HB 2816

Abstract

Amends the Adult Guardianship Article of the Probate Act of 1975. Deletes language providing that if the respondent is unable to pay the fee of the guardian ad litem or appointed counsel, or both, the court may enter an order for the petitioner to pay all such fees or such amounts as the respondent or the respondent's estate may be unable to pay. Provides instead that the allocation of guardian ad litem fees is within the discretion of the court. House Committee Amendment No. 1 Provides that the allocation of guardian ad litem fees and costs (rather than just fees) is within the discretion of the court. House Floor Amendment No. 3 Provides that no legal fees, appointed counsel fees, guardian ad litem fees, or costs shall be assessed against the Office of the State Guardian, the public guardian, an adult protective services agency, the Department of Children and Family Services, or the agency designated by the Governor under the Protection and Advocacy for Persons with Developmental Disabilities Act. Deletes language providing that in cases where the Office of State Guardian, the public guardian, an adult protective services agency, or the Department of Children and Family Services is the petitioner, no guardian ad litem or legal fees shall be assessed against the Office of State Guardian, the public guardian, the adult protective services agency, or the Department of Children and Family Services.