CHAPTER 802h*
PROTECTED PERSONS AND THEIR PROPERTY

*Annotations to former chapter 777 (Sec. 45-42 et seq.):
Probate court has full jurisdiction of persons and estates of minors; jurisdiction of Superior Court limited to appeals from probate, proceedings incidental to divorce actions and writs of habeas corpus. 97 C. 442; 99 C. 156.
Annotations to present chapter:
Cited. 24 CA 402, 405. Secs. 45a-593−45a-638 cited. Id.
Cited. 44 CS 169, 170.

PART I*
PROTECTED PERSONS IN GENERAL

*Cited. 33 CA 673, 681. Protected persons and their property cited. Id.

Secs. 45a-591 and 45a-592. Reserved for future use.

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Sec. 45a-593. (Formerly Sec. 45-58). Administrator of Veterans' Affairs to be party in interest. (a) The Administrator of Veterans' Affairs, created by Act of the Congress of the United States, or his successor, shall be a party in interest in any proceedings brought under any provision of the general statutes for the appointment of a guardian or conservator of a veteran of any war or other beneficiary on whose account benefits of compensation, adjusted compensation, pension or insurance or other benefits are payable by the Veterans' Administration.
(b) The Administrator of Veterans' Affairs or his successor shall be an interested party in the administration of the estate of any ward on whose account the benefits are payable or whose estate includes assets derived from benefits paid by the Veterans' Administration, its predecessor or successor.
(c) Written notice shall be given by regular mail, unless waived in writing, to the division of the office of the Veterans' Administration having jurisdiction over the area in which the court is located, of the time and place for hearing on any petition or pleading or in connection with any proceeding pertaining to or affecting in any manner the administration of the estate of any beneficiary of the Veterans' Administration. Notice shall be mailed in time to reach such office not less than ten days before the date of the hearing or other proceeding.
(1949 Rev., S. 6865; P.A. 80-476, S. 101; P.A. 95-316, S. 6.)
History: P.A. 80-476 divided section into Subsecs. and rephrased provisions; Sec. 45-58 transferred to Sec. 45a-593 in 1991; P.A. 95-316 amended Subsec. (a) by adding reference to conservators and amended Subsec. (b) by changing notice by registered or certified mail to notice by regular mail.

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Sec. 45a-594. (Formerly Sec. 45-60). Compensation of guardian or conservator of social services beneficiary or veteran. (a) Compensation payable to the conservator or guardian of any person who is supported wholly or in part by the state in any humane institution, or who is receiving benefits under any of the state's programs of public assistance, shall be based upon services rendered and shall not exceed five per cent of the gross income to the estate during the period covered by any account. The conservator or guardian shall be entitled to compensation of not less than fifty dollars for any accounting period continuing for at least a year. If extraordinary services are rendered by any conservator or guardian, the court of probate, upon petition and hearing, may authorize reasonable additional compensation. A copy of the petition and notice of hearing shall be lodged in the office of the Commissioner of Administrative Services in Hartford at least ten days before the hearing. No commission or compensation shall be allowed on any moneys or other assets received from a prior guardian or conservator nor upon any amount received from liquidation of loans or other investments.
(b) Compensation payable to the conservator or guardian of any veteran or other beneficiary of the Veterans' Administration for administering moneys paid by the United States through the Veterans' Administration, or revenue or profit from any property wholly or partially acquired therewith, shall be based upon services rendered and shall not exceed five per cent of the amount of moneys received during the period covered by the account. If extraordinary services are rendered by any conservator or guardian, the Court of Probate, upon petition and hearing, may authorize reasonable additional compensation. A copy of the petition and notice of hearing shall be given to the proper office of the Veterans' Administration in the manner provided for hearing on other petitions or pleadings filed by such conservators or guardians. No commission or compensation shall be allowed on the moneys or other assets received from a prior guardian nor upon the amount received from liquidation of loans or other investments.
(1949, S. 1644d; 1957, P.A. 237; P.A. 73-616, S. 36; P.A. 77-614, S. 70, 610; P.A. 80-476, S. 102; P.A. 91-49, S. 2.)
History: P.A. 73-616 required that copy of petition and hearing notice be lodged in office of commissioner of finance and control rather than in office of welfare commissioner in Subsec. (a); P.A. 77-614 replaced commissioner of finance and control with commissioner of administrative services; P.A. 80-476 rephrased provisions; Sec. 45-60 transferred to Sec. 45a-594 in 1991; P.A. 91-49 amended section by removing references to "minor or incompetent" person.
Cited. 45 CA 490.
Subsec. (a):
Cited. 45 CA 490.

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Sec. 45a-595. (Formerly Sec. 45-59). Investment of funds in insurance and annuity contracts by conservator or guardian of estate. Upon application of a conservator or the guardian of the estate of a ward, the Court of Probate may authorize the conservator or guardian to invest income or principal of the estate, to the extent found reasonable by the court under all the circumstances, in one or more policies of life or endowment insurance or one or more annuity contracts issued by a life insurance company authorized to conduct business in this state, on the life of the ward or incapable person, or on the life of a person in whose life the ward or incapable person has an insurable interest. Any such policy or contract shall be the sole property of the ward or incapable person whose funds are invested in it.
(1949, S. 2903d; P.A. 80-476, S. 103.)
History: P.A. 80-476 made minor changes in wording; Sec. 45-59 transferred to Sec. 45a-595 in 1991.

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Sec. 45a-597. (Formerly Sec. 45-60a). Payment by guardian or conservator of administration expenses of deceased protected person. (a) Upon the death of a minor with respect to whose estate a guardian has been duly appointed by a court of probate, has qualified and is acting as such, and upon the death of a person with respect to whose estate a conservator has been duly appointed, has qualified and is acting as such, if (1) the estate consists entirely of personalty and (2) the estate remaining in the hands of the guardian or conservator at the time of the death of the protected person is not more than sufficient to pay expenses incurred during the lifetime of the protected person and not paid as of the date of death, administration expenses necessary to the settlement of the fiduciary's final account and the funeral expenses, including the cost of a suitable monument and cemetery plot, then such guardian or conservator may pay such expenses and take credit therefor on his final account. The payments shall be subject to the limitations set forth in sections 17b-95 and 17b-300.
(b) If the estate is less than sufficient to pay all such expenses in full, the provisions of section 45a-392 as to order of payment shall govern.
(1967, P.A. 872; 1969, P.A. 650; 1972, P.A. 294, S. 38; P.A. 80-476, S. 105; P.A. 84-294, S. 6; P.A. 91-49, S. 3.)
History: 1969 act added reference to Sec. 17-300; 1972 act deleted references to Secs. 17-105 and 17-129 and added reference to Sec. 17-83g; P.A. 80-476 divided section into Subsecs. and rephrased provisions; P.A. 84-294 amended Subsec. (a) by rewording provision re payment of administration expenses; Sec. 45-60a transferred to Sec. 45a-597 in 1991; P.A. 91-49 amended Subsec. (a) by deleting phrase "who had been duly adjudicated incompetent by a court of probate and" and deleting references to "ward or incompetent" and substituting "protected person" in lieu thereof.

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Sec. 45a-598. Parental visitation of protected adult. Any person who is the parent of an adult person with mental retardation or a mental disability for whom a conservator of the person or guardian has been appointed may file a motion with the probate court having jurisdiction over the conservatorship or guardianship seeking an order of visitation with such adult person. After notice and hearing, the court may grant the order which shall set forth the terms and conditions of visitation including, but not limited to, the schedule of visitation, including the dates or days, time and place or places in which the visitation can occur, whether overnight visitation will be allowed and any other terms and conditions which the judge determines should be incorporated into the order of visitation which are in the best interest of the person with whom visitation is sought.
(P.A. 95-147.)

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Sec. 45a-599. Transfer of guardianship file to other probate district when minor becomes resident of town in other probate district. When any minor for whom a guardian has been appointed becomes a resident of any town in the state in a probate district other than the one in which a guardian was appointed, such court in that district may, upon motion of any person deemed by the court to have sufficient interest in the welfare of the respondent, including, but not limited to, the guardian or a relative of the minor under guardianship, transfer the file to the probate district in which the minor under guardianship resides at the time of the application, provided the transfer is in the best interest of the minor. A transfer of the file shall be accomplished by the probate court in which the guardianship matter is on file by making copies of all documents in the court and certifying each of them and then causing them to be delivered to the court for the district in which the minor under guardianship resides. When the transfer is made, the court of probate in which the minor under guardianship resides at the time of transfer shall thereupon assume jurisdiction over the guardianship and all further accounts shall be filed with such court.
(P.A. 96-202, S. 9.)

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Secs. 45a-600 to 45a-602. Reserved for future use.
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PART II*
GUARDIANS OF THE PERSON OF A MINOR

*Cited. 33 CA 673, 681. Guardians of the person of a minor cited. Id.

Sec. 45a-603. (Formerly Sec. 45-42). Residence of minor defined. For the purposes of sections 45a-132, 45a-593 to 45a-597, inclusive, 45a-603 to 45a-622, inclusive, and 45a-629 to 45a-638, inclusive, the residence of a minor means his or her actual residence and not that imputed to the minor by the residence of his or her parents or guardian.
(1949 Rev., S. 6849; P.A. 79-460, S. 3.)
History: P.A. 79-460 added feminine personal pronouns where necessary; Sec. 45-42 transferred to Sec. 45a-603 in 1991.
See Sec. 45a-604 for applicable definitions.
Annotations to former section 45-42:
Cited. 135 C. 128. Cited. 193 C. 393, 399, 407.
Child's domicile is that of the parent with whom he actually lives. 14 CS 59.

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Sec. 45a-604. (Formerly Sec. 45-42a). Definitions. As used in sections 45a-603 to 45a-622, inclusive:
(1) "Mother" means a woman who can show proof by means of a birth certificate or other sufficient evidence of having given birth to a child and an adoptive mother as shown by a decree of a court of competent jurisdiction or otherwise;
(2) "Father" means a man who is a father under the law of this state including a man who, in accordance with section 46b-172, executes a binding acknowledgment of paternity and a man determined to be a father under chapter 815y;
(3) "Parent" means a mother as defined in subdivision (1) of this section or a "father" as defined in subdivision (2) of this section;
(4) "Minor" or "minor child" means a person under the age of eighteen;
(5) "Guardianship" means guardianship of the person of a minor, and includes: (A) The obligation of care and control; (B) the authority to make major decisions affecting the minor's welfare*, including, but not limited to, consent determinations regarding marriage, enlistment in the armed forces and major medical, psychiatric or surgical treatment; and (C) upon the death of the minor, the authority to make decisions concerning funeral arrangements and the disposition of the body of the minor;
(6) "Guardian" means one who has the authority and obligations of "guardianship" as defined in subdivision (5) of this section;
(7) "Termination of parental rights" means the complete severance by court order of the legal relationship, with all its rights and responsibilities, between the child and the child's parent or parents so that the child is free for adoption, except that it shall not affect the right of inheritance of the child or the religious affiliation of the child.
(P.A. 79-460, S. 1; P.A. 81-472, S. 100, 159; P.A. 96-130, S. 1; P.A. 99-84, S. 4; P.A. 00-5; 00-157, S. 7, 8; 00-196, S. 31.)
*Note: On and after July 1, 2001, the words "minor's education and welfare" shall be substituted for "minor's welfare".
History: P.A. 81-472 made technical changes; Sec. 45-42a transferred to Sec. 45a-604 in 1991; P.A. 96-130 added Subdiv. (7) defining "termination of parental rights"; P.A. 99-84 amended definition of "father" in Subdiv. (2) to include "a man who, in accordance with section 46b-172, executes a binding acknowledgment of paternity"; P.A. 00-5 amended definition of "guardianship" in Subdiv. (5) to add Subpara. (C) re the authority, upon the death of the minor, to make decisions concerning funeral arrangements and the disposition of the body of the minor; P.A. 00-157 amended Subdiv. (5)(B) to add education, effective July 1, 2001; P.A. 00-196 made technical changes in Subdiv. (1).
Annotations to former section 45-42a:
Cited. 193 C. 393, 407.
Subdiv. (5):
Cited. 6 CA 707, 711.
Annotations to present section:
Subdiv. (5):
Cited. 231 C. 1, 18, 19.
Cited. 44 CS 169, 171.
Subdiv. (6):
Cited. 231 C. 1, 18, 19.
Cited. 44 CS 169, 170.

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Sec. 45a-605. (Formerly Sec. 45-42b). Provisions construed in best interest of minor child. (a) The provisions of sections 45a-603 to 45a-622, inclusive, shall be liberally construed in the best interests of any minor child affected by them, provided the requirements of such sections are otherwise satisfied.
(b) All proceedings held under said sections shall, in the best interests of the minor child, be held without unreasonable delay.
(P.A. 79-460, S. 2; P.A. 85-244, S. 1, 3.)
History: P.A. 85-244 amended Subsec. (a) by adding "provided the requirements of such sections are otherwise satisfied"; Sec. 45-42b transferred to Sec. 45a-605 in 1991.
Annotations to former section 45-42b:
This statute is unambiguous declaration of legislative intent and an acknowledgment of standard to be used on issue of custody even where surviving biological parent claims entitlement to custody of minor child under Sec. 45-43. 193 C. 393, 403, 406, 407.
Cited. 3 CA 194, 199.
Annotations to present section:
Trial court record supports best interests of the child standard. 47 CA 105.
Subsec. (a):
Cited. 231 C. 1, 19.
Cited. 24 CA 402, 406.
Cited. 44 CS 169, 182.

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Sec. 45a-606. (Formerly Sec. 45-43). Father and mother joint guardians. The father and mother of every minor child are joint guardians of the person of the minor, and the powers, rights and duties of the father and the mother in regard to the minor shall be equal. If either father or mother dies or is removed as guardian, the other parent of the minor child shall become the sole guardian of the person of the minor.
(1949 Rev., S. 6850; 1959, P.A. 177; 1969, P.A. 691, S. 1; 1972, P.A. 127, S. 66; P.A. 73-156, S. 19; P.A. 74-164, S. 13, 20; P.A. 75-420, S. 4, 6; P.A. 77-614, S. 521, 610; P.A. 79-460, S. 4.)
History: 1959 act authorized application to remove parent as guardian by mother of child born out of wedlock for purposes of placing child for adoption by private agency; 1969 act added reference to placement of child for adoption by welfare commissioner in provision added by 1959 act, specified that notice must be given parents unless "the parent to be affected thereby is over twenty-one years of age" and has lodged written waiver with court and required appointment of guardian ad litem for parents under twenty-one; 1972 act reduced age of majority from twenty-one to eighteen, amending references to parents' age accordingly; P.A. 73-156 deleted provision re application to remove parent as guardian made by mother of child born out of wedlock, required ten days' notice of hearing rather than five, authorized appointment of guardian ad litem when parent is incompetent and defined "guardian" and "guardian of the person" for purposes of section; P.A. 74-164 deleted definition added by 1973 act; P.A. 75-420 replaced welfare commissioner with commissioner of social services; P.A. 77-614 replaced social services commissioner with commissioner of human resources, effective January 1, 1979; P.A. 79-460 made provisions applicable to every minor child where previously applicable to "legitimate" children and deleted detailed provisions re procedure for removal of parent or parents as guardian; Sec. 45-43 transferred to Sec. 45a-606 in 1991.
See Sec. 17a-112 re statement that parents are not entitled to earnings of child supported by Commissioner of Children and Families.
See Sec. 19a-285 re consent by minor parent.
See Sec. 46b-172(a) re establishment of paternity by acknowledgment.
Annotations to former section 45-43:
Guardian appointed while minor is not of age to choose is guardian till majority of ward, unless removed. K. 287. Mother natural guardian on decease of father. 2 R. 323. Judge not liable in civil actions for appointment of bankrupt as guardian. 1 D. 329. Inequitable contract between guardian and ward will be set aside. 5 D. 549. Guardian not bound to support ward out of his own estate. 2 C. 388. Appointment showing jurisdictional fact of residence cannot be attacked collaterally. Id., 75 C. 308. Guardian's authority coterminous with life of ward. 4 C. 189. Different kinds of guardians. 6 C. 500. Guardian liable on his bond for negligence in not collecting or securing note of nonresident debtor of his ward. 30 C. 508. Father was guardian of minor both as to person and property till arrival at majority, prior to 1901. 31 C. 553. Mother's right as natural guardian inferior to that of guardian appointed by court. 33 C. 328. Guardian used in statutes means guardian appointed by court. 33 C. 327. Father cannot transfer his right to custody to mother. 34 C. 263. Court has no discretion in matter of appointment if person chosen under Sec. 45-46 is suitable. 38 C. 304; 111 C. 246. History of statutes relating to guardian. 38 C. 319. Guardian has no power to bind estate of ward by contract. 53 C. 119. Guardian primarily responsible to minor rather than court, and a suit on bond proper remedy for neglect of that duty. 43 C. 76. Father has no rights in estate of son. 76 C. 430. Powers and duties of guardian of estate. 77 C. 379. Guardian has authority only, not title to property; ordinarily represents ward in action. 76 C. 431; 93 C. 37; 111 U.S. 566. Right of guardian to compromise claim for personal injury. 84 C. 594. Notice as to appointment under former law considered. 67 C. 366. Settlement of account of guardian by his executor; liability where ward's funds mingled with his own. 69 C. 259. What constitutes residence of child. 69 C. 301. False representation of guardian cannot affect estate. 72 C. 167. Liabilities where administrator of estate is also guardian of distributees. 75 C. 410; 80 C. 111. State where land is situated has sole right to appoint guardian of estate of minor as to it. 178 U.S. 186. Statute applies even though parents are living apart. 99 C. 157. Applicable even though custody during most of year is awarded to mother. Id. Guardian may not be appointed over illegitimate child until removal of mother under this section. 100 C. 206. Abandonment of minor son by father emancipates son; effect on dependency of mother under compensation act. 105 C. 420. Parents have no right of property in their minor children of which they cannot be deprived without their consent. 110 C. 463. Joint guardianship of parents is qualified by court's power under Sec. 46-24. 131 C. 387. Cited. 134 C. 316. Where domicile of child is that of his mother, she may, so far as court action for determining his custody is concerned, have a domicile apart from her husband. 135 C. 124. Where jurisdiction of probate court not invoked, other courts may render judgment in habeas corpus as to custody. 136 C. 411. Gives no added right to a mother to recover from father of a child for child's support. 138 C. 7. Cited. 138 C. 600. Does not preclude appointment of guardian ad litem as provision is permissive. 140 C. 96. Cited. 141 C. 113. Parents are the joint guardians of their minor children, but the paramount consideration in awarding custody of minor children is the welfare and happiness of the child. 142 C. 558. Primary jurisdiction over removal of mother as guardian of person of her son is in probate court. 157 C. 576. Cited. 163 C. 343. Father of illegitimate child denied visitation rights on basis of individual child's best interests. 172 C. 612. Mother's right to sole guardianship does not absolutely preclude natural father of illegitimate child from seeking a judicial determination of custody or visitation. 175 C. 527, 529, 530, 531. Standard to be used in issue of custody is set forth in Sec. 45-42b. 193 C. 393, 400, 402, 403, 405−407. Cited. 201 C. 229, 235. Cited. 212 C. 63, 79.
Cited. 6 CA 707, 711. Cited. 34 CA 129, 134; judgment reversed, see 234 C. 51 et seq.
Status of parents not affected by the circumstances that the parents are separated from each other. 3 CS 211. Where parent abandons minor child and other parent assumes, alone, the burden of supporting and caring for him, the deserting parent emancipates the child and the other parent is entitled to child's earnings. Id., 385. Cited. 7 CS 362; 10 CS 275. Where wife left husband to obtain divorce in another state, but at all times had the intention of resuming parental relationship to her children, held she had not abandoned them. 14 CS 59. Court cannot award custody of an unadopted child to father's wife since natural mother is sole guardian of an illegitimate child. Id., 391. Cited. 15 CS 226; 17 CS 224. See note to Sec. 45-45. Although mother of illegitimate child has superior right to his custody, that right is not absolute. As in case of legitimate child, welfare of child is controlling consideration. 24 CS 76. On appeal from probate court ruling removing plaintiff mother as a joint guardian of children, superior court's reversal of probate court's ruling justifies granting plaintiff's motion to terminate stay of execution so she may renew contact with children. 28 CS 189. Cited. 31 CS 188. Cited. 31 CS 271, 278. Cited. 35 CS 237. Cited. 40 CS 221, 222.
Annotations to present section:
Cited. 226 C. 652, 666.
Cited. 24 CA 402, 405. Cited. 34 CA 129, 134; judgment reversed, see 234 C. 51 et seq.
Cited. 44 CS 169, 171.

