IL HB2816

Court must set guardianship hearing within 30 days of petition filing and appoint a guardian ad litem to report on the respondent's best interests, unless the court determines appointment is unnecessary.

Guardian ad litem must be qualified by training or experience to work with persons with developmental disabilities, mental illness, physical disabilities, or the elderly; must personally observe the respondent and file a written report before the hearing.

Respondent has right to appointed counsel upon request or if their position is adverse to the guardian ad litem; court may appoint counsel if it finds such appointment serves respondent's interests.

Eliminates previous language allowing courts to assess guardian ad litem fees, appointed counsel fees, and legal costs against the respondent or petitioner; explicitly prohibits fees from being assessed against the Office of State Guardian, public guardian, adult protective services agencies, Department of Children and Family Services, or designated disability advocacy agencies.