People in guardianship and conservatorship cases may attend hearings

The person facing a guardianship case is entitled to attend the hearing in person or virtually; a minor or other person in a conservatorship case has the right to attend each hearing. This covers a person alleged to be incapacitated in a guardianship case, and a minor or other person who is the subject of a conservatorship petition.

A guardian must make reasonable efforts to help the ward attend every guardianship hearing in person or virtually. A ward is the person under guardianship. Personal contact may be in person or virtual if it lets the guardian assess the ward and the ward’s care. If contact is not possible, the guardian must give the court records of attempts. The court may change or waive these rules at the guardian’s request. The guardian must make personal contact with the ward at least once every three months and keep a written record of each visit.

An individual conservator may not accept an appointment if they serve as permanent guardian or conservator for 20 or more people. The limit applies to an individual accepting a conservatorship appointment. Temporary guardianships and conservatorships do not count toward the limit. The limit does not apply to a corporate entity serving as conservator.

A conservator must get court permission before moving a protected person’s home outside Nebraska. This applies to a conservator changing the home of a person under conservatorship.

The court may order one party to pay another party’s costs and expenses, including reasonable attorney fees, or charge them to the trust involved. This applies to court cases about appointing a guardian or conservator, managing a guardianship or conservatorship, or accounting for one. The court may make an award when justice and fairness call for it.