What happens before the court hearing?
The attorney representing the person seeking the guardianship (the petitioner) will continue to gather information and evidence that supports the need for establishing guardianship. The court will appoint a guardian ad litem, a visitor, and a physician or psychologist to evaluate the need for and appropriateness of establishing a guardianship for the proposed ward. • The guardian ad litem is an attorney who represents the proposed ward. He/She visits with the proposed ward and evaluates al of the available information on the case. He/She then files a report and recommendations with the court. The guardian ad litem makes recommendations based on what he/she feels are in the best interests of the proposed ward. • The visitor is usually a social service professional who visits with the proposed ward, his/her current (future, if applicable) residence and the proposed guardian. The visitor may meet with others who are involved in the case and examine information pertinent to the case. The v
