2005 Vermont Code - § 3081. — Temporary guardian pending hearing

§ 3081. Temporary guardian pending hearing

(a) When a petition for guardianship has been filed, but adherence to the procedures set out in this subchapter would cause serious and irreparable harm to the respondent's physical health or financial interests, the probate court may appoint a temporary guardian prior to the final hearing and decision on the petition, subject to the requirements of this section.

(b) Upon motion of the petitioner, the court shall schedule a hearing on the appointment of a temporary guardian for the earliest possible date, appoint a guardian ad litem for the respondent, and notice shall be given as provided by the rules of probate procedure. Upon a finding that serious and irreparable harm to the respondent's physical health or financial interests would result during the pendency of petition, the court shall appoint a temporary guardian and shall specify those powers which the temporary guardian shall have in order to prevent serious and irreparable harm to the respondent. The duration of the temporary guardianship shall not extend beyond the time the court renders a decision on the petition for guardianship.

(c) A temporary guardian may be appointed without notice to the respondent and guardian ad litem only if it clearly appears from specific facts shown by affidavit or sworn testimony that immediate, serious and irreparable harm will result to the respondent before a hearing on the appointment of a temporary guardian can be held. On two days' notice to the party who obtained the appointment of a temporary guardian without notice, or on such shorter notice to that party as the court may prescribe, the respondent or the guardian ad litem may appear and move dissolution or modification of the court's order, and, in that event, the court shall proceed to hear and determine such motion as expeditiously as the ends of justice require. (Added 1981, No. 101; amended 1985, No. 144 (Adj. Sess.), § 162.)