2023 Maine Revised Statutes
TITLE 18-C: PROBATE CODE
Article 5: MAINE UNIFORM GUARDIANSHIP, CONSERVATORSHIP AND PROTECTIVE PROCEEDINGS
Part 5: OTHER PROTECTIVE ARRANGEMENTS
18-C §5-508. Professional evaluation

Universal Citation:
18-C ME Rev Stat § 5-508 (2023)
Learn more This media-neutral citation is based on the American Association of Law Libraries Universal Citation Guide and is not necessarily the official citation.

§5-508. Professional evaluation

1.  Order professional evaluation.  At or before a hearing on a petition under this Part for a protective arrangement, the court shall order a professional evaluation of the respondent:  

A. If the respondent requests the evaluation; or   [PL 2017, c. 402, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2019, c. 417, Pt. B, §14 (AFF).]

B. Unless the court finds that it has sufficient information to determine the respondent's needs and abilities without the evaluation.   [PL 2017, c. 402, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2019, c. 417, Pt. B, §14 (AFF).]

[PL 2017, c. 402, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2019, c. 417, Pt. B, §14 (AFF).]

2.  Examination; report.  If the court orders an evaluation under subsection 1, the respondent must be examined by a licensed physician or psychologist approved by the court who is qualified to evaluate the respondent's alleged cognitive and functional abilities and limitations and will not be advantaged or disadvantaged by a decision to grant the petition or otherwise have a conflict of interest. The individual conducting the evaluation promptly shall file a report in a record with the court. Unless otherwise directed by the court, the report must contain:  

A. A description of the nature, type and extent of the respondent's cognitive and functional abilities and limitations;   [PL 2017, c. 402, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2019, c. 417, Pt. B, §14 (AFF).]

B. An evaluation of the respondent's mental and physical condition and, if appropriate, educational potential, adaptive behavior and social skills;   [PL 2017, c. 402, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2019, c. 417, Pt. B, §14 (AFF).]

C. A prognosis for improvement, including with regard to the ability to manage the respondent's property and financial affairs if a limitation in that ability is alleged, and recommendation for the appropriate treatment, support or habilitation plan; and   [PL 2017, c. 402, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2019, c. 417, Pt. B, §14 (AFF).]

D. The date of the examination on which the report is based.   [PL 2017, c. 402, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2019, c. 417, Pt. B, §14 (AFF).]

[PL 2017, c. 402, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2019, c. 417, Pt. B, §14 (AFF).]

3.  Right to decline.  The respondent has the right to decline to participate in an evaluation ordered under subsection 1. If the respondent declines to participate in an evaluation ordered under subsection 1, the petitioner may request an examination under the Maine Rules of Civil Procedure, Rule 35.  

[PL 2019, c. 417, Pt. A, §93 (AMD).]

SECTION HISTORY

PL 2017, c. 402, Pt. A, §2 (NEW). PL 2017, c. 402, Pt. F, §1 (AFF). PL 2019, c. 417, Pt. A, §93 (AMD). PL 2019, c. 417, Pt. B, §14 (AFF).

Disclaimer: These codes may not be the most recent version. Maine may have more current or accurate information. We make no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained on this site or the information linked to on the state site. Please check official sources.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.