2015 Arkansas Code
Title 9 - Family Law
Subtitle 2 - Domestic Relations
Chapter 20 - Adult Maltreatment Custody Act
§ 9-20-108 - Jurisdiction -- Venue -- Eligibility.

(a) (1) The probate division of circuit court shall have jurisdiction over proceedings for:

(A) Custody;

(B) Temporary custody for purposes of evaluation;

(C) Less-than-custody;

(D) Court-ordered protective services; or

(E) An order of investigation under this chapter.

(2) The probate division of circuit court may retain jurisdiction for no more than one hundred eighty (180) days after the death of an adult in the custody of the Department of Human Services to enter orders concerning disposition of the body of the adult as well as any assets of the adult, including the ability to order payment for services rendered or goods purchased by or for the adult while in the custody of the department before the death of the adult.

(b) (1) A proceeding under this chapter shall be commenced in the probate division of the circuit court of the county where:

(A) The maltreated adult resides; or

(B) The maltreatment occurred.

(2) (A) An adult custody proceeding shall not be dismissed if a proceeding is filed in the incorrect county.

(B) If the proceeding is filed in the incorrect county, the adult custody proceeding shall be transferred to the proper county upon discovery of the proper county for venue.

(C) Following the long-term custody hearing, the court may on its own motion or on motion of any party transfer the case to another county if the judge in the other venue agrees to accept the transfer.

(c) Eligibility for services from the department, including custody, for aliens and nonaliens shall be the same eligibility requirements for the Arkansas Medicaid Program.

(d) No person may be taken into custody or placed in the custody of the department under this section if that person is in need of:

(1) Acute psychiatric treatment;

(2) Chronic mental health treatment;

(3) Alcohol or drug abuse treatment;

(4) Protection from domestic abuse if that person is mentally competent; or

(5) Casework supervision by mental health professionals.

(e) No adult may be taken into custody or placed in the custody of the department for the sole purpose of consenting to the adult's medical treatment.

(f) (1) If the maltreated adult is found to be indigent and the court appoints the Arkansas Public Defender Commission as counsel for the maltreated adult, the commission shall represent the maltreated adult as to the issue of deprivation of liberty, but not with respect to issues involving property, money, investments, or other fiscal issues.

(2) (A) As to issues requiring court approval under § 9-20-120(b), the commission's role shall be to ensure that qualified medical personnel provide testimony or an affidavit with clear and convincing evidence to support the proposed medical action or inaction.

(B) A hearing is not required if counsel for both parties agree to waive the hearing or if an emergency exists for entry of an order.

(3) If the court appoints the public defender as counsel for the maltreated adult and assets are later identified for the maltreated adult, the court may award an attorney's fee to the commission.