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Sec. 45a-608. (Formerly Sec. 45-44a). Temporary custody of minor. Rights and duties. Any person or organization awarded the temporary custody of a minor under section 45a-607, shall have the following rights and duties regarding the minor: (1) The obligation of care and control; (2) the authority to make decisions regarding routine medical treatment or school counseling and emergency medical, psychological, psychiatric or surgical treatment; and (3) other rights and duties which the court of probate having jurisdiction may approve.
(P.A. 79-460, S. 8; P.A. 93-183.)
History: Sec. 45-44a transferred to Sec. 45a-608 in 1991; P.A. 93-183 amended Subdiv. (2) by adding authority to make decisions re routine medical treatment or school counseling and emergency psychological treatment.
Annotation to former section 45-44a:
Cited. 193 C. 393, 407.

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Sec. 45a-609. (Formerly Sec. 45-44b). Application for removal of parent as guardian. Hearing. Notice. Examination. (a) Upon application for removal of a parent or parents as guardian, the court shall set a time and place for hearing to be held within thirty days of the application, unless the court requests an investigation in accordance with the provisions of section 45a-619. In that case, the court shall set a day for hearing not more than thirty days following receipt of the results of the investigation.
(b) The court shall order notice of the hearing to be given by regular mail to the Commissioner of Children and Families and by personal service in accordance with section 52-50 to both parents and to the minor, if over twelve years of age, at least ten days before the time of the hearing, except that in lieu of personal service on a parent or the father of a child born out of wedlock who is either a petitioner or who signs under oath a written waiver of personal service on a form provided by the Probate Court Administrator, the court may order notice to be given by certified mail, return receipt requested, deliverable to addressee only, at least ten days prior to the date of the hearing. If such delivery cannot reasonably be effected, then notice shall be ordered to be given by publication. If the parents reside out of or are absent from the state, the court shall order notice to be given by certified mail, return receipt requested, deliverable to addressee only, at least ten days prior to the date of the hearing. If the whereabouts of the parents are unknown, or if delivery cannot reasonably be effected, the court may order notice to be given by publication. Any notice by publication under this subsection shall be in some newspaper which has a circulation at the parents' last-known place of residence. In either case, such notice shall be given at least ten days before the time of the hearing. If the applicant alleges that the whereabouts of a respondent are unknown, such allegation shall be made under penalty of false statement and shall also state the last- known address of the respondent and the efforts which have been made by the applicant to obtain a current address. The applicant shall have the burden of ascertaining the names and addresses of all parties in interest and of proving to the satisfaction of the court that he or she used all proper diligence to discover such names and addresses. Except in the case of newspaper notice, the notice of hearing shall include the following: (1) The notice of hearing, (2) the application for removal of parent as guardian, (3) any supporting documents and affidavits filed with such application, (4) any other orders or notice made by the Court of Probate, and (5) any request for investigation by the Department of Children and Families or any other person or agency. Such notice shall also inform the respondent of the right to have an attorney represent him or her in the matter, and if he or she is unable to obtain or to pay an attorney, the respondent may request the Court of Probate to appoint an attorney to represent him or her. Newspaper notice shall include such facts as the court may direct.
(c) If a parent is over eighteen years of age he or she may sign and file a written waiver of notice with the court.
(d) Upon finding at the hearing or at any time during the pendency of the proceeding that reasonable cause exists to warrant an examination, the court, on its own motion or on motion by any party, may order the child to be examined at a suitable place by a physician, psychiatrist or licensed clinical psychologist appointed by the court. The court may also order examination of a parent or custodian whose competency or ability to care for a child before the court is at issue. The expenses of any examination, if ordered by the court on its own motion, shall be paid for by the applicant, or if ordered on motion by a party, shall be paid for by the party moving for such an examination. If such applicant or party is unable to pay the expense of any such examination, it shall be paid from the Probate Court Administration Fund, or, if the matter has been removed to the Superior Court, from funds appropriated to the Judicial Department.
(P.A. 79-460, S. 9; P.A. 83-481, S. 2; P.A. 86-264, S. 2; P.A. 93-91, S. 1, 2; P.A. 96-202, S. 6; P.A. 99-84, S. 24; P.A. 00-75, S. 6.)
History: P.A. 83-481 amended Subsec. (b) by adding provisions re personal service in accordance with Sec. 52-50 and notice of hearing; P.A. 86-264 amended Subsec. (b) by (1) changing age of minor from fourteen to twelve years of age, (2) permitting notice by certified mail, return receipt requested, to parent or father of child born out of wedlock who is petitioner or who waives personal service, (3) requiring notice by certified mail, return receipt requested, to parents who are nonresidents or absent from the state and (4) permitting notice by publication if notice by certified mail cannot be reasonably effected; Sec. 45-44b transferred to Sec. 45a-609 in 1991; P.A. 93-91 substituted commissioner and department of children and families for commissioner and department of children and youth services, effective July 1, 1993; P.A. 96- 202 added Subsec. (d) re order of examination of child and parent and payment of such examination; P.A. 99-84 amended Subsec. (b) by deleting "oath" and inserting "penalty of false statement"; P.A. 00-75 amended Subsec. (b) by adding provision requiring notice of hearing to the Commissioner of Children and Families by regular mail.
Annotation to former section 45-44b:
Cited. 193 C. 393, 407.

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Sec. 45a-610. (Formerly Sec. 45-44c). Removal of parent as guardian. If the Court of Probate finds that notice has been given or a waiver has been filed, as provided in section 45a-609, it may remove a parent as guardian, if the court finds by clear and convincing evidence one of the following: (1) The parent consents to his or her removal as guardian; or (2) the minor child has been abandoned by the parent in the sense that the parent has failed to maintain a reasonable degree of interest, concern or responsibility for the minor's welfare; or (3) the minor child has been denied the care, guidance or control necessary for his or her physical, educational, moral or emotional well-being, as a result of acts of parental commission or omission, whether the acts are the result of the physical or mental incapability of the parent or conditions attributable to parental habits, misconduct or neglect, and the parental acts or deficiencies support the conclusion that the parent cannot exercise, or should not in the best interests of the minor child be permitted to exercise, parental rights and duties at this time; or (4) the minor child has had physical injury or injuries inflicted upon the minor child by a person responsible for such child's health, welfare or care, or by a person given access to such child by such responsible person, other than by accidental means, or has injuries which are at variance with the history given of them or is in a condition which is the result of maltreatment such as, but not limited to, malnutrition, sexual molestation, deprivation of necessities, emotional maltreatment or cruel punishment; or (5) the minor child has been found to be neglected or uncared for, as defined in section 46b-120. If, after removal of a parent as guardian under this section, the child has no guardian of his person, such a guardian may be appointed under the provisions of section 45a-616.
(P.A. 79-460, S. 10; P.A. 83-481, S. 3; P.A. 84-294, S. 3; P.A. 00-75, S. 3.)
History: P.A. 83-481 added phrase "by clear and convincing evidence" and deleted provisions of Subdiv. (4) substituting provisions re evidence of physical injury or injuries or a condition which is the result of maltreatment; P.A. 84-294 added provision re appointment of guardian under provisions of Sec. 45-45 if child has no guardian of his person after removal of a parent as guardian under this section; Sec. 45-44c transferred to Sec. 45a-610 in 1991; P.A. 00-75 made a technical change in Subdiv. (4) and added Subdiv. (5) re grounds for removal if the court finds that minor child has been neglected or uncared for (Revisor's note: Notwithstanding the deletion of the word "or" before Subdiv. (4) in the public act, it was retained by the Revisors for consistency).
Annotations to former section 45-44c:
Cited. 193 C. 393, 407. Distinguished application of this statute from operation of Sec. 46b-129. 195 C. 344, 362, 365, 366.
Annotations to present section:
Cited. 237 C. 233−235, 237.
Cited. 34 CA 129, 135; judgment reversed, see 234 C. 51 et seq. Trial court record supports clear and convincing evidence standard. Parent-child relationship not an exceptional circumstance allowing constitutional claim to be raised for the first time on appeal. 47 CA 105. Evidence of arrests not resulting in convictions admissible where parent alleged to have denied care as a result of habits or misconduct. 50 CA 818.
Cited. 44 CS 169, 171, 172, 175, 176, 178, 181, 182, 187.
Subdiv. (2):
Cited. 237 C. 233, 236, 237.
Cited. 44 CS 169, 171, 175, 180, 181, 182, 185.
Subdiv. (3):
Cited. 237 C. 233, 236, 237.
Cited. 44 CS 169, 171, 185, 186, 188.

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Sec. 45a-611. (Formerly Sec. 45-44d). Reinstatement of parent as guardian of the person of minor. (a) Any parent who has been removed as the guardian of the person of a minor may apply to the court of probate which removed him or her for reinstatement as the guardian of the person of the minor, if in his or her opinion the factors which resulted in removal have been resolved satisfactorily.
(b) In the case of a parent who seeks reinstatement, the court shall hold a hearing following notice to the guardian, to the parent or parents and to the minor, if over twelve years of age, as provided in section 45a-609. If the court determines that the factors which resulted in the removal of the parent have been resolved satisfactorily, the court may remove the guardian and reinstate the parent as guardian of the person of the minor, if it determines that it is in the best interests of the minor to do so. At the request of a parent, guardian, counsel or guardian ad litem representing one of the parties, filed within thirty days of the decree, the court shall make findings of fact to support its conclusions.
(c) The provisions of this section shall also apply to the reinstatement of any guardian of the person of a minor other than a parent.
(P.A. 79-460, S. 15; P.A. 92-118, S. 5.)
History: Sec. 45-44d transferred to Sec. 45a-611 in 1991; P.A. 92-118 amended Subsec. (b) to require notification of minors over the age of twelve where previously the applicable age was fourteen.
Annotation to former section 45-44d:
Cited. 193 C. 393, 407.

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Sec. 45a-612. (Formerly Sec. 45-44e). Visitation rights of any person removed as guardian. The Court of Probate may grant the right of visitation to any person who has been removed as guardian of any minor child or children, any relative of the minor child or children or any parent who has been denied temporary custody of any minor child or children pending the hearing on a removal or termination of parental rights application pursuant to the provisions of sections 45a-132, 45a-593 to 45a-597, inclusive, 45a-603 to 45a-622, inclusive, and 45a-629 to 45a-638, inclusive. Such order shall be according to the best judgment of the court upon the facts of the case and subject to such conditions and limitations as it deems equitable. In making, modifying or terminating such an order, the court shall be guided by the best interest of the child, giving consideration to the wishes of such child if he is of sufficient age and capable of forming an intelligent opinion. The grant of such visitation rights shall not prevent any court of competent jurisdiction from thereafter acting upon the custody of such child, the parental rights with respect to such child or the adoption of such child, and any such court may include in its decree an order terminating such visitation rights.
(P.A. 82-237; P.A. 93-62.)
History: Sec. 45-44e transferred to Sec. 45a-612 in 1991; P.A. 93-62 amended section to provide that any person removed as guardian, any relative or any parent denied temporary custody may be granted visitation rights.
Annotation to former section 45-44e:
Cited. 193 C. 393, 407. Cited. 217 C. 459, 475.
Annotations to present section:
Cited. 217 C. 459, 475. Cited. 237 C. 233, 235.
Cited. 44 CS 169, 188.

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Sec. 45a-613. (Formerly Sec. 45-45a). Removal of guardian or coguardian of the person of a minor. (a) Any guardian or coguardians of the person of a minor appointed under section 45a-616 or appointed by a court of comparable jurisdiction in another state, may be removed by the court of probate which made the appointment, and another guardian or coguardian appointed, in the same manner as that provided in sections 45a-603 to 45a-622, inclusive, for removal of a parent as guardian.
(b) Any removal of a guardian under subsection (a) of this section shall be preceded by notice to the guardian or coguardians, the parent or parents and the minor if over twelve years of age, as provided by section 45a-609.
(c) If a new guardian is appointed, the court shall send a copy of that order to the parent or parents of the minor.
(P.A. 79-460, S. 11; P.A. 86-200, S. 2; 86-264, S. 6.)
History: P.A. 86-200 included references to coguardians; P.A. 86-264 changed the age of minor from fourteen to twelve years of age; Sec. 45-45a transferred to Sec. 45a-613 in 1991.
Annotation to former section 45-45a:
Cited. 193 C. 393, 407.

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Sec. 45a-614. (Formerly Sec. 45-43a). Removal of parent as guardian of minor. The following persons may apply to the court of probate for the district in which the minor resides for the removal as guardian of one or both parents of the minor: (1) Any adult relative of the minor, including those by blood or marriage; (2) the court on its own motion; or (3) counsel for the minor.
(P.A. 79-460, S. 5.)
History: Sec. 45-43a transferred to Sec. 45a-614 in 1991.
Annotations to former section 45-43a:
Cited. 193 C. 393, 407. Distinguished application of this statute from operation of Sec. 46b-129. 195 C. 344, 362, 365, 366.

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Sec. 45a-615. (Formerly Sec. 45-43b). False or malicious application for removal of guardian. Penalty. Any person who wilfully files a false or malicious application for removal of a parent or other guardian as guardian of the person of a minor, who wilfully conspires with another person to file or cause to be filed such an application or who wilfully testifies either in court or by report to the court falsely in any proceeding for removal of a parent or other guardian as guardian of the person of a minor, shall be fined not more than one thousand dollars or imprisoned not more than one year, or both.
(P.A. 79-460, S. 6.)
History: Sec. 45-43b transferred to Sec. 45a-615 in 1991.
Annotation to former section 45-43b:
Cited. 193 C. 393, 407.

