2011 Idaho Code
TITLE 66 STATE CHARITABLE INSTITUTIONS
CHAPTER 4 TREATMENT AND CARE OF THE DEVELOPMENTALLY DISABLED
66-404 PROCEEDINGS FOR APPOINTMENT OF GUARDIANS AND CONSERVATORS.

Proceedings for appointment of guardians and conservators. (1) A developmentally disabled person or any person interested in his welfare may petition for a finding of legal disability or partial legal disability and appointment of a guardian and/or conservator.

(2) The petition shall:

(a) State the names and addresses of the persons entitled to notice under subsection (4) of this section;

(b) Describe the impairments showing the respondent is developmentally disabled, the respondent's ability to receive, evaluate and communicate information, and the respondent's ability to manage financial resources and meet essential requirements for physical health or safety;

(c) State the nature and scope of guardianship and/or conservatorship services sought;

(d) Describe the respondent's financial condition, including significant assets, income and ability to pay for the costs of judicial proceedings; and

(e) State if the appointment is made by will pursuant to section 15-5-301, Idaho Code, and the name(s) and address(es) of the person(s) named in the will to be guardian.

(3) Upon filing of a petition, the court shall set a date for a hearing, appoint an attorney to represent the respondent in the proceedings unless the respondent has an attorney, and authorize an evaluation committee to examine the respondent, interview the proposed guardians and/or conservators and report to the court in writing. The report shall contain:

(a) A description of the nature and extent of the evaluation and the alleged impairments, if any;

(b) A description of the respondent's mental, emotional and physical condition; educational status; and adaptive and social skills;

(c) A description of the services, if any, needed by the respondent to meet essential requirements for physical health and safety, and/or manage financial resources;

(d) A recommendation regarding the type and extent of guardianship or conservatorship assistance, if any, required by the respondent and why no less restrictive alternative would be appropriate;

(e) An opinion regarding the probability that the extent of the respondent's disabilities may significantly lessen, and the type of services or treatment which may facilitate improvement in the respondent's behavior, condition, or skills;

(f) The respondent's preference, if any, regarding the person or persons to be appointed as guardian and/or conservator;

(g) The suitability of the person or persons proposed as guardian and/or conservator; and

(h) The signature of each member of the evaluation committee with a statement of concurrence or nonconcurrence with the findings and any dissenting opinions or other comments of the members.

(4) Notice of the time and place of the hearing on the petition together with a copy of the petition shall be served no less than ten (10) days before the hearing on:

(a) The respondent;

(b) The respondent's spouse, parents and adult children, or if none, the respondent's closest relative, if any can be found; and

(c) Any person who is currently serving as guardian, conservator or who is providing care for the respondent.

Notice shall be served personally if the person to be served can be found within the state. If the person to be served cannot be found within the state, service shall be accomplished by registered mail to such person's last known address.

(5) The respondent is entitled to be present at the hearing in person, to present evidence, call and cross-examine witnesses, and to see or hear all evidence in the proceeding.

(6) At the hearing the court shall:

(a) Determine whether the respondent is developmentally disabled;

(b) Evaluate the respondent's ability to meet essential requirements for physical health or safety and manage financial resources;

(c) Evaluate the ability of the proposed guardian and/or conservator to act in the respondent's best interests to manage the respondent's financial resources and meet essential requirements for the respondent's physical health or safety;

(d) Determine the nature and scope of guardianship or conservatorship services necessary to protect and promote the respondent's well-being; and

(e) Evaluate the ability of the respondent or those legally responsible to pay the costs associated with the judicial proceedings and fix responsibility therefor.