2017 Alaska Statutes
Title 13. Decedents' Estates, Guardianships, Transfers, Trusts, and Health Care Decisions
Chapter 26. Protection of Minors and Incapacitated Persons and Their Property; Powers of Attorney
Article 3. Guardians of Incapacitated Persons
Sec. 13.26.246. Duties and powers of attorney of ward or respondent.
(a) The principal duty of an attorney representing a ward or respondent is to represent the ward or respondent zealously. Zealous representation includes at least
(1) personal interviews with the ward or respondent; unless good cause exists, the first contact with the ward or respondent shall be at least two weeks before the hearing;
(2) explaining, if possible, to the ward or respondent in terms that the ward or respondent can understand, the nature and possible consequences of the proceeding, the alternatives that are available, and the rights to which the ward or respondent is entitled;
(3) securing and presenting evidence and testimony and offering arguments that would tend to protect the ward's or respondent's rights and that would tend to further the interests of the ward or respondent.
(b) To the maximum extent possible, the ward or respondent shall remain responsible for determining the interests of the ward or respondent. However, the attorney for the ward or respondent may seek appointment of a guardian ad litem if the circumstances of AS 13.26.041 apply.