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Sec. 45a-616. (Formerly Sec. 45-45). Appointment of guardian or coguardians for minor; rights same as of sole surviving parent. (a) If any minor has no parent or guardian of his or her person, the court of probate for the district in which the minor resides may, on its own motion, appoint a guardian or coguardians of the person of the minor, taking into consideration the standards provided in section 45a-617. Such court shall take of such guardian or coguardians a written acceptance of guardianship and, if the court deems it necessary for the protection of the minor, a probate bond.
(b) If any minor has a parent or guardian, who is the sole guardian of the person of the child, the court of probate for the district in which the minor resides may, on the application of the parent or guardian of such child or of the Commissioner of Children and Families with the consent of such parent or guardian and with regard to a child within the care of the commissioner, appoint one or more persons to serve as coguardians of the child. When appointing a guardian or guardians under this subsection, the court shall take into consideration the standards provided in section 45a-617. The court may order that the appointment of a guardian or guardians under this subsection take effect immediately or, upon request of the parent or guardian, upon the occurrence of a specified contingency, including, but not limited to, the mental incapacity, physical debilitation or death of that parent or guardian. Upon the occurrence of such contingency and notice thereof by written affidavit to the probate court by the appointed guardian or guardians, such appointment shall then take effect and continue until the further order of the court, provided the court may hold a hearing to verify the occurrence of such contingency. The court shall take of such guardian or coguardians a written acceptance of guardianship, and if the court deems it necessary for the protection of the minor, a probate bond.
(c) Upon receipt by the court of an application pursuant to this section, the court shall set a time and place for a hearing to be held within thirty days of the application, unless the court requests an investigation in accordance with the provisions of section 45a-619, in which case the court shall set a day for hearing not more than thirty days following receipt of the results of the investigation. The court shall order notice of the hearing to be given to the minor, if over twelve years of age, by certified mail, return receipt requested, deliverable to the addressee only, at least ten days prior to the date of the hearing. In addition, notice by regular mail shall be given to the petitioner and all other parties in interest known by the court.
(d) The rights and obligations of the guardian or coguardians shall be those described in subdivisions (5) and (6) of section 45a-604 and shall be shared with the parent or previously appointed guardian of the person of the minor. The rights and obligations of guardianship may be exercised independently by those who have such rights and obligations. In the event of a dispute between guardians or between a coguardian and a parent, the matter may be submitted to the court of probate which appointed the guardian or coguardian.
(e) Upon the death of the parent or guardian, any appointed guardians of the person of a minor child shall become the sole guardians or coguardians of the person of that minor child.
(1949 Rev., S. 6852; 1971, P.A. 223, S. 1; P.A. 74-251, S. 13; P.A. 75-420, S. 4, 6; P.A. 77-614, S. 521, 587, 610; P.A. 78-303, S. 85, 136; P.A. 79-460, S. 13; P.A. 80-227, S. 2, 24; P.A. 86-200, S. 1; 86-264, S. 5; P.A. 96-238, S. 17, 25.)
History: 1971 act excepted welfare commissioner from bond requirement; P.A. 74-251 applied exception re bond requirement to commissioner of children and youth services after April 1, 1975; P.A. 75-420 replaced welfare commissioner with commissioner of social services; P.A. 77-614 and P.A. 78-303 would have replaced social services commissioner with commissioner of human resources but for limiting date reference; P.A. 79-460 incorporated previous provisions as Subsecs. (a) and (c), applied provisions to minors rather than to children under fourteen, required consideration of standards in Sec. 45-45b in appointing guardian, deleted previous provision requiring that guardian post bond and inserted Subsec. (b); P.A. 80-227 required guardian's written acceptance of guardianship and authorized court to require a probate bond, effective July 1, 1981; P.A. 86-200 included references to coguardians; P.A. 86-264 changed age of minor from fourteen to twelve years of age; Sec. 45-45 transferred to Sec. 45a-616 in 1991; P.A. 96-238 deleted provision requiring court to take into consideration the minor's wishes, if he or she is over the age of twelve, deleted provision requiring the guardian or coguardian to have the same right to custody and control which the sole surviving parent of a minor has and substituted a procedure for the court of probate to appoint one or more persons to serve as coguardians of the child, effective July 1, 1996.
Annotations to former section 45-45:
Guardian of the person is entitled to custody of his ward. 158 C. 217. Cited. 193 C. 393, 407. Distinguished application of this statute from operation of Sec. 46b-129. 195 C. 344, 362, 363, 365, 366.
Probate court has primary jurisdiction and superior court cannot appoint guardians of minors. 13 CS 364. Only when both parents or the sole living parent is removed as guardian may the court appoint a third person as guardian of a minor child. 15 CS 103. See note to Sec. 45-43.
Annotations to present section:
Cited. 237 C. 233, 235.
Cited. 24 CA 402, 408.
Subsec. (a):
Cited. 44 CS 169, 172.

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Sec. 45a-617. (Formerly Sec. 45-45b). Appointment of guardian or coguardians of the person of a minor. When appointing a guardian or coguardians of the person of a minor, the court shall take into consideration the following factors: (1) The ability of the prospective guardian or coguardians to meet, on a continuing day to day basis, the physical, emotional, moral and educational needs of the minor; (2) the minor's wishes, if he or she is over the age of twelve or is of sufficient maturity and capable of forming an intelligent preference; (3) the existence or nonexistence of an established relationship between the minor and the prospective guardian or coguardians; and (4) the best interests of the child.
(P.A. 79-460, S. 12; P.A. 96-238, S. 18, 25.)
History: Sec. 45-45b transferred to Sec. 45a-617 in 1991; P.A. 96-238 added references to coguardians, allowed the court to take into consideration a minor's wishes, if he or she is over the age of twelve and required consideration of the best interests of the child, effective July 1, 1996.
See Sec. 52-60 re appointment of probate judge as attorney for nonresident fiduciary.
Annotation to former section 45-45b:
Cited. 193 C. 393, 407.
Annotations to present section:
Cited. 237 C. 233, 235.
Cited. 44 CS 169, 172, 184.

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Sec. 45a-618. (Formerly Sec. 45-45c). Enforcement of decree and award of custody by warrant. In any proceeding under sections 45a-603 to 45a-622, inclusive, or if an application has been made for termination of parental rights or if parental rights are terminated, the court of probate having jurisdiction may enforce its decree and award the custody of the minor to the person or organization entitled to custody, by a warrant directed to a proper officer commanding him to take possession of the minor and to deliver the minor into the care and custody of the person or organization entitled to custody. The officer shall make return to the court of his actions under the warrant.
(P.A. 79-460, S. 14.)
History: Sec. 45-45c transferred to Sec. 45a-618 in 1991.
Annotation to former section 45-45c:
Cited. 193 C. 393, 407.

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Sec. 45a-619. (Formerly Sec. 45-45d). Investigation by Commissioner of Children and Families. In any proceeding under sections 45a-603 to 45a-624, inclusive, in which the applicant has alleged that the minor has been abused or neglected, as those terms are defined in section 46b-120, or in which the probate judge has reason to believe that the minor may have been abused or neglected, the Court of Probate shall request the Commissioner of Children and Families or any organization, agency or individual licensed or approved by the commissioner, to make an investigation and written report to it, within ninety days from the receipt of such request, unless the request concerns an application for immediate temporary custody or temporary custody, in which case the commissioner shall render the report by such date as is reasonably ordered by the court. The report shall indicate the physical, mental and emotional status of the minor and shall contain such facts as may be relevant to the court's determination of whether the proposed court action will be in the best interests of the minor, including the physical, social, mental, and financial condition of the parties, and such other factors which the commissioner or agency finds relevant to the court's determination of whether the proposed action will be in the best interests of the minor. In any other proceeding under sections 45a-603 to 45a-624, inclusive, the court shall request an investigation and report unless this requirement is waived for cause shown. The report shall be admissible in evidence, subject to the right of any interested party to require that the person making it appear as a witness, if available, and subject to examination.
(P.A. 79-460, S. 16; P.A. 93-91, S. 1, 2; P.A. 00-75, S. 7.)
History: Sec. 45-45d transferred to Sec. 45a-619 in 1991; P.A. 93-91 substituted commissioner and department of children and families for commissioner and department of children and youth services, effective July 1, 1993; P.A. 00-75 replaced former provisions with new provisions re investigation and report in cases of abuse or neglect.
Annotation to former section 45-45d:
Cited. 193 C. 393, 407.

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Sec. 45a-620. (Formerly Sec. 45-45e). Appointment of counsel. Appointment of guardian ad litem to speak on behalf of best interests of minor. The Court of Probate may appoint counsel to represent or appear on behalf of any minor in proceedings brought under sections 45a-603 to 45a-622, inclusive, and sections 45a-715 to 45a-717, inclusive. In any proceeding in which abuse or neglect, as defined in section 46b-120, is alleged by the applicant, or reasonably suspected by the court, a minor shall be represented by counsel appointed by the court to represent the minor. In all cases in which the court deems appropriate, the court shall also appoint a person, other than the person appointed to represent the minor, as guardian ad litem for such minor to speak on behalf of the best interests of the minor, which guardian ad litem is not required to be an attorney-at-law but shall be knowledgeable about the needs and protection of children. The Court of Probate shall appoint counsel to represent any respondent who notifies the court that he or she is unable to obtain counsel, or is unable to pay for counsel. The cost of such counsel shall be paid by the person whom he or she represents, except that if such person is unable to pay for such counsel and files an affidavit with the court demonstrating his or her inability to pay, the reasonable compensation of appointed counsel shall be established by, and paid from funds appropriated to, the Judicial Department, however, if funds have not been included in the budget of the Judicial Department for such purposes, such compensation shall be established by the Probate Court Administrator and paid from the Probate Court Administration Fund. In the case of a minor, such affidavit may be filed by a suitable person having knowledge of the financial status of such minor.
(P.A. 79-460, S. 17; P.A. 83-481, S. 4; P.A. 84-294, S. 4; P.A. 90-31, S. 3, 9; P.A. 96-170, S. 16, 23; P.A. 97-90, S. 5, 6; P.A. 00-75, S. 4.)
History: P.A. 83-481 added provisions re appointment of counsel by probate court to represent any respondent unable to obtain or pay for counsel; P.A. 84-294 added provision that in case of minor, affidavit re inability to pay may be filed by suitable person having knowledge of financial status of minor; P.A. 90-31 changed compensation of counsel from funds appropriated to the judicial department to the probate administration fund in an amount established by the probate court administrator; Sec. 45-45e transferred to Sec. 45a-620 in 1991; P.A. 96-170 changed funding of compensation of counsel from Probate Court Administration Fund to funds appropriated to Judicial Department, unless funds not included in budget of Judicial Department for such purpose, effective July 1, 1998; P.A. 97-90 revised effective date of public act 96-170 but without affecting this section; P.A. 00-75 added provisions requiring appointment of counsel to represent minor in proceedings re abuse or neglect and authorizing appointment of guardian ad litem to speak on behalf of the best interests of the minor.
Annotation to former section 45-45e:
Cited. 193 C. 393, 407.

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Sec. 45a-621. (Formerly Sec. 45-45f). Appointment of guardian ad litem. The Court of Probate shall appoint a guardian ad litem to make any application under sections 45a-603 to 45a-622, inclusive, to represent or appear on behalf of any parent who is less than eighteen years of age or incompetent.
(P.A. 79-460, S. 18.)
History: Sec. 45-45f transferred to Sec. 45a-621 in 1991.
Annotation to former section 45-45f:
Cited. 193 C. 393, 407.

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Sec. 45a-622. (Formerly Sec. 45-45g). Appointment of temporary guardian. Application. Rights and obligations. (a) Any parent or guardian of the person of a minor may apply to the court of probate for the district in which the minor lives for the appointment of a temporary guardian of the person to serve for no longer than one year if the appointing parent or guardian is unable to care for the minor for any reason including, but not limited to, illness and absence from the jurisdiction. The temporary guardian will cease to serve when the appointing parent or guardian notifies the probate court and the temporary guardian to that effect.
(b) The rights and obligations of the temporary guardian shall be those described in subdivisions (5) and (6) of section 45a-604. A temporary guardian is not liable as a guardian pursuant to section 52-572.
(P.A. 79-460, S. 19; P.A. 80-483, S. 147, 186; P.A. 96-202, S. 7.)
History: P.A. 80-483 revised section reference in Subsec. (b); Sec. 45-45g transferred to Sec. 45a-622 in 1991; P.A. 96-202 amended Subsec. (b) by specifying that temporary guardian not liable as guardian pursuant to Sec. 52-572.
Annotation to former section 45-45g:
Cited. 193 C. 393, 407.

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Sec. 45a-623. Transfer of contested proceeding to Superior Court or another judge of probate. In any proceeding under sections 45a-603 to 45a-622, inclusive, that is contested, the Court of Probate shall, upon motion of any party other than a party who made application for the removal of a parent as a guardian, under rules adopted by the judges of the Supreme Court, transfer the case to the Superior Court. In addition to the provisions of this section, the Court of Probate may, on the court's own motion or that of any interested party, transfer the case to another judge of probate, which judge shall be appointed by the Probate Court Administrator from a panel of qualified probate judges who specialize in children's matters. Such panel shall be proposed by the Probate Court Administrator and approved by the executive committee of the Connecticut Probate Assembly. The location of the hearing shall be in the original court of probate, except upon agreement of all parties and the Department of Children and Families, where applicable. If the case is transferred and venue altered, the clerk of the Court of Probate shall transmit to the clerk of the Superior Court or the probate court to which the case was transferred the original files and papers in the case.
(P.A. 93-344; P.A. 95-316, S. 7; P.A. 00-75, S. 8.)
History: P.A. 95-316 changed reference to rules of Superior Court to rules of Supreme Court; P.A. 00-75 added provisions re transfer of case to another judge of probate appointed by Probate Court Administrator from panel of qualified probate judges specializing in children's matters.

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Sec. 45a-624. Designation of standby guardian of minor. A parent or guardian, as principal, may designate a standby guardian of a minor in accordance with the provisions of sections 45a-624 to 45a-624g, inclusive. Such designation, in a form as provided in section 45a-624b, shall take effect upon the occurrence of a specified contingency, including, but not limited to, the mental incapacity, physical debilitation or death of the principal, provided a written statement signed under penalty of false statement has been executed pursuant to section 45a-624c that such contingency has occurred. A designation of a standby guardian shall be in writing and signed and dated by the principal with at least two witnesses. The principal shall provide a copy of such designation to the standby guardian.
(P.A. 94-207, S. 1; P.A. 99-84, S. 25.)
History: P.A. 99-84 deleted "affidavit" and inserted "statement signed under penalty of false statement".

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Sec. 45a-624a. Consent of parents required for designation of standby guardian. If both parents are alive, both parents of the minor shall consent to the designation of a standby guardian, unless either parent has been removed as guardian or had his parental rights terminated. In any such event, the remaining parent may designate a standby guardian pursuant to sections 45a-624 to 45a-624g, inclusive.
(P.A. 94-207, S. 2.)

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Sec. 45a-624b. Form for designation of standby guardian. The designation of a standby guardian shall be in substantially the following form:
I .... (insert name of principal) do hereby appoint .... (insert name and address of the standby guardian) as the standby guardian of .... (insert names of minor children) to take effect upon the occurrence of the following contingency or contingencies .... (insert specific contingency or contingencies).
This designation is made after careful reflection, while I am of sound mind.

Date ...., 20.. ....L.S

..... ....

(Witness) (Witness)

..... ....

(Number and Street) (Number and Street)

..... ....

(City, State and Zip Code) (City, State and Zip Code)

(P.A. 94-207, S. 8.)
History: (Revisor's note: The reference in this section to the date "19.." was changed editorially by the Revisors to "20.." to reflect the new millennium).

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Sec. 45a-624c. Written statement that designation of standby guardian in full force and effect. The written statement referred to in section 45a-624 shall be in substantially the following form:

STATEMENT THAT DESIGNATION OF A STANDBY GUARDIAN
IS IN FULL FORCE AND EFFECT

STATE OF

COUNTY OF

)
)
)

SS:

I, .... of ...., state under penalty of false statement:
THAT ...., of ...., as principal, did on ...., 20.., appoint me as standby guardian dated ...., 20.., to execute a statement that a specified contingency had occurred;
THAT specified contingency was: ....
THAT specified contingency has occurred.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and seal under penalty of false statement.

....
Witness

.... ....L.S

Witness
(P.A. 94-207, S. 3; P.A. 99-84, S. 26.)
History: P.A. 99-84 substituted "statement" for "affidavit" and added "under penalty of false statement" and deleted the attestation clause for Commissioners of the Superior Court and Notaries Public; (Revisor's note: The references in this section to the date "19.." were changed editorially by the Revisors to "20.." to reflect the new millennium).

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Sec. 45a-624d. Authority of standby guardian. When a designation of a standby guardian becomes effective upon the occurrence of a specified contingency, such standby guardian shall have the authority and obligations of a guardian as defined in subdivision (5) of section 45a-604. Such designation shall be effective for a period of one year. Such authority and obligations of a standby guardian shall cease when the specified contingency no longer exists or after the expiration of such one-year period, whichever is sooner.
(P.A. 94-207, S. 4; P.A. 95-50, S. 1, 2.)
History: P.A. 95-50 increased duration and authority of designation of standby guardian from ninety days to one year, effective May 22, 1995.

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Sec. 45a-624e. Authority of standby guardian after death of principal. If a designation of a standby guardian is effective at the time of death of the principal, such designation shall remain in effect for a period of ninety days after such death. At the end of such ninety-day period, the authority of such standby guardian shall cease, unless such standby guardian files an application for guardianship with the probate court in the district in which the minor resides and temporary custody of the minor is granted to such standby guardian or the court appoints such standby guardian as guardian of the person of the minor.
(P.A. 94-207, S. 5.)

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Sec. 45a-624f. Revocation of designation of standby guardian. The principal may revoke a designation of a standby guardian at any time by written revocation and notification of the revocation to the standby guardian.
(P.A. 94-207, S. 6.)

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Sec. 45a-624g. Probate Court to resolve disputes concerning designation of standby guardian. The probate court for the district in which the minor resides at the time of any dispute concerning the meaning or application of any provision of sections 45a-624 to 45a-624f, inclusive, shall have jurisdiction over such dispute.
(P.A. 94-207, S. 7.)

