CT SB00951

Repeals and replaces Section 45a-132 of the general statutes effective October 1, 2011, regarding guardian ad litem appointments in probate and Superior Court proceedings.

Prohibits courts from appointing a guardian ad litem for a patient in psychiatric disability proceedings (sections 17a-543 or 17a-543a) or a respondent in conservatorship proceedings (sections 45a-644 to 45a-663) prior to a court determination that the person is incapable of informed consent or incapable of managing affairs.

Restricts guardian ad litem appointments for conserved persons to situations where the judge finds a specific need for a particular purpose or when the person's attorney cannot ascertain the person's preferences; any such appointment must be limited in scope and duration.

Requires that if a guardian ad litem is appointed for a conserved person, the order must direct the guardian ad litem to take only specific actions and assess whether proposed interventions represent the least restrictive means available.

Clarifies that guardian ad litem appointments terminate upon the guardian ad litem's report or earlier by court order, and updates language throughout the statute to use gender-neutral terminology.