What happens when the Court accepts the petition for filing?
After the petition is accepted for filing, the court will appoint a guardian ad litem to represent the individual in the court proceeding unless the individual has his or her own attorney or unless a mentally competent adult voluntarily requests the appointment. It is important for you to cooperate with the guardian ad litem. The guardian ad litem does not have the authority to make decisions for the individual. The individual may have to pay for the guardian ad litem. If necessary, the court may also order the individual to be examined by a physician or a mental health professional. The court may also send someone (called a visitor) to interview the individual. The visitor may be the guardian ad litem or a court officer or court employee.
