North Carolina General Statutes 35A-1212. Hearing before clerk on appointment of guardian
(a) The clerk shall make such inquiry and receive such evidence as the clerk deems necessary to determine:
(1) The nature and extent of the needed guardianship;
Terms Used In North Carolina General Statutes 35A-1212
- Assets: (1) The property comprising the estate of a deceased person, or (2) the property in a trust account.
- Evidence: Information presented in testimony or in documents that is used to persuade the fact finder (judge or jury) to decide the case for one side or the other.
- following: when used by way of reference to any section of a statute, shall be construed to mean the section next preceding or next following that in which such reference is made; unless when some other section is expressly designated in such reference. See North Carolina General Statutes 12-3
- 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.
- Liabilities: The aggregate of all debts and other legal obligations of a particular person or legal entity.
(2) The assets, liabilities, and needs of the ward; and
(3) Who, in the clerk’s discretion, can most suitably serve as the guardian or guardians.
If the clerk determines that the nature and extent of the ward’s capacity justifies ordering a limited guardianship, the clerk may do so.
(b) If a current multidisciplinary evaluation is not available and the clerk determines that one is necessary, the clerk, on his own motion or the motion of any party, may order that such an evaluation be performed pursuant to N.C. Gen. Stat. § 35A-1111 The provisions of that section shall apply to such an order for a multidisciplinary evaluation following an adjudication of incompetence.
(c) The clerk may require a report prepared by a designated agency to evaluate the suitability of a prospective guardian, to include a recommendation as to an appropriate party or parties to serve as guardian, or both, based on the nature and extent of the needed guardianship and the ward’s assets, liabilities, and needs.
(d) If a designated agency has not been named pursuant to N.C. Gen. Stat. § 35A-1111, the clerk may, at any time he finds that the best interest of the ward would be served thereby, name a designated agency. (1987, c. 550, s. 1; 2003-236, s. 1.)