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Sec. 45a-625. Guardian of person of minor to report to probate court re condition of minor. Any person appointed as guardian of the person of a minor pursuant to sections 45a-603 to 45a-624g, inclusive, shall report at least annually to the probate court which appointed the guardian regarding the condition of the minor.
(P.A. 99-84, S. 9.)

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Secs. 45a-626 and 45a-627. Reserved for future use.
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PART III*
GUARDIANS OF THE ESTATE OF A MINOR

*Cited. 33 CA 673, 681. Guardians of the estate of a minor cited. Id.

Sec. 45a-628. Reserved for future use.

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Sec. 45a-629. (Formerly Sec. 45-47). Appointment of guardian for minor's estate. (a) When a minor is entitled to property, the court of probate for the district in which the minor resides may assign a time and place for a hearing on the appointment of a guardian of the estate of the minor. The court shall cause reasonable notice of hearing to be given to (1) the parents or guardian of the person of the minor, (2) the minor, if the minor is twelve years of age or older, and (3) such other persons as it determines. Any person entitled to notice of the hearing may waive such notice.
(b) If the court finds that there is no guardian of the estate of the minor, it may appoint one or both of the parents or any guardian of the person of the minor to be guardian of his or her estate. If neither parent nor the guardian of the person of the minor will accept the appointment, or if the parents or guardian of the person of the minor are not proper persons to act as guardian of his or her estate, the court may appoint any proper person or persons chosen by the minor if the minor is twelve years of age or over. If the minor neglects to make choice or fails to choose a proper person or persons or is not of sufficient age, the court of probate shall appoint some proper person or persons, who, as guardian of the estate of the minor, shall have charge of all the minor's property, whether acquired before or after the guardian's appointment, but shall have no control over such minor's person. If any minor who has a guardian marries and owns or thereafter acquires property, the guardianship of such property shall continue during such person's minority. Any guardian so appointed shall give a probate bond.
(1949 Rev., S. 6854; P.A. 74-82, S. 1; P.A. 80-227, S. 3, 24; 80-476, S. 106; P.A. 85-193, S. 3; P.A. 86-264, S. 7; P.A. 99-84, S. 5.)
History: P.A. 74-82 specified that guardianship of property continues upon marriage of any minor where previously it continued only upon marriage of "a female infant"; P.A. 80-227 modified notice requirement to require reasonable notice rather than notice as provided in Sec. 45-43 and to authorize notification of persons other than parents or guardian and required that appointed guardians give probate bond, effective July 1, 1981; P.A. 80-476 divided section into Subsecs. and rephrased provisions; P.A. 85-193 amended Subsec. (b) permitting appointment of both parents or proper persons as guardian of the estate of a minor; P.A. 86-264 changed age of minor from fourteen to twelve years of age; Sec. 45-47 transferred to Sec. 45a-629 in 1991; P.A. 99-84 amended Subsec. (a) by rewording notice requirement and providing that any person entitled to notice of hearing may waive notice.
See Sec. 52-60 re appointment of probate judge as attorney for nonresident fiduciary.
Annotations to former section 45-47:
Cited. 94 C. 649. Must be appointment of guardian of estate if minor is to be paid a sum in excess of one hundred dollars. 99 C. 179. Cited. 100 C. 55.
Cited. 20 CS 262.
Annotations to present section:
Cited. 33 CA 673, 681.

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Sec. 45a-630. (Formerly Sec. 45-47a). Application for appointment of guardian of the estate of a minor. In the case of any application for the appointment of a guardian of the estate of a minor pursuant to the provisions of sections 45a-132, 45a- 593 to 45a-597, inclusive, 45a-603 to 45a-622, inclusive, and 45a-629 to 45a-638, inclusive, the application shall state that such minor either is, or is not, receiving aid or care from the state, whichever is true, and a copy of each application which states the minor is receiving such aid or care shall be sent by the court to the Commissioner of Administrative Services at least ten days in advance of any hearing on such application. Said commissioner or his designee may participate at any hearing on such application.
(P.A. 79-358, S. 1.)
History: Sec. 45-47a transferred to Sec. 45a-630 in 1991.

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Sec. 45a-631. (Formerly Sec. 45-49). Limitation on receipt or use of minor's property by parent, guardian or spouse. Release. (a) A parent of a minor, guardian of the person of a minor or spouse of a minor shall not receive or use any property belonging to the minor in an amount exceeding ten thousand dollars in value unless appointed guardian of the estate of the minor, except that such parent, guardian or spouse may hold property as a custodian under the provisions of sections 45a-557 to 45a-560b, inclusive, without being so appointed.
(b) A release given by both parents or by the parent who has legal custody of a minor or by the guardian or spouse shall, if the amount does not exceed ten thousand dollars in value, be valid and binding upon the minor.
(1949 Rev., S. 6855; 1949, 1953, S. 2901d; 1957, P.A. 417; 1963, P.A. 179; 1967, P.A. 216; P.A. 74-82, S. 2; P.A. 80- 476, S. 108; P.A. 95-117, S. 27; P.A. 00-78.)
History: 1963 act raised limit on value of property from two to three thousand dollars; 1967 act raised limit to five thousand dollars; P.A. 74-82 substituted "minor" for "child", "minor child" and "minor wife" and "spouse" for "husband", eliminating language which implies varying applicability of provision dependent on sex of person involved; P.A. 80-476 divided section into Subsecs. and rephrased provisions; Sec. 45-49 transferred to Sec. 45a-631 in 1991; P.A. 95-117 amended Subsec. (a) by replacing reference to Secs. 45a-546 to 45a-556 with Secs. 45a-557 to 45a-560b; P.A. 00-78 raised limit on value of property from five thousand to ten thousand dollars and made a technical change.
Annotations to former section 45-49:
Delivery of money to mother is not payment to child. 99 C. 179. Subject to guardianship of estate, a minor child is entitled to immediate possession of full amount recovered as damages for personal injuries. 100 C. 55. Award in divorce action for support of minor child is not child's property within this statute. 121 C. 504. No guardian necessary where separation agreement provided for trust to pay income for support of minor. 130 C. 56. Cited. 139 C. 220. Cited. 165 C. 490.

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Sec. 45a-632. (Formerly Sec. 45-50). Appointment of guardian of estate of nonresident minor. When a minor who resides outside this state and who has no guardian within this state owns property in this state, the court of probate for the district in which the property or any part of it lies may appoint a guardian of the minor who shall have charge of and manage the property. A probate bond shall be required of such guardian.
(1949 Rev., S. 6857; P.A. 80-227, S. 4, 24; 80-476, S. 109.)
History: P.A. 80-227 required probate bond of guardian, effective July 1, 1981; P.A. 80-476 rephrased provisions; Sec. 45-50 transferred to Sec. 45a-632 in 1991.
Annotation to former section 45-50:
Guardian appointed under this section has no title to ward's property. 76 C. 430.

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Sec. 45a-633. (Formerly Sec. 45-52). Lease of minor's real estate by guardian or coguardians of estate. The guardian or coguardians of the estate of any minor may apply to the court of probate of the district in this state which appointed him, and may, upon application and hearing, after public notice, lease his ward's real property upon terms and for a length of time, not exceeding the ward's minority, which are approved by the court.
(1949 Rev., S. 6859; P.A. 80-476, S. 110; P.A. 81-472, S. 79, 159; P.A. 86-200, S. 4.)
History: P.A. 80-476 rephrased provisions and specified applicability of provisions to guardian "of the estate"; P.A. 81-472 made technical changes; P.A. 86-200 added reference to coguardians; Sec. 45-52 transferred to Sec. 45a-633 in 1991.

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Sec. 45a-634. (Formerly Sec. 45-53). Inventory of ward's property by guardian of estate. (a) Each guardian of an estate appointed by a court of probate shall make and file in the court appointing or approving such guardian, under penalty of false statement within two months after the acceptance by the guardian of the trust, an inventory of all the property belonging to such guardian's ward, appraised, or caused to be appraised, by such guardian, at fair market value as of the date of his or her appointment. Such inventory shall include the value of the ward's interest in all property in which the ward has a legal or equitable present interest, including, but not limited to, the ward's interest in any joint bank accounts or other jointly held property.
(b) Any guardian who fails to return the inventory to the court within that time shall be fined not more than twenty dollars.
(1949 Rev., S. 6860; P.A. 80-476, S. 111; P.A. 87-565, S. 1; P.A. 99-84, S. 27.)
History: P.A. 80-476 divided section into Subsecs., rephrased provisions and specified applicability to guardians of estates; P.A. 87-565 amended Subsec. (a) by changing "return to" to "make and file in", and adding provision re appraisal of inventory at fair market value as of date of appointment of guardian and included all property in which ward has interest, including joint bank accounts; Sec. 45-53 transferred to Sec. 45a-634 in 1991; P.A. 99-84 amended Subsec. (a) by deleting "oath" and inserting "penalty of false statement".
Annotations to former section 45-53:
Cited. 168 C. 144, 147.
Cited. 3 CS 377; 20 CS 262.

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Sec. 45a-635. (Formerly Sec. 45-55). Removal by foreign guardian of ward's personal property. (a) When any personal property in this state belongs to any person residing out of this state who has a guardian, trustee or other legal custodian of his estate, appointed under the laws of the place of his residence, the custodian may apply in writing to the court of probate of the district in which the principal part of the property in this state is located, alleging: (1) That he has been legally appointed custodian in the jurisdiction in which the person to whom the property belongs resides; and (2) that he has therein given a probate bond valid according to the requirements of such jurisdiction, and security thereon, or an increase in an existing bond and security, in an amount equal to the value of all such property of the person to be removed from this state; and (3) that a removal of the property from this state will not conflict with the terms and limitations by which the person owns it.
(b) If the probate court finds the allegations true and the applicant files in the probate court for record an exemplified copy of the record of the court by which he was appointed, the probate court may, after a hearing upon the application, upon such notice as it orders to the person having the property in his custody and to the owner of the property, and after proof that all known debts chargeable against it and contracted in this state have been paid or satisfied, appoint the applicant to be guardian, conservator or trustee of such estate without further bond. The probate court may authorize the person having the property in his custody to deliver it to the applicant, who may demand, sue for and recover it and remove it from this state.
(1949 Rev., S. 6862; P.A. 80-227, S. 6, 24; 80-476, S. 112.)
History: P.A. 80-227 clarified provisions re bond, added reference to increases in existing bonds and security and required that bond be equal to value of estate rather than double its value, effective July 1, 1981; P.A. 80-476 divided section into Subsecs. and rephrased provisions, substituting references to property for references to estate; Sec. 45-55 transferred to Sec. 45a-635 in 1991.
See Sec. 45a-477 re foreign trustee's custody of trust estate and re probate court's jurisdiction over trusts created by nondomiciliaries.
Annotations to former section 45-55:
Scope of section; property may be turned over without order of court; liability of surety on bond in this state where property not turned over. 75 C. 414; 80 C. 119. Application under this section not a condition precedent to payment to foreign fiduciary. 138 C. 17.

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Sec. 45a-636. (Formerly Sec. 45-56). Removal by foreign guardian of proceeds of sale of ward's real estate. If any foreign guardian of the estate of a minor who is also residing outside this state has obtained an order from any court of probate in this state having jurisdiction to sell real property of the minor which is situated in this state and has given a probate bond, the court of probate may, upon application and proceedings as specified in section 45a-635, authorize the foreign guardian to receive the proceeds of the sale of the real property sold under order and to remove the proceeds from this state into the jurisdiction in which the guardian and his ward reside. The guardian and his surety shall thereupon be discharged from all liability on the bond.
(1949 Rev., S. 6863; P.A. 80-227, S. 7, 24; 80-476, S. 113.)
History: P.A. 80-227 substituted "probate bond" for "bond as provided by law", effective July 1, 1981; P.A. 80-476 rephrased provisions, substituting "property" for "estate", and specified applicability re foreign guardians "of the estate"; Sec. 45-56 transferred to Sec. 45a-636 in 1991.

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Sec. 45a-637. (Formerly Sec. 45-57). Guardians of estate of minors may make partition. If any minor has an interest in any real property as a tenant in common with any other person, the guardian of the estate of the minor may, by an instrument in writing executed as deeds of land are executed, make partition of the real property with the other parties in interest. Such deed of partition described in this section shall not be valid until the approval of the court of probate having jurisdiction of the property of the minor is endorsed on it. The deed of partition and the approval of the court of probate shall be recorded in the land records of the town or towns where the land is situated.
(1949 Rev., S. 6864; P.A. 80-476, S. 114.)
History: P.A. 80-476 rephrased provisions, substituting "property" for "estate" and "guardian of the estate" for "guardian"; Sec. 45-57 transferred to Sec. 45a-637 in 1991.

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Sec. 45a-638. (Formerly Sec. 45-57a). Court may order guardian to convey real property. The court of probate in which the guardian of any minor has been appointed may, concurrently with courts of equity, order such guardian to convey the interest of his ward in any real property which ought in equity to be conveyed to another person.
(P.A. 80-476, S. 115.)
History: Sec. 45-57a transferred to Sec. 45a-638 in 1991.

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Secs. 45a-639 to 45a-643. Reserved for future use.
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PART IV*
CONSERVATORS

*Annotation to former chapter 779:
Cited. 17 CA 130, 135, 137.
Annotations to present part IV:
Secs. 45a-644−45a-663 cited. 233 C. 44, 90.
Sec. 45a-644 et seq. cited. 37 CA 137, 141.

Sec. 45a-644. (Formerly Sec. 45-70a). Definitions. For the purposes of sections 45a-644 to 45a-662, inclusive, the following terms shall have the following meanings:
(a) "Conservator of the estate" means a person, a municipal or state official, or a private profit or nonprofit corporation except a hospital or nursing home as defined in section 19a-521, appointed by the Court of Probate under the provisions of sections 45a-644 to 45a-662, inclusive, to supervise the financial affairs of a person found to be incapable of managing his or her own affairs or of a person who voluntarily asks the Court of Probate for the appointment of a conservator of the estate, and includes a temporary conservator of the estate appointed under the provisions of section 45a-654.
(b) "Conservator of the person" means a person, a municipal or state official, or a private profit or nonprofit corporation, except a hospital or nursing home as defined in section 19a-521, appointed by the Probate Court under the provisions of sections 45a- 644 to 45a-662, inclusive, to supervise the personal affairs of a person found to be incapable of caring for himself or herself or of a person who voluntarily asks the Court of Probate for the appointment of a conservator of the person, and includes a temporary conservator of the person appointed under the provisions of section 45a-654.
(c) "Incapable of caring for one's self" means a mental, emotional or physical condition resulting from mental illness, mental deficiency, physical illness or disability, chronic use of drugs or alcohol, or confinement, which results in the person's inability to provide medical care for physical and mental health needs, nutritious meals, clothing, safe and adequately heated and ventilated shelter, personal hygiene and protection from physical abuse or harm and which results in endangerment to such person's health.
(d) "Incapable of managing his or her affairs" means that a person has a mental, emotional or physical condition resulting from mental illness, mental deficiency, physical illness or disability, chronic use of drugs or alcohol, or confinement, which prevents that person from performing the functions inherent in managing his or her affairs, and the person has property which will be wasted or dissipated unless proper management is provided, or that funds are needed for the support, care or welfare of the person or those entitled to be supported by that person and that the person is unable to take the necessary steps to obtain or provide funds which are needed for the support, care or welfare of the person or those entitled to be supported by such person.
(e) "Involuntary representation" means the appointment of a conservator of the person or the estate, or both, after a finding by the Court of Probate that the respondent is incapable of managing his or her affairs or incapable of caring for himself or herself.
(f) "Respondent" means an adult person for whom an application for involuntary representation has been filed or an adult person who has requested voluntary representation.
(g) "Voluntary representation" means the appointment of a conservator of the person or estate, or both, upon request of the respondent, without a finding that the respondent is incapable of managing his or her affairs or incapable of caring for himself or herself.
(h) "Ward" means a person for whom involuntary representation is granted under sections 45a-644 to 45a-662, inclusive.
(P.A. 77-446, S. 1; P.A. 80-476, S. 123; P.A. 84-271, S. 1; P.A. 93-184.)
History: P.A. 80-476 reordered Subdivs. to place terms in alphabetical order; P.A. 84-271 amended the definitions of "conservator of the estate" and "conservator of the person" to include a "municipal" official, deleting the requirement that a state official be "legally authorized", and to include a temporary conservator appointed under Sec. 45-72; Sec. 45-70a transferred to Sec. 45a-644 in 1991; P.A. 93-184 amended Subsecs. (c) and (d) by deleting references to "advanced age".
Annotation to former section 45-70a:
Subdiv. (a):
Cited. 199 C. 524, 528.

