Sec. 3. (a) Except under subsection (c), if it is alleged and the court finds that:

(1) the individual for whom the guardian is sought is an incapacitated person or a minor; and

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Terms Used In Indiana Code 29-3-5-3

  • Guardian: A person legally empowered and charged with the duty of taking care of and managing the property of another person who because of age, intellect, or health, is incapable of managing his (her) own affairs.
  • minor: means a person less than eighteen (18) years of age. See Indiana Code 1-1-4-5
  • Property: includes personal and real property. See Indiana Code 1-1-4-5
(2) the appointment of a guardian is necessary as a means of providing care and supervision of the physical person or property of the incapacitated person or minor;

the court shall appoint a guardian under this chapter.

     (b) If it is alleged and the court finds that the welfare of an incapacitated person would be best served by limiting the scope of the guardianship, the court shall make the appointive or other orders under this chapter to:

(1) encourage development of the incapacitated person’s self-improvement, self-reliance, and independence; and

(2) contribute to the incapacitated person’s living as normal a life as that person’s condition and circumstances permit without psychological or physical harm to the incapacitated person.

     (c) If the court finds that it is not in the best interests of the incapacitated person or minor to appoint a guardian, the court may:

(1) treat the petition as one for a protective order and proceed accordingly;

(2) enter any other appropriate order; or

(3) dismiss the proceedings.

As added by P.L.169-1988, SEC.1. Amended by P.L.33-1989, SEC.69.