MO HB638

Amends Section 475.040 to require courts to transfer guardianship/conservatorship proceedings to another county when appropriate, unless the guardian objects to the venue change

Requires guardians to directly and regularly participate in any medical or other services provided to the ward

Grants guardians explicit rights to file motions and appear in court without legal counsel, represent the ward in administrative hearings and civil litigation, and accept service of process on the ward's behalf

Requires guardians to maintain weekly contact by telephone or in-person visits with wards confined in any institution, facility, jail, or prison

Prohibits restricting a guardian's authority without first obtaining a court order following a full hearing with proper notice, where both the guardian and ward have rights to testify, present evidence, and cross-examine witnesses