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Sec. 45a-645. (Formerly Sec. 45-70). Naming of own conservator for future incapacity. (a) Any person who has attained at least eighteen years of age, and who is of sound mind, may designate in writing a person or persons whom he desires to be appointed as conservator of his person or estate or both, if he is thereafter found to be incapable of managing his affairs.
(b) The designation shall be executed, witnessed and revoked in the same manner as provided for wills in sections 45a-251 and 45a-257; provided, any person who is so designated as a conservator shall not qualify as a witness.
(c) Such written instrument may excuse the person or persons so designated from giving the probate bond required under the provisions of section 45a-650, if appointed thereafter as a conservator.
(1949 Rev., S. 6874; 1955, S. 2907d; February, 1965, P.A. 590, S. 1; 1969, P.A. 447, S. 2; 730, S. 14; P.A. 73-34, S. 1; P.A. 75-128; P.A. 77-446, S. 13; 77-614, S. 70, 610; P.A. 80-476, S. 124.)
History: 1965 act authorized board of directors of charitable organization to make application and specified conservatorship as charge of person and/or estate where previously was charge of person and estate; 1969 acts replaced welfare commissioner with commissioner of finance and control; P.A. 73-34 added exception re Sec. 45-75; P.A. 75-128 inserted new Subsec. (a), made previous provisions Subsec. (b) and added proviso re appointment of conservator designated by incompetent person, the procedure for which is in new Subsec.; P.A. 77-446 deleted Subsec. (b) re procedure for appointing conservator and divided former Subsec. (a) into Subsecs. (a) to (c), but see Sec. 45-70d for replacement provisions re appointment of conservator; P.A. 77-614 would have replaced commissioner of finance and control with commissioner of administrative services in former Subsec. (b) but had no effect because of deletion of the Subsec. in P.A. 77-446; P.A. 80-476 made minor change in wording, substituting "The" for "Such" in Subsec. (b); Sec. 45-70 transferred to Sec. 45a- 645 in 1991.
See Sec. 27-129 re appointment of conservator for incompetent veteran.
See Sec. 45a-242 re replacement of fiduciary.
See Sec. 45a-594 re compensation of guardian or conservator of social services beneficiary or veteran.
See Sec. 52-60 re appointment of judge of probate as for nonresident fiduciary.
Annotations to former section 45-70:
Court has no jurisdiction over person not residing or domiciled in district. 26 C. 285; 107 C. 3. Omission to appear and object to matter of form waives defect. 29 C. 568. Evidence of respondent's illicit intercourse, and birth of illegitimate children, admissible. 30 C. 87. Ward may acquire domicile elsewhere. 48 C. 172. Appointment on application of person not specified in statute, void. 49 C. 84. Statute has no extra territorial effect. 49 C. 278. Disability of ward does not begin until appointment of conservator. 51 C. 78. Incapacity defined. 72 C. 340. Jurisdiction of courts of state of residence and of state where property is; discretion of court; right of action as property; relative may apply for appointment though not liable for support. 76 C. 405. Incapacity a question of fact. 72 C. 340; 83 C. 519; 107 C. 7. Adjudication of incapacity not conclusive twelve years later. 78 C. 430. Facts held sufficient to support conclusion of incapacity and residence. 107 C. 3. Distinction in legal effect between conservatorship and insanity commitment. 113 C. 605. Conservator in many respects an agent of court. 115 C. 330. Conservator in many respects is but agent of court and has only such powers as are expressly or impliedly given him by statute. 155 C. 118.
That person having property is incapable of managing his affairs and has conservator appointed does not warrant finding in and of itself that such person is insane and is not sufficient defense to allegations of cruelty in divorce proceeding. 27 CS 459.
The fact that defendant is under a conservatorship does not prevent him from giving a valid consent to a chemical analysis of his blood or breath to determine whether he has operated a motor vehicle while intoxicated. 3 Conn. Cir. Ct. 47.
Subsec. (b):
Cited. 175 C. 257, 261.

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Sec. 45a-646. (Formerly Sec. 45-70e). Application for voluntary representation. Any person may make application to the court of probate in the district in which he resides or has his domicile for voluntary representation either for the appointment of a conservator of the person or a conservator of the estate, or both. If the application excuses bond, no bond shall be required by the court unless later requested by the respondent or unless facts are brought to the attention of the court that a bond is necessary for the protection of the respondent. Upon receipt of the application, the court shall set a time and place for hearing and shall give such notice as it may direct to the petitioner, the petitioner's spouse, if any, the Commissioner of Administrative Services, if the respondent is receiving aid or care from the state, and to other interested parties, if any. After seeing the respondent in person and hearing his or her reasons for the application and after explaining to the respondent that granting the petition will subject the respondent or respondent's property, as the case may be, to the authority of the conservator, the court may grant voluntary representation and thereupon shall appoint a conservator of the person or estate or both, and shall not make a finding that the petitioner is incapable. The conservator of the person or estate or both, shall have all the powers and duties of a conservator of the person or estate of an incapable person appointed pursuant to section 45a-650. If the respondent subsequently becomes disabled or incapable, the authority of the conservator shall not be revoked as a result of such disability or incapacity.
(P.A. 77-446, S. 5; P.A. 79-358, S. 4; P.A. 80-476, S. 125; P.A. 87-87; P.A. 91-49, S. 4.)
History: P.A. 79-358 required that notice of hearing be given to commissioner of administrative services if respondent is receiving aid or care from state; P.A. 80-476 rephrased provisions and made technical correction, substituting "administrative" for "administration" in commissioner's title; P.A. 87-87 added provision that subsequent disability or incompetence of respondent does not revoke the authority of the conservator; Sec. 45-70e transferred to Sec. 45a-646 in 1991; P.A. 91- 49 added requirement that court explain to respondent that granting petition will subject respondent or respondent's property to authority of conservator prior to granting voluntary representation, changed powers and duties of conservator from those "set forth in sections 45a-644 to 45a-662, inclusive" to "of a conservator of the person or estate of an incapable person appointed pursuant to section 45a-650" and changed "incompetent" to "incapable" and "incompetence" to "incapacity".

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Sec. 45a-647. (Formerly Sec. 45-70f). Release from voluntary representation. Any person who is under voluntary representation as provided by section 45a-646 shall be released from voluntary representation upon giving thirty days' written notice to the Court of Probate.
(P.A. 77-446, S. 10; P.A. 80-476, S. 126.)
History: P.A. 80-476 made minor change in wording; Sec. 45-70f transferred to Sec. 45a-647 in 1991.

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Sec. 45a-648. (Formerly Sec. 45-70b). Application for involuntary representation. Penalty for fraudulent or malicious application or false testimony. (a) An application for involuntary representation may be filed by any person alleging that a respondent is incapable of managing his or her affairs or incapable of caring for himself or herself and stating the reasons for the alleged incapability. The application shall be filed in the court of probate in the district in which the respondent resides or has his domicile.
(b) Any person who wilfully files a fraudulent or malicious application for involuntary representation or appointment of a temporary conservator or any person who conspires with another person to file or cause to be filed such an application or any person who wilfully testifies either in court or by report to the court falsely to the incapacity of any person in any proceeding provided for in sections 45a-644 to 45a-662, inclusive, shall be fined not more than one thousand dollars or imprisoned not more than one year or both.
(P.A. 77-446, S. 2; P.A. 80-476, S. 127; P.A. 84-271, S. 3.)
History: P.A. 80-476 divided section into Subsecs. and substituted "the" for "such" where appearing in Subsec. (a); P.A. 84-271 amended Subsec. (b) to apply to fraudulent or malicious application for appointment of a temporary conservator; Sec. 45-70b transferred to Sec. 45a-648 in 1991.
Cited. 37 CA 137, 145.

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Sec. 45a-649. (Formerly Sec. 45-70c). Notice of hearing. Appointment of counsel. (a) Upon an application for involuntary representation, the court shall issue a citation to the following enumerated parties to appear before it at a time and place named in the citation, which shall be served on the parties at least seven days before the hearing date, which date shall not be more than thirty days after the receipt of the application by the Court of Probate unless continued for cause shown. Notice of the hearing shall be sent within thirty days after receipt of the application. (1) The court shall direct that personal service be made, by a state marshal, constable or an indifferent person, upon the following: (A) The respondent, except that if the court finds personal service on the respondent would be detrimental to the health or welfare of the respondent, the court may order that such service be made upon counsel for the respondent, if any, and if none, upon the attorney appointed under subsection (b) of this section; (B) the respondent's spouse, if any, if the spouse is not the applicant, except that in cases where the application is for involuntary representation pursuant to section 17b-456, and there is no spouse, the court shall order notice by certified mail to the children of the respondent and if none, the parents of the respondent and if none, the brothers and sisters of the respondent or their representatives, and if none, the next of kin of such respondent. (2) The court shall order such notice as it directs to the following: (A) The applicant; (B) the person in charge of welfare in the town where the respondent is domiciled or resident and if there is no such person, the first selectman or chief executive officer of the town if the respondent is receiving assistance from the town; (C) the Commissioner of Social Services, if the respondent is in a state-operated institution or receiving aid, care or assistance from the state; (D) by registered or certified mail, to the Administrator of Veterans Affairs if the respondent is receiving veterans' benefits or the Veterans Home and Hospital, or both, if the respondent is receiving aid or care from such hospital, or both; (E) the Commissioner of Administrative Services, if the respondent is receiving aid or care from the state; (F) the children of the respondent and if none, the parents of the respondent and if none, the brothers and sisters of the respondent or their representatives; (G) the person in charge of the hospital, nursing home or some other institution, if the respondent is in a hospital, nursing home or some other institution. (3) The court, in its discretion, may order such notice as it directs to other persons having an interest in the respondent and to such persons the respondent requests be notified.
(b) (1) The notice required by subdivision (1) of subsection (a) of this section shall specify (A) the nature of involuntary representation sought and the legal consequences thereof, (B) the facts alleged in the application, and (C) the time and place of the hearing. (2) The notice shall further state that the respondent has a right to be present at the hearing and has a right to be represented by an attorney at his or her own expense. If the respondent is unable to request or obtain counsel for any reason, the court shall appoint an attorney to represent the respondent in any proceeding under this title involving the respondent. If the respondent is unable to pay for the services of such attorney, the reasonable compensation for such attorney shall be established by, and paid from funds appropriated to, the Judicial Department, however, if funds have not been included in the budget of the Judicial Department for such purposes, such compensation shall be established by the Probate Court Administrator and paid from the Probate Court Administration Fund. If the respondent notifies the court in any manner that he or she wants to attend the hearing on the application but is unable to do so because of physical incapacity, the court shall schedule the hearing on the application at a place which would facilitate attendance by the respondent but if not practical, then the judge shall visit the respondent, if he or she is in the state of Connecticut, before the hearing. Notice to all other persons required by this section shall state only the nature of involuntary representation sought, the legal consequences thereof and the time and place of the hearing.
(P.A. 77-446, S. 3; 77-614, S. 521, 587, 610; P.A. 78-303, S. 85, 136; P.A. 79-358, S. 3; 79-501, S. 1; P.A. 80-476, S. 128; P.A. 81-223; P.A. 83-295, S. 25; P.A. 84-271, S. 4; P.A. 86-195, S. 1; P.A. 89-64; P.A. 90-31, S. 6, 9; P.A. 93-262, S. 1, 87; P.A. 96-170, S. 17, 23; P.A. 97-90, S. 5, 6; P.A. 00-99, S. 86, 154.)
History: P.A. 77-614 and P.A. 78-303 replaced commissioner of social services with commissioner of human resources, effective January 1, 1979; P.A. 79-358 required that commissioner of administrative services be issued citation to appear if respondent is receiving aid or care from the state; P.A. 79-501 authorized court to appoint attorney and to pay for his services if respondent is unable to do so and added provision re contents of notice to persons other than those listed in Subsec. (a)(1) in Subsec. (b); P.A. 80-476 reworded provisions; P.A. 81-223 amended Subsec. (a)(1) to add exception re notice in cases where application for involuntary representation is made pursuant to Sec. 46a-20 and there is no spouse; P.A. 83-295 amended Subsec. (b) to provide that the "reasonable compensation" for an attorney appointed to represent a respondent who is unable to pay shall be "established by" the judicial department; P.A. 84-271 amended Subsec. (a) by providing that the hearing date shall not be more than thirty days after receipt of the application unless continued for cause shown, by authorizing service upon counsel for the respondent or the appointed attorney if the court finds personal service upon the respondent would be detrimental to the respondent and by authorizing the court to order notice "to such persons the respondent requests be notified"; P.A. 86-195 amended Subsec. (a) by deleting requirement of personal service to person in charge of hospital, nursing home or other institution and substituting such notice as court directs to such person; P.A. 89-64 amended Subsec. (b) to provide that court-appointed counsel shall represent respondent in any proceeding under title where previously limited to hearings under the chapter; P.A. 90-31 amended Subsec. (b) by changing compensation of counsel from funds appropriated to the judicial department to the probate administration fund in an amount established by the probate court administrator; Sec. 45-70c transferred to Sec. 45a-649 in 1991; P.A. 93-262 authorized substitution of commissioner and department of social services for commissioner and department of human resources, effective July 1, 1993; P.A. 96-170 amended Subsec. (b) by changing funding of compensation of counsel from Probate Court Administration Fund to funds appropriated to Judicial Department, unless funds not included in budget of Judicial Department for such purpose, effective July 1, 1998; P.A. 97-90 revised effective date of P.A. 96-170 but without affecting this section; P.A. 00-99 replaced reference to sheriff and deputy sheriff with state marshal in Subsec. (a), effective December 1, 2000.

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Sec. 45a-650. (Formerly Sec. 45-70d). Hearing: Appointment of conservator. Limitation re powers and duties. (a) At any hearing for involuntary representation, the court shall receive evidence regarding the condition of the respondent, including a written report or testimony by one or more physicians licensed to practice medicine in the state who have examined the respondent within thirty days preceding the hearing. The report or testimony shall contain specific information regarding the disability and the extent of its incapacitating effect. The court may also consider such other evidence as may be available and relevant, including but not limited to a summary of the physical and social functioning level or ability of the respondent, and the availability of support services from the family, neighbors, community, or any other appropriate source. Such evidence may include, if available, reports from the social work service of a general hospital, municipal social worker, director of social service, public health nurse, public health agency, psychologist, coordinating assessment and monitoring agencies, or such other persons as the court deems qualified to provide such evidence. The court may waive the requirement that medical evidence be presented if it is shown that the evidence is impossible to obtain because of the absence of the respondent or his or her refusal to be examined by a physician or that the alleged incapacity is not medical in nature. If this requirement is waived, the court shall make a specific finding in any decree issued on the petition stating why medical evidence was not required.
(b) Notwithstanding the provisions of section 45a-7, the court may hold the hearing on the application at a place within the state other than its usual courtroom if it would facilitate attendance by the respondent.
(c) If the court finds by clear and convincing evidence that the respondent is incapable of managing his or her affairs, the court shall appoint a conservator of his or her estate unless it appears to the court that such affairs are being managed properly without the appointment of a conservator. If the court finds by clear and convincing evidence that the respondent is incapable of caring for himself or herself, the court shall appoint a conservator of his or her person unless it appears to the court that the respondent is being cared for properly without the appointment of a conservator.
(d) When determining whether a conservator should be appointed and in selecting a conservator to be appointed for the respondent, the court shall be guided by the best interests of the respondent. In making such determination, the court shall consider whether the respondent had previously made alternative arrangements for the care of his person or for the management of his affairs, including, but not limited to, the execution of a valid durable power of attorney, the appointment of a health-care agent or other similar document. The respondent may, by oral or written request, if at the time of the request he or she has sufficient capacity to form an intelligent preference, nominate a conservator who shall be appointed unless the court finds the appointment of the nominee is not in the best interests of the respondent. In such case, or in the absence of any such nomination, the court may appoint any qualified person, authorized public official or corporation in accordance with subsections (a) and (b) of section 45a-644.
(e) Upon the request of the respondent or his or her counsel, made within thirty days of the date of the decree, the court shall make and furnish findings of fact to support its conclusion.
(f) If the court appoints a conservator of the estate of the respondent, it shall require a probate bond. The court may, if it deems it necessary for the protection of the respondent, require a bond of any conservator of the person appointed hereunder.
(g) The court may limit the powers and duties of either the conservator of the person or the conservator of the estate, to include some, but not all, of the powers and duties set forth in subsections (a) and (b) of section 45a-644, sections 45a-655 and 45a-656, and shall make specific findings to justify such a limitation, in the best interests of the ward. In determining whether or not any limitations should be imposed, the court shall consider the abilities of the ward, the prior appointment of any attorney-in-fact, health care agent, trustee or other fiduciary acting on behalf of the ward, any support services which are otherwise available to the ward, and any other relevant evidence. The court may modify its decree upon any change in circumstances.
(P.A. 77-446, S. 4; P.A. 80-227, S. 8, 24; 80-476, S. 129; P.A. 84-271, S. 5; P.A. 97-90, S. 4; P.A. 98-219, S. 17.)
History: P.A. 80-227 substituted "probate bond" for "bond ... in such amount as it deems necessary to protect the estate of the respondent", effective July 1, 1981; P.A. 80-476 divided section into Subsecs. and reworded provisions; P.A. 84- 271 amended Subsec. (a) by authorizing the court to consider such other evidence as may be available and relevant including a summary of the physical and social functioning level or ability of the respondent and the availability of support services, and providing such evidence may include reports from certain agencies and professionals in the social work and public health field; Sec. 45-70d transferred to Sec. 45a-650 in 1991; P.A. 97-90 amended Subsec. (c) to permit court not to appoint conservator if it appears that person or affairs of person are being cared for properly without appointment of conservator and to make technical changes, and amended Subsec. (d) re considerations in making determination of whether to appoint conservator; P.A. 98-219 added Subsec. (g) re limitation of powers and duties of conservator of the person or conservator of the estate.
See Sec. 52-60 re appointment of probate judge as attorney for nonresident fiduciary.
Cited. 230 C. 828, 849.
Cited. 42 CA 70.
Cited. 44 CS 53, 54, 56, 57.
Subsec. (c):
Cited. 233 C. 44, 88.
Cited. 37 CA 137, 138, 141. Cited. 42 CA 70.
Subsec. (d):
Cited. 230 C. 828, 849.

