AR HB1838

Minors 12 years or older must consent to their adoption at the adoption hearing, and courts may waive this requirement only upon clear and convincing evidence that waiver is in the minor's best interest

Establishes "emergency guardianship" as a new category limited to 14 continuous days when there is imminent danger to an incapacitated person's life, health, or property, with required follow-up hearings for temporary guardianship

Requires clear and convincing evidence standard for granting guardianships over a parent's objection and for proving incapacity, replacing the previous "satisfactory evidence" standard

Extends the family relationship exemption for independent legal representation in adoptions from the second degree to the third degree of relation as defined in § 28-9-212

Allows courts to continue guardianship of a ward past age of majority only after a hearing with clear and convincing evidence that continuation is in the ward's best interest, with Ward's Bill of Rights protections applying