party requests, the court shall order a rehearing on the issue of appointment of the temporary guardian within 10 calendar days after the request. If a rehearing is requested, the temporary guardian may take no action to expend the ward's assets, pending a rehearing, without approval by the court.
54.50(4)
(4) Cessation of powers. The duties and powers of the temporary guardian cease upon the issuing of letters of permanent guardianship, the expiration of the time period specified in sub.
(2), or if the court sooner determines that any situation of the ward that was the cause of the temporary guardianship has terminated. Upon the termination, a temporary guardian of the person shall file with the court any report that the court requires. A temporary guardian of the estate shall, upon the termination, account to the court and deliver to the person entitled the ward's estate over which the temporary guardian of the estate has had control. Any action that has been commenced by the temporary guardian may be prosecuted to final judgment by the successor or successors in interest, if any.
54.50 History
History: 2005 a. 387 ss.
100,
368,
372.
54.52
54.52
Standby guardianship. 54.52(1)(1)
A person may at any time bring a petition for the appointment of a standby guardian of the person or estate of an individual who is determined under s.
54.10 to be incompetent, a minor, or a spendthrift, except that, as specified in s.
48.978 a petition for the appointment of a standby guardian of the person or property or both of a minor to assume the duty and authority of guardianship on the incapacity, death, or debilitation and consent, of the minor's parent may be brought under s.
48.978.
54.52(2)
(2) At any hearing conducted under this section the court may designate one or more standby guardians of the person or estate whose appointment shall become effective immediately upon the death, unwillingness, or inability to act, or resignation or court's removal of the initially appointed guardian or during a period, as determined by the initially appointed guardian, when the initially appointed guardian is temporarily unable to fulfill his or her duties, including during an extended vacation or illness. 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. Upon notification, the court shall issue new letters of guardianship that specify that the standby guardianship is permanent or that specify the time period for a limited standby guardianship.
54.54
54.54
Successor guardian. 54.54(1)(1)
Appointment. If a guardian dies, is removed by order of the court, or resigns and the resignation is accepted by the court, the court, on its own motion or upon petition of any interested person, may appoint a competent and suitable person as successor guardian. The court may, upon request of any interested person or on its own motion, direct that a petition for appointment of a successor guardian be heard in the same manner and subject to the same requirements as provided under this chapter for an original appointment of a guardian.
54.54(2)
(2) Notice. If the appointment under sub.
(1) is made without hearing, the successor guardian shall provide notice to the ward and all interested persons of the appointment, the right to counsel, and the right to petition for reconsideration of the successor guardian. The notice shall be served personally or by mail not later than 10 days after the appointment.
54.54 History
History: 1971 c. 41 s.
8; Stats. 1971 s. 880.17;
1993 a. 486;
1995 a. 73;
2005 a. 387 s.
378; Stats. 2005 s. 54.54.
54.56
54.56
Visitation by a minor's grandparents and stepparents. 54.56(1)(1)
In this section, “stepparent" means the surviving spouse of a deceased parent of a minor, whether or not the surviving spouse has remarried.
54.56(2)
(2) If one or both parents of a minor are deceased and the minor is in the custody of the surviving parent or any other person, a grandparent or stepparent of the minor may petition for visitation privileges with respect to the minor, whether or not the person with custody is married. The grandparent or stepparent may file the petition in a guardianship or temporary guardianship proceeding under this chapter that affects the minor or may file the petition to commence an independent action under this chapter. Except as provided in sub.
(3m), the court may grant reasonable visitation privileges to the grandparent or stepparent if the surviving parent or other person who has custody of the minor has notice of the hearing and if the court determines that visitation is in the best interest of the minor.
54.56(3)
(3) Whenever possible, in making a determination under sub.
(2), the court shall consider the wishes of the minor.
54.56(3m)(a)(a) Except as provided in par.
(b), the court may not grant visitation privileges to a grandparent or stepparent under this section if the grandparent or stepparent has been convicted under s.
940.01 of the first-degree intentional homicide, or under s.
940.05 of the 2nd-degree intentional homicide, of a parent of the minor, and the conviction has not been reversed, set aside or vacated.