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Sec. 45a-651. (Formerly Sec. 45-70g). Appointment of Commissioner of Social Services as conservator for certain persons with limited resources. Legal representation. (a)(1) If no suitable conservator can be found after due diligence and the court finds that the health or welfare of the respondent is in jeopardy, the Commissioner of Social Services shall accept appointment within available appropriations, as conservator of the estate of any respondent sixty years of age or older found incapable under sections 45a-644 to 45a-662, inclusive, of managing his or her affairs, whose liquid assets, excluding burial insurance in an amount up to one thousand five hundred dollars, do not exceed one thousand five hundred dollars at the time of such appointment. (2) If no suitable conservator can be found after due diligence and the court finds that the health or welfare of the respondent is in jeopardy, the Commissioner of Social Services shall accept appointment, within available appropriations, as conservator of the person, of any respondent sixty years of age or older found incapable under said sections of caring for himself or herself, whose liquid assets, excluding burial insurance in an amount up to one thousand five hundred dollars, do not exceed one thousand five hundred dollars at the time of such appointment.
(b) The Commissioner of Social Services may delegate any power, duty or function arising from the appointment of such commissioner as either conservator of the estate or of the person respectively, to an employee of the Department of Social Services.
(c) When so appointed, such commissioner or designees shall have all the powers and duties of a conservator as provided in sections 45a-644 to 45a-662, inclusive. The department may contract with any public or private agency or person to assist in the carrying out of the duties as conservator of the estate or the person.
(d) During the term of appointment of the Commissioner of Social Services as conservator, if a suitable person or legally qualified person, corporation or municipal or state official is found to replace such commissioner as conservator, such person, corporation or official may be appointed successor conservator subject to the approval of the court of probate.
(e) The Commissioner of Social Services shall adopt regulations in accordance with the provisions of chapter 54 setting forth the terms and conditions of the acceptance and the termination of appointment as conservator of the estate or person in accordance with this section.
(f) In any proceeding to appoint the Commissioner of Social Services as conservator, the court shall appoint an attorney to represent the person for whom such commissioner has been appointed conservator if such person is without legal representation.
(P.A. 84-271, S. 2; P.A. 88-206, S. 1; P.A. 93-262, S. 64, 87; P.A. 00-39, S. 1, 2.)
History: P.A. 88-206 authorized commissioner of human resources to accept appointment as conservator of the person in Subsec. (a), allowed the commissioner on aging and the commissioner of human resources to delegate their functions as conservators to an employee of their respective departments in Subsec. (b), made technical changes in Subsecs. (c), (d), (e) and (f) and required the appointment of legal representation when the person for whom a conservator has been appointed is without representation; Sec. 45-70g transferred to Sec. 45a-651 in 1991; P.A. 93-262 replaced references to commissioners and departments of human resources and aging with commissioner of social services, effective July 1, 1993; P.A. 00- 39 amended Subsec. (c) to make a technical change, deleted former Subsec. (f) re recovery from assets of the estate for services of commissioner as conservator and redesignated former Subsec. (g) as Subsec. (f), effective May 1, 2000.

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Sec. 45a-652. (Formerly Sec. 45-71a). Application for appointment of conservator of the estate. In the case of any application for the appointment of a conservator of the estate, as said terms are defined in section 45a-644, and, in the case of any application for involuntary representation, as defined in subsection (d) of section 45a-644, the application shall state that the respondent, as defined in subsection (e) of section 45a- 644, either is or is not, receiving such aid or care from the state, whichever is true, and a copy of each application which states the respondent is receiving such aid or care shall be sent by the court to the Commissioner of Administrative Services, in accordance with the provisions of subsection (a) of section 45a-649 or section 45a-646, as the case may be.
(P.A. 79-358, S. 2.)
History: Sec. 45-71a transferred to Sec. 45a-652 in 1991.

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Sec. 45a-653. (Formerly Sec. 45-73). Contracts and funds of alleged incapable person pending application for appointment of conservator. Notice of application. (a) If an application for the appointment of a conservator has been made, and if, while the application is pending, the applicant records a notice of the application with the town clerk of any town within which real property of the alleged incapable person is situated and with the town clerk of the town in which the alleged incapable person resides, any conveyance of such real property by such person and any contract made by such person between the time the notice of the application is recorded and the time of the adjudication of the court upon the application shall not be valid without the approval of the court.
(b) If, during the pendency of the application, the applicant lodges with any bank, trust company or other depositary a notice of the application, such bank, trust company or depositary shall not allow any funds of the alleged incapable person to be withdrawn, between the time the notice of the application is lodged and the time of the adjudication of the court upon the application, without the approval of the court.
(c) A notice recorded or lodged pursuant to this section shall state that an application for appointment of a conservator is pending and shall include the name of the alleged incapable person, the name of the applicant, the probate district in which the application is pending, and the date of application. The notice shall be signed and acknowledged by the applicant. The notice shall not include the allegation of facts on which the application is based.
(1949 Rev., S. 6876; P.A. 80-476, S. 135; P.A. 91-406, S. 18, 29; P.A. 94-111; P.A. 96-180, S. 124, 166.)
History: P.A. 80-476 divided section into Subsecs. and rephrased provisions; Sec. 45-73 transferred to Sec. 45a-653 in 1991; P.A. 91-406 confirmed the numbering of this section as Sec. 45a-653, thereby correcting a typographical error; P.A. 94-111 amended Subsecs. (a) and (b) by changing "an attested copy of one application" to "notice of the application" and added Subsec. (c) re contents of notice of application to be recorded or lodged pursuant to section; P.A. 96-180 made technical changes in Subsecs. (a) and (b), effective June 3, 1996.

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Sec. 45a-656. (Formerly Sec. 45-75a). Duties of conservator of the person. (a) The conservator of the person shall have: (1) The duty and responsibility for the general custody of the respondent; (2) the power to establish his or her place of abode within the state; (3) the power to give consent for his or her medical or other professional care, counsel, treatment or service; (4) the duty to provide for the care, comfort and maintenance of the ward; (5) the duty to take reasonable care of the respondent's personal effects; and (6) the duty to report at least annually to the probate court which appointed the conservator regarding the condition of the respondent. The preceding duties, responsibilities and powers shall be carried out within the limitations of the resources available to the ward, either through his own estate or through private or public assistance.
(b) The conservator of the person shall not have the power or authority to cause the respondent to be committed to any institution for the treatment of the mentally ill except under the provisions of sections 17a-75 to 17a-83, inclusive, 17a-456 to 17a-484, inclusive, 17a-495 to 17a-528, inclusive, 17a-540 to 17a-550, inclusive, 17a-560 to 17a- 576, inclusive, 17a-615 to 17a-618, inclusive, and 17a-621 to 17a-664, inclusive, and chapter 359.
(P.A. 77-446, S. 8; P.A. 80-476, S. 132; P.A. 94-27, S. 13, 17.)
History: P.A. 80-476 divided section into Subsecs. and rephrased provisions; Sec. 45-75a transferred to Sec. 45a-656 in 1991; P.A. 94-27 amended Subsec. (b) to delete reference to Secs. 17a-580 to 17a-603, inclusive, effective July 1, 1994.

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Sec. 45a-656a. Conservator of the estate of recipient of state supplement benefits. Duties. (a) Any conservator of the estate of a person who is a resident of a licensed residential care home, as defined in section 19a-490, where such conservator is payee on behalf of such person, shall, not later than ten business days after receipt of any income used for room and board, forward payment to the operator of the residential care home for the cost of room and board of such person.
(b) If any such conservator neglects to forward payment to the operator of the home within ten business days as required under subsection (a) of this section for two consecutive months, the operator of the home may petition the court of probate having jurisdiction for removal of the conservator. The court may, after notice and a hearing, remove such conservator.
(P.A. 97-73; 97-112, S. 2; P.A. 98-219, S. 28.)
History: P.A. 97-112 replaced "home for the aged" with "residential care home"; P.A. 98-219 deleted "home for the aged" and inserted "residential care home" and deleted "such benefit" and inserted "income used for room and board".

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Sec. 45a-657. (Formerly Sec. 45-75b). Court to resolve conflicts between conservators. If a person has both a conservator of the person and a conservator of the estate who are not the same person and a conflict arises between the two concerning the duties and responsibilities or authority of either, the matter shall be submitted to the court of probate which appointed the conservators. Upon hearing, the court shall order the course of action which in the court's discretion is in the best interests of the person under conservatorship.
(P.A. 77-446, S. 9; P.A. 80-476, S. 133.)
History: P.A. 80-476 rephrased provisions; Sec. 45-75b transferred to Sec. 45a-657 in 1991.

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Sec. 45a-658. (Formerly Sec. 45-74). Appointment or removal of conservator to be recorded on land records. (a) The court appointing a conservator of the property or person of any person who has been adjudged incapable and who owns real property in this state or any interest in such property or mortgage or lien on such property shall forthwith order the conservator to immediately record, in the land records of each town where the real property is situated, a certificate setting forth the name and residence of the person, the name of the conservator, the date of his appointment and the court by which the appointment was made. Upon the resignation or removal of the conservator, unless another conservator is immediately appointed by the same court to succeed him, the court shall forthwith order the conservator to record in the land records of each town where the real property is situated a certificate setting forth the name and residence of the person and of the conservator, the date of resignation or removal and the court in which the proceedings took place.
(b) The conservator shall record the notice pursuant to the order and, upon failure to do so within two months after the appointment, resignation or removal, shall be fined not more than fifty dollars.
(c) The record in the court of the appointment, resignation or removal of the conservator shall not be constructive notice of the incapacity or capacity of the owner of the real property or of an interest in real property or of a mortgage or lien on such property to make valid contracts relative to such property, until the certificate is recorded as provided in subsection (a) of this section.
(1949 Rev., S. 6877; P.A. 80-476, S. 134; P.A. 91-49, S. 5.)
History: P.A. 80-476 divided section into Subsecs. and rephrased provisions; Sec. 45-74 transferred to Sec. 45a-658 in 1991; P.A. 91-49 changed "incompetency or competency" to "incapacity or capacity".

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Sec. 45a-660. (Formerly Sec. 45-77). Termination of conservatorship. Review by court. (a)(1) If the court of probate having jurisdiction finds a ward to be capable of caring for himself or herself, the court shall, upon hearing and after notice, order that the conservatorship of the person be terminated. If the court finds upon hearing and after notice which the court prescribes, that a ward is capable of managing his or her own affairs, the court shall order that the conservatorship of the estate be terminated and that the remaining portion of his or her property be restored to the ward. (2) If the court finds upon hearing and after notice which the court prescribes, that a ward has no assets of any kind remaining except for that amount allowed by subsection (c) of section 17b-80, the court may order that the conservatorship of the estate be terminated. The court shall thereupon order distribution of the remaining assets to the conservator of the person or, if there is no conservator or the conservator declines or is unable to accept or the conservator is the Commissioner of Social Services, to some suitable person, to be determined by the court, to hold for the benefit of the ward, upon such conservator or person giving such probate bond, if any, as the court orders. (3) If any ward having a conservator dies, his or her property other than property which has accrued from the sale of his or her real property shall be delivered to his or her executor or administrator. The unexpended proceeds of his or her real property sold as aforesaid shall go into the hands of the executor or administrator, to be distributed as such real property would have been.
(b) (1) In any case under subsection (a) of this section the conservator shall file in the court his or her final account, and the court shall audit the account and allow the account if it is found to be correct. If the ward is living, the ward and his or her attorney, if any, shall be entitled to notice by regular mail of any hearing held on the final account. (2) The court of probate having jurisdiction shall send written notice annually to the ward and his or her attorney that the ward has a right to a hearing under this section. Upon receipt of request for such hearing the court shall set a time and date for the hearing, which date shall not be more than thirty days from the receipt of the application unless continued for cause shown.
(c) The court shall review each conservatorship at least every three years, and shall either continue, modify or terminate the order for conservatorship. The court shall receive and review written evidence as to the condition of the ward. The conservator, the attorney for the ward and a physician licensed to practice medicine in this state, shall each submit a written report to the court within forty-five days of the court's request for such report. If the ward is unable to request or obtain an attorney, the court shall appoint an attorney. If the ward is unable to pay for the services of the attorney, the reasonable compensation of such attorney shall be established by, and paid from funds appropriated to, the Judicial Department, however, if funds have not been included in the budget of the Judicial Department for such purposes, such compensation shall be established by the Probate Court Administrator and paid from the Probate Court Administration Fund. The physician shall examine the ward within the forty-five-day period preceding the date of submission of his report.
(d) If the court determines, after receipt of the reports from the attorney for the ward, the physician and the conservator, that there has been no change in the condition of the ward since the last preceding review by the court, a hearing on the condition of the ward shall not be required, but the court, in its discretion, may hold such hearing. If the attorney for the ward, the physician or conservator requests a hearing, the court shall hold a hearing within thirty days of such request.
(1949 Rev., S. 6880; 1967, P.A. 196, S. 1; P.A. 77-446, S. 12; P.A. 80-476, S. 137; P.A. 84-271, S. 7; P.A. 86-195, S. 2; P.A. 87-97; 87-565, S. 4; P.A. 91-71, S. 1; P.A. 93-262, S. 1, 87; P.A. 96-170, S. 18, 23; P.A. 97-90, S. 5, 6.)
History: 1967 act deleted requirement for "public notice", requiring only such notice as court prescribes; P.A. 77-446 rephrased provisions to distinguish between person's ability to care for himself and his ability to manage his affairs and added provision requiring that ward, if living, and his attorney be entitled to notice of any hearing on any final account; P.A. 80-476 rephrased provisions and substituted "property" for "estate"; P.A. 84-271 required the court of probate to send written notice annually to the ward or his or her attorney of the right to a hearing, to set a time and date for a hearing upon request, and to hold a hearing at least once in every five-year period; P.A. 86-195 added provision re notice of hearing once every five years by certified mail, return receipt requested, in lieu of personal service; P.A. 87-97 divided section into Subsecs. added provision re termination of conservatorship if ward has no remaining assets except for amount allowed under Subsec. (c) of Sec. 17-82d and distribution of such assets; P.A. 87-565 amended Subsec. (a) adding "if there is no conservator or the conservator declines or is unable to accept or the conservator is the commissioner of human resources"; Sec. 45a-77 transferred to Sec. 45a-660 in 1991; P.A. 91-71 amended Subsec. (b) by deleting language requiring that court hold hearing at least once in every five years in manner provided in Secs. 45a-649 and 45a-650, except notice may be by certified mail in lieu of personal service, and added Subsecs. (c) and (d) requiring conservatorship review hearings at least every three years, receipt and review of written evidence as to condition of ward, prepared by conservator, physician and attorney for ward, provided if court determines that there has been no change in the condition of ward since last review, no hearing shall be required, but the court, it is discretion, may hold such hearing or such hearing shall be held upon request of the attorney, physician or conservator; P.A. 93-262 authorized substitution of commissioner and department of social services for commissioner and department of human resources, effective July 1, 1993; in 1997 the reference in Subsec. (c) to "Probate Administration Fund" was changed editorially by the Revisors to "Probate Court Administration Fund" to conform section to Sec. 45a-82; P.A. 96-170 amended Subsec. (c) by changing funding of compensation of counsel from Probate Court Administration Fund to funds appropriated to Judicial Department, unless funds not included in budget of Judicial Department for such purpose, effective July 1, 1998; P.A. 97-90 revised effective date of P.A. 96-170 but without affecting this section.
Annotations to former section 45-77:
Failure of court to appoint successor to conservator who resigned and return of possession of property to ward held to terminate conservatorship. 113 C. 606. Cited. 192 C. 479, 483. Cited. 209 C. 260, 266.
Cited. 2 CA 251, 253.

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Sec. 45a-661. (Formerly Sec. 45-77a). Transfer of records upon removal of person under representation. When any person under voluntary or involuntary representation becomes a settled inhabitant of any town in the state in a probate district other than the one in which a conservator was appointed, and is an actual resident in such district, the court of probate in which the conservator was appointed shall, upon motion of the conservator, the first selectman or the chief executive officer of the town in which the person under conservatorship resides or of the husband or wife or a relative of the person under conservatorship, transfer the file to the probate district in which the person under conservatorship resides at the time of the application. A transfer of the file shall be accomplished by the probate court in which the conservator was originally appointed by making copies of all recorded documents in the court and certifying each of them and then causing them to be delivered to the court for the district in which the person under conservatorship resides. When the transfer is made, the court of probate in which the person under conservatorship resides at the time of transfer shall thereupon assume jurisdiction over the conservatorship and all further accounts shall be filed with such court.
(P.A. 77-446, S. 11; P.A. 80-476, S. 138.)
History: P.A. 80-476 made minor changes in wording; Sec. 45-77a transferred to Sec. 45a-661 in 1991.

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Sec. 45a-662. (Formerly Sec. 45-77b). Conveyance of property by order of court. The court of probate in which the conservator of any incapable person has been appointed may, concurrently with courts of equity, order such conservator to convey the interest of his ward in any real property which ought in equity to be conveyed to another person.
(P.A. 80-476, S. 139.)
History: Sec. 45-77b transferred to Sec. 45a-662 in 1991.
Annotation to former section 45-77b:
Cited. 208 C. 606, 618.

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Sec. 45a-663. Compensation of conservator if ward unable to pay. If a ward is unable to pay for the services of a conservator appointed pursuant to the provisions of sections 45a-593 to 45a-700, inclusive, the reasonable compensation of such conservator shall be paid from the Probate Court Administration Fund established under section 45a-82, pursuant to rules and regulations and at rates established by the Probate Court Administrator.
(P.A. 92-46, S. 1.)

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Secs. 45a-664 to 45a-667. Reserved for future use.
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PART V*
GUARDIANS OF MENTALLY RETARDED PERSONS

*Guardians of Mentally Retarded Persons Act, Sec. 45a-668 et seq. cited. 230 C. 828, 829.

