2023 New Jersey Statutes 30:4-165.13. Review of prior guardianships
Upon the receipt of a complaint for the appointment of a guardian, the court shall appoint an attorney where the alleged incapacitated person is not represented by an attorney. The attorney, after conducting an investigation into the matter, which shall include an interview with the alleged incapacitated person, an interview with the proposed guardian, and, if there is cause to question the alleged incapacitated person’s level of functioning and need for a guardian, the report of an independent expert professionally qualified to render an opinion on issues pertaining to incapacity, shall advise the court by way of a report in affidavit form whether there is cause to dispute either the contention of the commissioner that the appointment of a guardian is necessary or the commissioner’s recommendation as to whom that guardian should be. If the alleged incapacitated person expresses an opinion on the subject, the attorney shall advise the court of that opinion. The facts contained in the report of the attorney shall be sworn to or verified in a manner as prescribed by the court.
If, after reviewing the report of the attorney, there appears to be no difference between the position of the commissioner and the findings of the attorney, the court may proceed in a summary fashion to appoint a guardian. A plenary hearing shall be held if requested by the alleged incapacitated person, his attorney, or anyone acting on his behalf.
L.1985,c.133,s.8; amended 1990, c.50, s.2; 1995, c.324, s.1; 1997, c.379, s.7.