54.56(3m)(b)
(b) Paragraph
(a) does not apply if the court determines by clear and convincing evidence that the visitation would be in the best interests of the minor. The court shall consider the wishes of the minor in making the determination.
54.56(4)
(4) The court may issue any necessary order to enforce a visitation order that is granted under this section, and may from time to time modify the visitation privileges or enforcement order for good cause shown.
54.56(4m)(a)(a) If a grandparent or stepparent granted visitation privileges with respect to a minor under this section is convicted under s.
940.01 of the first-degree intentional homicide, or under s.
940.05 of the 2nd-degree intentional homicide, of a parent of the minor, and the conviction has not been reversed, set aside or vacated, the court shall modify the visitation order by denying visitation with the minor upon petition, motion or order to show cause by a person having custody of the minor, or upon the court's own motion, and upon notice to the grandparent or stepparent granted visitation privileges.
54.56(4m)(b)
(b) Paragraph
(a) does not apply if the court determines by clear and convincing evidence that the visitation would be in the best interests of the minor. The court shall consider the wishes of the minor in making the determination.
54.56(5)
(5) This section applies to every minor in this state whose parent or parents are deceased, regardless of the date of death of the parent or parents.
54.56 History
History: 1975 c. 122;
1995 a. 38;
1999 a. 9;
2005 a. 387 s.
373; Stats. 2005 s. 54.56.
54.56 Annotation
The adoption of a child of a deceased parent does not terminate the decedent's parents' grandparental visitation rights under s. 880.155 [now this section]. Grandparental Visitation of C.G.F.
168 Wis. 2d 62,
483 N.W.2d 803 (1992).
54.56 Annotation
Section 767.245 (5) [now s. 767.43 (5)] sets an appropriate standard for determining the best interests of a child under this section. The court did not exceed its authority under this section or violate a parent's constitutional rights to raise a child by ordering grandparent visitation, nor did it violate this section by ordering a guardian ad litem, mediation, and psychological evaluations. The court was not authorized by this section to order psychotherapeutic treatment that was arguably in the child's best interests, but outside the scope of visitation. F.R. v. T.B.
225 Wis. 2d 628,
593 N.W.2d 840 (Ct. App. 1999),
98-0819.
54.56 Annotation
Grandparent Visitation Rights. Rothstein. Wis. Law. Nov. 1992.
54.56 Annotation
The Effect of C.G.F. and Section 48.925 on Grandparental Visitation Petitions. Hughes. Wis. Law. Nov. 1992.
54.56 Note
NOTE: The above annotations relate to guardianships under ch. 880, stats., prior to the revision of and renumbering of that chapter to ch. 54 by
2005 Wis. Act 387.
54.56 Annotation
Under
Troxel v. Granville,
530 U.S. 57, the due process clause prevents a court from starting with a clean slate when assessing whether grandparent visitation is in the best interests of the child. Within the best interests framework, the court must afford a parent's decision special weight by applying a rebuttable presumption that the fit parent's decision regarding grandparent visitation is in the best interest of the child. It is up to the party advocating for nonparental visitation to rebut the presumption by presenting evidence that the offer is not in the child's best interests. Martin L. v. Julie R. L.
2007 WI App 37,
299 Wis. 2d 768,
731 N.W.2d 288,
06-0199.
54.56 Annotation
The award of overnights and a week during the summer in a grandparent visitation order was not contrary to law for being akin to a physical placement award found in divorce cases. There is no difference between the quantity of “physical placement" as that term is used in s. 767.001 (5) and the quantity of “visitation" as that word is used in this section. The proper amount of that time is a decision made by the family court in the best interests of the children. The quantity of time ordered does not depend on whether it is a visitation order or a physical placement order. Rick v. Opichka,
2010 WI App 23,
323 Wis. 2d 510,
780 N.W.2d 159,
09-0040.
54.56 Annotation
When children visit their grandparents and stay with them as a guest, the grandparents have the responsibility to make routine daily decisions regarding the child's care but may not make any decisions inconsistent with the major decisions made by a person having legal custody. The same is true of a parent who does not have joint legal custody, but does have a right to physical placement. In both instances, the same rules apply: routine daily decisions may be made, but nothing greater. Rick v. Opichka,
2010 WI App 23,
323 Wis. 2d 510,
780 N.W.2d 159,
09-0040.