Sec. 45a-668. (Formerly Sec. 45-320). Continuation of service of persons appointed as guardians or limited guardians of mentally retarded persons prior to October 1, 1982. Guardians of the property, and limited guardians of the property, of persons who are not minors and who are mentally retarded persons, appointed as such guardians or limited guardians under chapter 779a prior to October 1, 1982, shall serve on or after October 1, 1982, as conservators of the estates of such persons as if appointed conservators under the provisions of sections 45a-644 to 45a-662, inclusive, and in accordance with the provisions of said sections. Any guardian of the person or property of a minor person who is mentally retarded, appointed under chapter 779a, prior to October 1, 1982, may continue to serve as such guardian on or after October 1, 1982, as if appointed under and in accordance with the provisions of sections 45a-132, 45a- 593 to 45a-597, inclusive, 45a-603 to 45a-662, inclusive, 45a-629 to 45a-638, inclusive, relative to guardians of minors. Such guardianship shall terminate upon the minor reaching the age of eighteen. Continuation of the guardianship of the estate shall be by application made pursuant to the provisions of sections 45a-644 to 45a-662, inclusive. Continuation of the guardianship of the person shall be by application made pursuant to the provisions of sections 45a-668 to 45a-684, inclusive. Any guardian of the person of a mentally retarded person who is not a minor, appointed under chapter 779a prior to October 1, 1982, may continue to serve as such guardian after October 1, 1982. Upon filing of a periodic account by any guardian appointed under the provisions of chapter 779a, prior to October 1, 1982, the court shall require a probate bond in the same manner as under sections 45a-132, 45a-593 to 45a-597, inclusive, 45a-603 to 45a-622, inclusive, 45a-629 to 45a-638, inclusive, or 45a-644 to 45a-662, inclusive. Failure to furnish a probate bond or written acceptance of guardianship required under the provisions of said sections, shall be cause for termination of the continued service of the fiduciary provided for in this section.
(P.A. 82-337, S. 1.)
History: Sec. 45-320 transferred to Sec. 45a-668 in 1991.
See Sec. 17a-75 et seq., Sec. 17a-274 et seq. and Sec. 17a-456 et seq. re commitment of mentally ill persons.

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Sec. 45a-669. (Formerly Sec. 45-321). Definitions. For purposes of sections 45a- 668 to 45a-684, inclusive, the following terms shall have the following meanings:
(a) "Plenary guardian of a mentally retarded person" means a person, legally authorized state official, or private nonprofit corporation, except a hospital or nursing home as defined in section 19a-521, appointed by a court of probate pursuant to the provisions of sections 45a-668 to 45a-684, inclusive, to supervise all aspects of the care of an adult person, as enumerated in subsection (d) of section 45a-677, for the benefit of such adult, who by reason of the severity of his mental retardation, has been determined to be totally unable to meet essential requirements for his physical health or safety and totally unable to make informed decisions about matters related to his care.
(b) "Legally competent" means having the legal power to direct one's personal and financial affairs. All persons in this state eighteen years of age and over are legally competent unless determined otherwise by a court in accordance with the provisions of sections 45a-668 to 45a-684, inclusive, or unless otherwise provided by law.
(c) "Limited guardian of a mentally retarded person" means a person, legally authorized state official, or a private nonprofit corporation, except a hospital or nursing home as defined in section 19a-521, appointed by a court of probate pursuant to the provisions of sections 45a-668 to 45a-684, inclusive, to supervise certain specified aspects of the care of an adult person, as enumerated in subsection (d) of section 45a-677, for the benefit of such adult, who by reason of the severity of his mental retardation, has been determined to be able to do some, but not all, of the tasks necessary to meet essential requirements for his physical health or safety or to make some, but not all, informed decisions about matters related to his care.
(d) "Mentally retarded person" means a person who has a condition defined as mental retardation pursuant to section 1-1g.
(e) "Respondent" means an adult person for whom an application for guardianship or limited guardianship of the person has been filed.
(f) "Unable to meet essential requirements for his physical health or safety" means the inability through one's own efforts and through acceptance of assistance from family, friends and other available private and public sources, to meet one's needs for medical care, nutrition, clothing, shelter, hygiene or safety so that, in the absence of a guardian of the mentally retarded person serious physical injury, illness or disease is likely to occur.
(g) "Unable to make informed decisions about matters related to one's care" means the inability of a mentally retarded person to achieve a rudimentary understanding, after conscientious efforts at explanation, of information necessary to make decisions about his need for physical or mental health care, food, clothing, shelter, hygiene, protection from physical abuse or harm, or other care.
(h) "Ward" means a person for whom a guardianship is granted under sections 45a- 668 to 45a-684, inclusive.
(P.A. 82-337, S. 2; P.A. 86-323, S. 1.)
History: P.A. 86-323 substituted (1) "plenary guardian" for "guardian", (2) "all aspects of care of an adult person as enumerated in Subsec. (d) of Sec. 45-329 for the benefit of such adult" for "the care of an adult person" and (3) the definition of "unable to meet essential requirements for his physical health or safety" for "unable to care for one's self"; Sec. 45-321 transferred to Sec. 45a-669 in 1991.
Cited. 230 C. 828, 829.
Subdiv. (a):
Cited. 230 C. 828, 837.
Subdiv. (c):
Cited. 230 C. 828, 837.

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Sec. 45a-670. (Formerly Sec. 45-322). Application for guardianship. An application for guardianship may be filed by the court on its own motion or by any adult person. The application and all records of Probate Court proceedings held as a result of the filing of such application, except for the name of any guardian of the respondent, shall be sealed and shall be made available only to the respondent or the respondent's counsel or guardian, and to the Commissioner of Mental Retardation or the commissioner's designee, unless the Probate Court, after hearing held with notice to the respondent or the respondent's counsel or guardian, and to the commissioner or the commissioner's designee, determines that such application and records should be disclosed for cause shown. An application filed by the court on its own motion shall contain a statement of the facts on which the court bases its motion, and such statement of facts shall be included in any notice to the respondent. Any other application filed shall allege that a respondent, by reason of the severity of the respondent's mental retardation is unable to meet essential requirements for the respondent's physical health and safety and unable to make informed decisions about matters relating to the respondent's care. Such application shall be filed in the court of probate in the district in which the respondent resides or is domiciled. Such application shall state: (1) Whether there is, in any jurisdiction, a guardian, limited guardian, or conservator for the respondent; (2) the extent of the respondent's inability to meet essential requirements for the respondent's physical health or safety, and the extent of the respondent's inability to make informed decisions about matters related to the respondent's care; (3) any other facts upon which guardianship is sought; and (4) in the case of a limited guardianship, the specific areas of protection and assistance required for the respondent.
(P.A. 82-337, S. 3; P.A. 86-323, S. 2; P.A. 00-22, S. 2.)
History: P.A. 86-323 added provision permitting court to file an application for guardianship on its own motion, and requiring such motion to contain statement of facts on which court bases its motion, substituted "unable to meet essential requirements for his physical health and safety" for "incapable of caring for himself" and added requirement that application of guardianship shall contain "any other facts upon which guardianship is sought"; Sec. 45-322 transferred to Sec. 45a- 670 in 1991; P.A. 00-22 made technical changes and added provisions re disclosure of the application and records of Probate Court proceedings.
Annotation to former section 45-322:
Cited. 9 CA 413, 414, 420−424.
Annotations to present section:
Cited. 240 C. 766.

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Sec. 45a-671. (Formerly Sec. 45-323). Hearing. Notice requirements. (a) Within forty-five days of filing such application in the Court of Probate, such court shall assign a time and place for hearing such application. Notwithstanding the provisions of section 45a-7, the court may hold the hearing on said application at a place within the state other than its usual courtroom if it would facilitate the presence of the respondent. Such court shall cause a citation and notice to be served upon the respondent by personal service made by a state marshal, constable or an indifferent person not less than seven days prior to such hearing date.
(b) The court shall direct notice by certified mail to the following: (1) The parents of the respondent, provided the parents are not the applicants; (2) the spouse of the respondent, provided the spouse is not the applicant; (3) children of the respondent, if any; (4) the person in charge of the hospital, nursing home, residential facility or other institution in which the respondent may reside.
(c) The court shall order such notice as it directs to the following: (1) The applicant; (2) the siblings of the respondent or their representatives, if the respondent has no living parents, and spouse or children of the respondent.
(d) The court in its discretion may order such notice as it directs to other persons having an interest in the respondent.
(P.A. 82-337, S. 4; P.A. 84-294, S. 5; P.A. 86-323, S. 3; P.A. 00-99, S. 87, 154.)
History: P.A. 84-294 changed notice requirement from "within" to "not less than" seven days prior to hearing date; P.A. 86-323 substituted notice by certified mail to person in charge of hospital, nursing home or other institution in which respondent may reside in lieu of personal service and required court to notify spouse or children of the respondent; Sec. 45-323 transferred to Sec. 45a-671 in 1991; P.A. 00-99 replaced reference to sheriff and deputy sheriff with state marshal in Subsec. (a), effective December 1, 2000.
Annotations to former section 45-323:
Subsec. (b):
Cited. 9 CA 413, 422.
Annotations to present section:
Subsec. (a):
Cited. 230 C. 828, 830, 840, 846, 852.

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Sec. 45a-672. (Formerly Sec. 45-324). Notice of hearing. The notice required by subsection (a) of section 45a-671 shall inform such respondent of (1) whether the guardianship sought is a plenary or a limited guardianship and that the court, notwithstanding which type of guardianship is sought, may appoint a plenary guardian or a limited guardian of the mentally retarded person with such limitations as the court determines; (2) the legal consequences of both plenary and limited guardianships; (3) the facts alleged in the application and the limitations on the guardian's authority, if any, specifically applied for; and (4) the right to be represented by counsel.
(P.A. 82-337, S. 5; P.A. 86-323, S. 4.)
History: P.A. 86-323 substituted "plenary guardian" for "unlimited guardian"; Sec. 45-324 transferred to Sec. 45a-672 in 1991.

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Sec. 45a-673. (Formerly Sec. 45-325). Appointment of counsel. Payment of cost for indigent persons. Unless the respondent is represented by counsel, the court shall immediately appoint counsel for the respondent. If the respondent is indigent or otherwise unable to pay for counsel, the cost for such counsel shall be established by, and paid from funds appropriated to, the Judicial Department, however, if funds have not been included in the budget of the Judicial Department for such purposes, such compensation shall be established by the Probate Court Administrator and paid from the Probate Court Administration Fund.
(P.A. 82-337, S. 6; P.A. 90-31, S. 7, 9; P.A. 96-170, S. 19, 23; P.A. 97-90, S. 5, 6.)
History: P.A. 90-31 changed payment of compensation of counsel from funds appropriated to the judicial department to the probate administration fund in an amount established by the probate court administrator; Sec. 45-325 transferred to Sec. 45a-673 in 1991; P.A. 96-170 changed funding of compensation of counsel from Probate Court Administration Fund to funds appropriated to Judicial Department, unless funds not included in budget of Judicial Department for such purpose, effective July 1, 1998; P.A. 97-90 revised effective date of P.A. 96-170 but without affecting this section.

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Sec. 45a-674. (Formerly Sec. 45-326). Hearing for appointment of guardian. Evidence. Report by mental retardation assessment team. Cross-examination of witnesses. Payment of fees for assessment team. At any hearing for appointment of a plenary guardian or limited guardian of the mentally retarded person, the court shall receive evidence as to the condition of the respondent, including a written report or testimony by a Department of Mental Retardation assessment team appointed by the Commissioner of Mental Retardation or his designee, no member of which is related by blood, marriage or adoption to either the applicant or the respondent and each member of which has personally observed or examined the respondent within forty-five days next preceding such hearing. The assessment team shall be comprised of at least three representatives from among appropriate disciplines having expertise in the evaluation of persons alleged to be mentally retarded. The assessment team members shall make their report on a form provided for that purpose by the Office of the Probate Court Administrator and shall answer questions on such form as fully and completely as possible. The report shall contain specific information regarding the severity of the mental retardation of the respondent and those specific areas, if any, in which he needs the supervision and protection of a guardian, and shall state upon the form the reasons for such opinions. The applicant, respondent or his counsel shall have the right to present evidence and cross-examine witnesses who testify at any hearing on the application. If such respondent or his counsel notifies the court not less than three days before the hearing that he wishes to cross-examine the witnesses, the court shall order such witnesses to appear. The fees for such assessment team shall be paid from funds appropriated to the Department of Mental Retardation.
(P.A. 82-337, S. 7; P.A. 86-323, S. 5.)
History: P.A. 86-323 substituted "plenary guardian" for "guardian of the mentally retarded person", substituted an examination by department of mental retardation assessment team in lieu of physician and psychologist, and required examination within forty-five days of hearing, and replaced previous provisions re payment of fees by petitioner or mental retardation department if petitioner is indigent with new provision; Sec. 45-326 transferred to Sec. 45a-674 in 1991; (Revisor's note: In 1997 a reference to "Commissioner of the Department of Mental Retardation" was replaced editorially by the Revisors with "Commissioner of Mental Retardation" for consistency with customary statutory usage).

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Sec. 45a-675. (Formerly Sec. 45-327). Right of respondent to be at hearing. The respondent shall be present at any hearing for his guardianship, provided the court may exclude him from such portions of the hearing at which testimony is given which the court determines would be seriously detrimental to his emotional or mental condition. Any person having knowledge that the respondent is or will be medicated at that time, shall inform the court of such fact and to the extent he knows the same, shall inform the court of the common effects of such medication.
(P.A. 82-337, S. 8.)
History: Sec. 45-327 transferred to Sec. 45a-675 in 1991.
Cited. 230 C. 828, 830, 834, 838−841, 845, 847.

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Sec. 45a-678. (Formerly Sec. 45-330). Removal of plenary or limited guardian. Any plenary guardian or limited guardian of the mentally retarded person serving in accordance with the provisions of sections 45a-668 to 45a-684, inclusive, may be removed by the court of probate which appointed such guardian and another person appointed guardian of the mentally retarded person if the court of probate making such appointment, after notice and hearing as required in section 45a-671, finds such removal and appointment of a new plenary guardian or limited guardian of the mentally retarded person to be in the best interest of the respondent. In the event an application for removal has been filed under this section, the attorney of record for the respondent shall have access to all of the records of the respondent.
(P.A. 82-337, S. 11; P.A. 86-323, S. 8.)
History: P.A. 86-323 substituted "plenary guardian" for "guardian of the mentally retarded person"; Sec. 45-330 transferred to Sec. 45a-678 in 1991.

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Sec. 45a-679. (Formerly Sec. 45-331). Conflicts between plenary guardian, limited guardian, conservator of the estate or person and temporary conservator to be resolved by Probate Court. If a ward has both a plenary guardian or limited guardian of the mentally retarded person and a conservator of the estate or person or a temporary conservator who are not the same person and a conflict arises between the two concerning the duties and responsibilities or authority of either, the matter shall be submitted to the court of probate making the appointment of such guardian or conservator and such court shall, after a hearing, order the course of action which in its discretion is in the best interest of the ward.
(P.A. 82-337, S. 12; P.A. 86-323, S. 9.)
History: P.A. 86-323 substituted "ward" for person and "plenary guardian" for "guardian of the mentally retarded person", and added "or person or a temporary conservator"; Sec. 45-331 transferred to Sec. 45a-679 in 1991.

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Sec. 45a-680. (Formerly Sec. 45-332). Appointment of standby plenary guardian or standby limited guardian. Probate bond. Duties. Confirmation by court. Whenever a court of probate appoints a plenary guardian or limited guardian of the mentally retarded person, such court may appoint a standby plenary guardian or a standby limited guardian of the mentally retarded person. Such standby shall act if the appointed plenary guardian or limited guardian of the mentally retarded person dies, becomes incapable, or renounces his plenary guardianship or limited guardianship. The standby plenary guardian or standby limited guardian shall immediately inform the court of probate which has jurisdiction over such guardianship of his assumption of the guardianship and the reason therefor. The standby guardian, in the event of the guardian's death, incapacity or renunciation, shall, upon furnishing a probate bond if such a bond had been required from the plenary guardian or limited guardian whose duties are being assumed, but without further proceedings, be empowered to assume the duties of his office immediately upon the death or adjudication of incompetency of the plenary guardian of the person or limited guardian of the person of the mentally retarded person, subject only to confirmation of his appointment by the court of probate within sixty days following assumption of his duties of office.
(P.A. 82-337, S. 13; P.A. 86-323, S. 10.)
History: P.A. 86-323 substituted "plenary guardian" for "guardian of the mentally retarded person" and added provision requiring standby plenary guardian and standby limited guardian to inform court of assumption of guardianship and reason therefor; Sec. 45-332 transferred to Sec. 45a-680 in 1991.
Cited. 230 C. 828, 832.

