Sisseton Guardianships and Conservatorships
A conservator may be appointed for an individual whose ability to respond to people, events and environments is impaired to such an extent that the individual lacks the capacity to manage property or financial affairs or to provide for their support or the support of legal dependents without the assistance or protection of a conservator. A conservator may be appointed for an absentee whose estate or financial affairs require the attention, supervision and care of a conservator. A conservator for a minor may be appointed under this part if the minor meets the requirements of this section without regard to age and if the minor's need for conservatorship will likely continue into his adult years.
Experienced Sisseton
Guardianship and Conservatorship Representation
The process of establishing a Conservatorship and/or Guardianship is as follows
Filing a Petition: A person interested in the welfare of an individual in need of protection can file a Petition to establish a guardianship and/or conservatorship. The Petition can ask for the appointment of a temporary guardian and/or conservator immediately if the facts warrant such an appointment. Notice to Interested Parties: The individual that files the Petition (called a Petitioner) is required to provide notice to all other interested parties and the person in need of protection of the filing of the Petition and the subsequent hearings that will occur for the establishment of a Guardianship and/or Conservatorship. Evaluation Report and Statement of Financial Resources: A Petition filed to establish a guardianship must be accompanied by an evaluation report signed by a treating or evaluating health care worker. If a conservatorship is being sought, the Petitioner must also file a statement of financial resources detailing the estate and sources of income for the person in need of protection Guardian and Conservator Training and Background Checks: An individual that wishes to be appointed as a guardian or conservator must take an on-line guardianship course and submit to a state and federal background check.Guardianship Hearings: A judge may conduct a short hearing if the matter is uncontested, or a trial if the matter is contested, to determine whether a guardianship or conservatorship is necessary and to determine who should be appointed as the guardian and conservator. Parties are allowed to examine and cross-examine witnesses, present documentary evidence and legal arguments to allow a judge or jury to decide the case. Guardian ad Litem: In some cases, attorneys may serve as guardian ad litem, appointed by the court to represent the interests of the proposed ward and advocate for their best interests. A guardian ad litem may conduct investigations, evaluate the proposed guardian's suitability, and make recommendations to the court. Representation of the Guardian and/or Conservator: Guardians and conservators have continuing responsibilities to report to the Court that appointed them on the welfare of the protected person as well as to account for their handling of the protected persons estate. Denevan Falon Joyce assists guardians and conservators in preparing, filing, serving, and seeking court approval of their reports and accountings.Denevan Falon Joyce
Experience that Matters
Guardianship protection refers to the legal process through which a guardian is appointed by the court to make decisions on behalf of an individual who is incapacitated or unable to make decisions for themselves due to age, disability, or other factors.
Generally, anyone who is concerned about the well-being and welfare of an individual who is incapacitated or unable to make decisions can file for guardianship. This can include family members, caregivers, or concerned parties.
To become a guardian in Sisseton, you must be at least 18 years old, of sound mind, and capable of fulfilling the duties and responsibilities of a guardian. The court will also consider your relationship with the proposed ward and your ability to act in their best interests.
Guardianship is established through a court process. The interested party files a petition for guardianship with the appropriate South Dakota court, providing information about the proposed ward's incapacity and the need for a guardian. The court will then evaluate the situation, hold a hearing, and determine if guardianship is necessary and who should be appointed as the guardian.
Yes, guardianship can be terminated in South Dakota. The court can terminate guardianship if it determines that the ward no longer requires a guardian, if the guardian fails to fulfill their duties, or if there are other valid reasons for termination. A petition must be filed with the court to request the termination of guardianship.