HB603 Summary

• Allows removal of guardianship or conservatorship cases from probate court to circuit court under certain circumstances, with provisions for remand back to probate court.

• Limits county conservators to serving as temporary conservators or guardians for no more than 30 days unless the court finds exigent circumstances after a hearing.

• Requires hearings on limited or general guardian appointments to be held within 90 days of petition filing unless all interested parties agree to extend the timeline.

• Prohibits courts from appointing guardians or conservators when a valid durable power of attorney or health care directive exists, unless that person resigns, dies, becomes incapacitated, or refuses to act.

• Prohibits undue influence alone from being grounds for incapacity determination; requires conservators to account annually to the court; prohibits automatic renewal of temporary guardian orders; and prevents alleged incapacitated persons from paying attorney fees and expert witness fees for petitioner's representatives.