Section 252A.111 Powers and Duties of Public Guardian or Conservator - Minnesota Statutes

252A.111 POWERS AND DUTIES OF PUBLIC GUARDIAN OR CONSERVATOR.

Subdivision 1.General.

Except as otherwise provided in this section, sections 524.5-207 and 524.5-313, apply to the powers and duties of a public guardian.

Subd. 2.Additional powers.

In addition to the powers contained in sections 524.5-207 and 524.5-313, the powers of a public guardian that the court may grant include:

(1) the power to permit or withhold permission for the ward to marry;

(2) the power to begin legal action or defend against legal action in the name of the ward; and

(3) the power to consent to the adoption of the ward as provided in section 259.24.

Subd. 3.

[Repealed, 1Sp2001 c 9 art 13 s 29]

Subd. 4.Appointment of conservator.

If the ward has a personal estate beyond that which is necessary for the ward's personal and immediate needs, the commissioner shall determine whether a conservator should be appointed. The commissioner shall consult with the parents, spouse, or nearest relative of the ward. The commissioner may petition the court for the appointment of a private conservator of the ward. The commissioner cannot act as conservator for public wards or public protected persons.

Subd. 5.Local agencies.

The commissioner may carry out the powers and duties prescribed by this chapter directly or through local agencies.

Subd. 6.Special duties.

In exercising powers and duties under this chapter, the commissioner shall:

(1) maintain close contact with the ward, visiting at least twice a year;

(2) protect and exercise the legal rights of the ward;

(3) take actions and make decisions on behalf of the ward that encourage and allow the maximum level of independent functioning in a manner least restrictive of the ward's personal freedom consistent with the need for supervision and protection; and

(4) permit and encourage maximum self-reliance on the part of the ward and permit and encourage input by the nearest relative of the ward in planning and decision making on behalf of the ward.

History:

1987 c 185 art 1 s 22; 1988 c 532 s 10; 1991 c 292 art 6 s 58 subd 2; 1Sp1993 c 1 art 3 s 17; 1995 c 189 s 8; 1996 c 277 s 1; 1Sp2001 c 9 art 13 s 10; 2002 c 379 art 1 s 113; 2004 c 146 art 3 s 18