54.57
54.57
Prohibiting visitation or physical placement if a parent kills other parent. 54.57(1)(1)
Except as provided in sub.
(2), in an action under this chapter that affects a minor, a court may not grant to a parent of the minor visitation or physical placement rights with the minor if the parent has been convicted under s.
940.01 of the first-degree intentional homicide, or under s.
940.05 of the 2nd-degree intentional homicide, of the minor's other parent, and the conviction has not been reversed, set aside or vacated.
54.57(2)
(2) Subsection
(1) does not apply if the court determines by clear and convincing evidence that visitation or periods of physical placement would be in the best interests of the minor. The court shall consider the wishes of the minor in making the determination.
54.57 History
History: 1999 a. 9;
2005 a. 387 ss.
374 to
376; Stats. 2005 s. 54.57.
POST-APPOINTMENT MATTERS
54.60(1)(1)
Inventory required. The guardian of the estate shall prepare an inventory that lists all of the ward's income and assets, including interests in property and any marital property interest, regardless of how the asset is titled.
54.60(2)
(2) Contents of inventory. The inventory shall provide all of the following information with respect to each asset:
54.60(2)(b)
(b) The name and relationship to the ward of any co-owner.
54.60(2)(c)
(c) The marital property classification of the property and, for any property that is marital property, the spouse who has management and control rights with respect to the property.
54.60(3)
(3) Time for filing. The guardian of the estate shall file the initial inventory within 60 days after appointment, unless the court extends or reduces the time.
54.60(4)
(4) Notice of inventory. The court shall specify the persons to whom the guardian of the estate shall provide copies of the inventory.
54.60(5)
(5) Fee. The guardian of the estate shall pay from the ward's income and assets the fee specified in s.
814.66 (1) (b) 2. at the time the inventory or other documents concerning the value of the income and assets are filed.
54.60(6)
(6) Appraisal. The court may order that the guardian of the estate appraise all or any part of the ward's assets.
54.60(7)
(7) Verification, examination in court. Every guardian of the estate shall verify by oath to the best of the guardian's information and belief that every inventory required of the guardian of the estate includes all income and assets of the ward. The court, at the request of any party or on its own motion may examine the guardian of the estate on oath as to the inventory or any supposed omission from the inventory.
54.60(8)
(8) Citation to file inventory and to account. If any guardian neglects to file the inventory or account when required by law, the court shall call the attention of the guardian of the estate to the neglect. If the guardian of the estate continues to neglect his or her duty, the court shall order the guardian of the estate to file the inventory, and the costs may be adjudged against the guardian of the estate.
54.60 History
History: 2005 a. 387 ss.
100,
384,
385,
405,
406.
54.62(1)(1)
Annual accounts. Except as provided in sub.
(3) or unless waived by a court, every guardian, including a corporate guardian, shall, prior to April 15 of each year, file an account under oath that specifies the amount of the ward's assets or income received and held or invested by the guardian, the nature and manner of the investment, and the guardian's receipts and expenditures during the preceding calendar year. The court may order the guardian to render and file, within 30 days, a like account for less than a year. In lieu of the filing of these accounts before April 15 of each year, the court may, by appropriate order upon motion of the guardian, direct the guardian of an estate to render and file the annual accountings within 60 days after the anniversary date of the guardian's qualification as guardian, with the accounting period from the anniversary date of qualification to the ensuing annual anniversary date. The guardian shall also report any change in the status of the surety upon the guardian's bond. If the court determines it to be in the ward's best interests, the court may specify the persons to whom the guardian shall distribute copies of the account.
54.62(2)
(2) Display of assets. Upon rendering the account the guardian shall produce for examination by the court, or by a person satisfactory to the court, evidence of all of the ward's securities, depository accounts, and other investments, which shall be described in the account in sufficient detail so that they may be readily identified. The court or person satisfactory to the court shall ascertain whether the evidence of securities, depository accounts, and other investments correspond with the account.