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Sec. 45a-681. (Formerly Sec. 45-333). Review of guardianship or limited guardianship of mentally retarded person by court. (a) The court shall review each guardianship of the mentally retarded person or limited guardianship of the mentally retarded person at least every three years and shall either continue, modify or terminate the order for guardianship. The court shall receive and review written evidence as to the condition of the ward. The guardian, the attorney for the ward and a Department of Mental Retardation professional or, if requested by the ward or by the court, an assessment team appointed by the Commissioner of Mental Retardation or his designee shall each submit a written report to the court within forty-five days of the court's request for such report. If the ward is unable to request or obtain an attorney, the court shall appoint an attorney for the ward. If the ward is unable to pay for the services of the attorney, the reasonable compensation of such attorney shall be established by, and paid from funds appropriated to, the Judicial Department; however, if funds have not been included in the budget of the Judicial Department for such purposes, such compensation shall be established by the Probate Court Administrator and paid from the Probate Court Administration Fund. The Department of Mental Retardation professional or assessment team shall personally observe or examine the ward within the forty-five-day period preceding the date of submission of its report.
(b) If the court determines, after receipt of the reports from the attorney for the ward, the Department of Mental Retardation professional or assessment team and the guardian, that there has been no change in the condition of the ward since the last preceding review by the court, a hearing on the condition of the ward shall not be required, but the court, in its discretion, may hold such hearing. If the attorney for the ward, the Department of Mental Retardation professional or assessment team or the guardian requests a hearing, the court shall hold a hearing within thirty days of such request. No order expanding or reducing the powers and responsibilities of a guardian shall be issued unless such hearing is held.
(P.A. 82-337, S. 14; P.A. 91-71, S. 2; P.A. 96-170, S. 20, 23; P.A. 97-90, S. 5, 6; P.A. 98-250, S. 2, 39.)
History: Sec. 45-333 transferred to Sec. 45a-681 in 1991; P.A. 91-71 divided section into Subsecs. (a) and (b), deleted language requiring that court hold hearing pursuant to Secs. 45a-671 to 45a-677, inclusive, deleted language prohibiting expansion of powers and responsibilities of guardian unless hearing is held, and added provision (1) requiring receipt and review of written evidence as to condition of ward, prepared by conservator, attorney for ward and a department of mental retardation assessment team, provided if court determines that there has been no change in the conditions of ward since last review, no hearing shall be required, but the court, in its discretion, may hold such hearing or such hearing shall be held upon request of the attorney, conservator or the department of mental retardation assessment team and (2) prohibiting expansion or reduction of powers and responsibilities of guardian unless such hearing is held; (Revisor's note: In 1997 a reference in Subsec. (a) to "Probate Administration Fund" was changed editorially by the Revisors to "Probate Court Administration Fund" to conform section to Sec. 45a-82); P.A. 96-170 amended Subsec. (a) by changing funding of compensation of counsel from Probate Court Administration Fund to funds appropriated to Judicial Department, unless funds not included in budget of Judicial Department for such purpose, effective July 1, 1998; P.A. 97-90 revised effective date of P.A. 96-170 but without affecting this section; P.A. 98-250 added "professional" to "assessment team" and required request by the ward or the court for an assessment team report, effective July 1, 1998.

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Sec. 45a-682. (Formerly Sec. 45-334). Application for temporary limited guardian. Notice and hearing. Appointment. (a) An application for a temporary limited guardian may be filed by any interested party alleging that the respondent is in need of elective surgical, medical or dental procedures or treatment involving the use of general anesthesia, and that by reason of the severity of his mental retardation, he is unable to give informed consent to such treatment. Such application shall include two certificates, one signed by a physician licensed to practice medicine or surgery in this state, and one signed by a licensed psychologist stating that each has, within thirty days prior to the filing of the application, examined the respondent and in his opinion (1) the respondent's condition renders him incapable of giving informed consent to said procedure and (2) without such treatment, the respondent will suffer deterioration of his physical or mental health or serious discomfort.
(b) Immediately upon receipt of the application, the court shall order such notice of the application and the date and time of hearing as it may direct to the respondent, his parents or spouse, if any, and to the office of protection and advocacy. A hearing shall be held promptly taking into consideration the condition of the respondent. If after hearing, the court finds that the respondent by reason of the severity of his mental retardation is incapable of giving informed consent to such procedure, and that the respondent will suffer deterioration of his physical or mental health or serious discomfort if such procedure and/or treatment is not ordered, the court may appoint a temporary limited guardian for the purpose of consenting to such procedure and/or treatment. In making such appointment the court shall give preference to the parent, next of kin or other person whom the court deems proper. The court may appoint the Commissioner of Mental Retardation, or his designee to serve in such capacity if it is unable to find a suitable guardian. The appointment shall not be valid for more than sixty days. A temporary limited guardian shall be subject to all limitations set forth in section 45a-677.
(P.A. 82-337, S. 15; P.A. 85-523, S. 8, 9; P.A. 86-323, S. 11.)
History: P.A. 85-523 amended Subsec. (b) increasing duration of appointment of a temporary limited guardian from not more than thirty days to not more than sixty days; P.A. 86-323 deleted "immediate" before "deterioration" and added "or serious discomfort" in description of respondent's condition and required that hearings be held promptly taking respondent's condition into consideration; Sec. 45-334 transferred to Sec. 45a-682 in 1991.

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Sec. 45a-683. (Formerly Sec. 45-335). Immunity from civil liability of plenary guardian, temporary limited guardian or limited guardian of a mentally retarded person. Any plenary guardian of a mentally retarded person, temporary limited guardian or limited guardian of a mentally retarded person who acts in good faith or pursuant to order of a court of probate pursuant to the provisions of sections 45a-668 to 45a-684, inclusive, shall be immune from civil liability, except that such immunity shall not extend to gross negligence.
(P.A. 82-337, S. 16; P.A. 86-323, S. 12.)
History: P.A. 86-323 applied provisions specifically to "plenary" guardians; Sec. 45-335 transferred to Sec. 45a-683 in 1991.

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Sec. 45a-684. (Formerly Sec. 45-336). Payment of expenses and fees of proceeding for appointment of guardian of mentally retarded person. All fees and expenses incurred under sections 45a-668 to 45a-684, inclusive, except as otherwise provided, shall be paid pursuant to subsections (i) and (j) of section 45a-105.
(P.A. 82-337, S. 17.)
History: Sec. 45-336 transferred to Sec. 45a-684 in 1991.

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Secs. 45a-685 to 45a-689. Reserved for future use.

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PART VI
STERILIZATION

Sec. 45a-690. (Formerly Sec. 45-78p). Definitions. For purposes of sections 45a- 690 to 45a-700, inclusive:
(a) "Sterilization" means a surgical or other medical procedure, the purpose of which is to render an individual permanently incapable of procreating;
(b) "Informed consent" means consent that is (1) based upon an understanding of the nature and consequences of sterilization; (2) given by a person competent to make such a decision, and (3) wholly voluntary and free from coercion, express or implied;
(c) "Institution" means a state school or hospital or other residential facility operated or leased by the state of Connecticut;
(d) "Best interest" shall include all of the following factors: (1) Less drastic alternative contraceptive methods have proved unworkable or inapplicable, (2) the individual is physiologically sexually mature, (3) there is no evidence of infertility, (4) the individual has the capability and a reasonable opportunity for sexual activity, (5) the individual is unable to understand reproduction or contraception and there exists the likely permanence of that inability, (6) the physical or emotional inability to care for the child, (7) the proponents of the sterilization are seeking sterilization in good faith and their primary concern is for the best interests of the respondent rather than their own convenience or the convenience of the public and (8) in the case of females, procreation would endanger the life or severely impair the health of the individual.
(P.A. 79-543, S. 1, 14; P.A. 82-199, S. 1; P.A. 99-84, S. 6.)
History: P.A. 82-199 amended definition of "best interest" to include sexual maturity, no evidence of infertility, inability to understand reproduction or contraception, inability to care for child and good faith and best interest of respondent as primary concern; Sec. 45-78p transferred to Sec. 45a-690 in 1991; P.A. 99-84 amended definition of "sterilization" in Subsec. (a) by adding "or other medical" after "surgical" and adding "permanently" before "incapable of procreating".

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Sec. 45a-691. (Formerly Sec. 45-78q). Sterilization. Requirements. Determination of ability to give informed consent. No person shall undergo sterilization unless such person has attained the age of eighteen years and has given informed consent, in writing, to such sterilization. Whenever any physician has reason to believe a person eighteen years or over is unable to give informed consent, or when a person is in a state institution, no such sterilization shall be performed until it is determined by a probate court that the person involved is able to and has given informed consent. Whenever the court determines, under the provisions of sections 45a-690 to 45a-700, inclusive, that a person has not given informed consent, or whenever a person is under a guardianship or conservatorship, the court shall permit sterilization only upon showing that such operation or procedure is in the best interest of the person.
(P.A. 79-543, S. 2, 14.)
History: Sec. 45-78q transferred to Sec. 45a-691 in 1991.

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Sec. 45a-692. (Formerly Sec. 45-78r). Application for determination of ability to give informed consent to sterilization. An application for a determination of a person's ability to give informed consent to a sterilization procedure may be filed by the person seeking sterilization, the attending physician of the person seeking sterilization, by the director of the institution, or by an interested party and shall state the reason for seeking such determination. Such application shall be filed in the court of probate in the district in which the respondent resides or is domiciled. The application and all records of probate court proceedings held as a result of the filing of such application, except for the name of any guardian of the respondent, shall be sealed and shall be made available only to the respondent or the respondent's counsel or guardian, and to the Commissioner of Mental Retardation or the commissioner's designee, unless the Probate Court, after hearing held with notice to the respondent or the respondent's counsel or guardian, and to the commissioner or the commissioner's designee, determines that such application and records should be disclosed for cause shown.
(P.A. 79-543, S. 3, 14; P.A. 00-22, S. 3.)
History: Sec. 45-78r transferred to Sec. 45a-692 in 1991; P.A. 00-22 made a technical change and added provisions re disclosure of the application and records of Probate Court proceedings.

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Sec. 45a-693. (Formerly Sec. 45-78s). Hearing. Notice. Upon such application for a determination of ability to give informed consent, such court shall assign a time, not later than thirty days thereafter, and a place for hearing such application. Any hearing held under this section shall be pursuant to sections 51-72 and 51-73. Notwithstanding the provisions of section 45a-7, the court may hold the hearing on said application at a place within the state other than the usual courtroom if it would facilitate the presence of the respondent. Such court shall cause a citation and notice to be served on the following parties at least seven days prior to such hearing date. (1) The court shall direct personal service be made by a state marshal, constable or indifferent person upon the respondent and if the respondent is in the hospital, nursing home, state school or some other institution, in addition to the respondent, upon the chief executive, officer or administrator in such hospital, nursing home, state school or other institution. (2) The court shall order such notice as it directs to the following: (A) The parents of the respondent, if any, (B) the spouse of the respondent, if any, (C) the siblings of such applicant, if any, if the respondent has no living parents, (D) the office of protection and advocacy, and (E) such other persons as the court may determine have interest in the respondent.
(P.A. 79-543, S. 4, 14; P.A. 82-199, S. 2; P.A. 00-99, S. 88, 154.)
History: P.A. 82-199 required that hearings be held pursuant to Secs. 51-72 and 51-73; Sec. 45-78s transferred to Sec. 45a-693 in 1991; P.A. 00-99 replaced reference to sheriff and deputy sheriff with state marshal, effective December 1, 2000.

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Sec. 45a-694. (Formerly Sec. 45-78t). Appointment of counsel to represent respondent. Compensation. Upon such application for a determination of an individual's ability to give informed consent to sterilization being filed, the court shall appoint legal counsel to represent any respondent who has not selected a counsel to represent such respondent in response to the application. Such legal counsel shall be from a panel of attorneys admitted to practice in this state provided by the Probate Court Administrator in accordance with regulations promulgated by the Probate Court Administrator in accordance with section 45a-77. In establishing such panel, the Probate Court Administrator shall seek recommendations from the Office of Protection and Advocacy, which may be included in such panel. The reasonable compensation of an appointed legal counsel shall be established by the court. Such compensation shall be charged to the respondent provided, if the court finds such respondent is unable to pay such compensation, it shall be paid from the Probate Court Administration Fund.
(P.A. 79-543, S. 5, 14; P.A. 93-262, S. 1, 87; P.A. 00-166, S. 1.)
History: Sec. 45-78t transferred to Sec. 45a-694 in 1991; P.A. 93-262 authorized substitution of commissioner and department of social services for commissioner and department of human resources, effective July 1, 1993; P.A. 00-166 made a technical change, deleted provision re recommendation of the Department of Consumer Protection and changed payment for compensation of legal counsel from funds appropriated to the Department of Social Services to the Probate Court Administration Fund.

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Sec. 45a-695. (Formerly Sec. 45-78u). Evidence re ability of respondent to give informed consent. Reports by panel members appointed by court. Right of respondent to present evidence and cross-examine witnesses. At any hearing upon such application, the court shall receive evidence concerning the respondent's ability to give informed consent. Such evidence shall include, but shall not be limited to, reports in writing signed under penalty of false statement from an interdisciplinary team of at least three impartial panel members appointed by the court from a panel of physicians, psychologists, educators, social and residential workers who have personally observed, examined or worked with such respondent at some time during the twelve months preceding such hearing. Such appointments shall be made in accordance with regulations to be promulgated by the Probate Court Administrator in accordance with section 45a- 77. The reasonable compensation of such appointed panel members shall be established by the court. Such compensation shall be charged to the respondent provided, if the court finds such respondent is unable to pay such compensation, it shall be paid from the Probate Court Administration Fund. Each such appointed panel member shall make his or her written report under penalty of false statement on a separate form provided for that purpose by the court and shall answer such questions as may be set forth on such form as fully and completely as reasonably possible. The reports shall contain specific information regarding the respondent's ability to give informed consent and shall indicate the specific aspects of informed consent which the respondent lacks. Each such appointed panel member shall state upon the forms the reasons for his or her opinion. Such respondent or his or her counsel shall have the right to present evidence and cross-examine witnesses who testify at any hearing on the application. If such respondent or his or her counsel notifies the court not less than three days before the hearing that he or she wishes to cross-examine the appointed panel members, the court shall order such members to appear.
(P.A. 79-543, S. 6, 14; P.A. 89-144, S. 14; P.A. 99-84, S. 30; P.A. 00-166, S. 2.)
History: P.A. 89-144 substituted office of protection and advocacy for persons with disabilities for office of protection and advocacy for handicapped and developmentally disabled persons; Sec. 45-78u transferred to Sec. 45a-695 in 1991; P.A. 99-84 deleted "sworn" and inserted "signed under penalty of false statement"; P.A. 00-166 deleted provision that required Office of Protection and Advocacy for Persons with Disabilities to provide panel, changed provision for payment of compensation of panel from funds appropriated to advocacy office to Probate Court Administration Fund and changed responsibility for forms from advocacy office to probate court.

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Sec. 45a-696. (Formerly Sec. 45-78v). Respondent to be present at hearing on ability to give informed consent to sterilization. The respondent shall be present at any hearing regarding his or her ability to give informed consent to sterilization. The court shall inquire at the time of hearing as to the types and effects of any medication being administered to or taken by the respondent.
(P.A. 79-543, S. 7, 14.)
History: Sec. 45-78v transferred to Sec. 45a-696 in 1991.

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Sec. 45a-697. (Formerly Sec. 45-78w). Informed consent. Refusal of sterilization. If the court does not find that the respondent is able to give informed consent, such court shall retain its jurisdiction and shall determine whether such sterilization is in the best interest of the respondent. Notwithstanding the finding of the court, the respondent can refuse sterilization, provided the court concludes that the respondent understands the nature and consequences of such refusal.
(P.A. 79-543, S. 8, 14.)
History: Sec. 45-78w transferred to Sec. 45a-697 in 1991.

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Sec. 45a-698. (Formerly Sec. 45-78x). Application by guardian or conservator for consent to sterilization. Whenever sterilization is sought of a person under guardianship or conservatorship, application for consent to sterilization shall be filed in Probate Court by the guardian, conservator or other interested party. Notification and appointment of legal counsel shall be carried out pursuant to sections 45a-693 and 45a- 694. The individual for whom sterilization is sought shall be present at the hearing unless the court, for good cause shown, shall excuse such attendance.
(P.A. 79-543, S. 9, 14.)
History: Sec. 45-78x transferred to Sec. 45a-698 in 1991.

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Sec. 45a-699. (Formerly Sec. 45-78y). Hearing. Evidence. Grounds for sterilization. (a) The court shall hear medical, social, educational, residential and psychological evidence including but not limited to testimony of the panel appointed under section 45a-695, as to whether such sterilization is in the best interest of the individual. The respondent or his counsel shall have the right to present evidence and cross-examine witnesses who testify at the hearing.
(b) The court shall give its consent to sterilization only if it finds by clear and convincing evidence that such operation or procedure is in the best interests of the individual and shall furnish findings to support its conclusion.
(P.A. 79-543, S. 10, 14; P. A. 82-199, S. 3.)
History: P.A. 82-199 added provision specifying evidence shall include but not be limited to testimony of panel appointed under Sec. 45-78u; Sec. 45-78y transferred to Sec. 45a-699 in 1991.

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Sec. 45a-700. (Formerly Sec. 45-78z). Surgical or other medical procedures which may result in sterilization. Nothing in sections 45a-690 to 45a-700, inclusive, shall limit surgical or other medical procedures which are medically indicated and which may result in sterilization. A hysterectomy shall not be performed for the purpose of sterilization or for the purpose of hygiene and sanitary care of a female's menses.
(P.A. 79-543, S. 11, 14; P.A. 99-84, S. 7.)
History: Sec. 45-78z transferred to Sec. 45a-700 in 1991; P.A. 99-84 added "or other medical" after "surgical".

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Secs. 45a-701 to 45a-705. Reserved for future use.

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CHAPTER 802h*PROTECTED PERSONS AND THEIR PROPERTY

PART I*PROTECTED PERSONS IN GENERAL

PART II*GUARDIANS OF THE PERSON OF A MINOR

PART III*GUARDIANS OF THE ESTATE OF A MINOR

PART IV*CONSERVATORS

PART V*GUARDIANS OF MENTALLY RETARDED PERSONS