Courts review children’s guardianships and appoint replacement guardians

The court reviews whether a child still needs a guardian and may end or renew the guardianship. This applies to guardians appointed for children under this chapter. The court may end the guardianship only if clear and convincing evidence shows the circumstances that led to it no longer exist. An appointment lasts up to one year unless the court sets another period for good cause; it may not last more than three years. The court starts its review at least 60 days before the order expires.

A ward or interested person may ask the court to change or end a guardianship, and the court may appoint a successor when a guardian leaves or dies. These rules cover guardians of wards, including requests to change a guardian’s duties or end the guardianship, and a guardian’s removal, resignation, or death. A removal must be in the ward’s best interests. The court may appoint a successor on its own motion or at an interested person’s request. Notice of a proposed successor appointment must offer a chance to request a hearing. If no one requests a hearing for the ward, the court may appoint a successor without one. The court must hold a hearing within 60 days after a petition or informal request is filed, unless there is good cause for delay.

The court keeps specified guardianship and conservatorship reports and personal information closed to the public. This covers specified reports and financial account information about wards and protected people in guardianship and conservatorship cases. The court, parties to the case, and their lawyers may inspect covered reports. The court may allow others access for good cause, and court rules may authorize access. Treatment information protected by federal law and financial account numbers are confidential, with access limited to parties, their lawyers, and others authorized by court rule unless the court permits access for good cause.