CHAPTER 802h
PROTECTED PERSONS AND THEIR PROPERTY

PART I
PROTECTED PERSONS IN GENERAL

      Sec. 45a-593. (Formerly Sec. 45-58). Administrator of Veterans' Affairs or successor to be a party in interest. Notice. (a) The Administrator of Veterans' Affairs, created by Act of the Congress of the United States, or the administrator's 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 the administrator's successor, shall be an interested party in the administration of the estate of any ward or conserved person 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 a 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; P.A. 07-116, S. 8.)

      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; P.A. 07-116 added reference to "conserved person" in Subsec. (b) and made technical changes.

      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, conserved person or other incapable person, 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, conserved person or incapable person, or on the life of a person in whose life the ward, conserved person or incapable person has an insurable interest. Any such policy or contract shall be the sole property of the ward, conserved person or incapable person whose funds are invested in it.

      (1949, S. 2903d; P.A. 80-476, S. 103; P.A. 07-116, S. 9.)

      History: P.A. 80-476 made minor changes in wording; Sec. 45-59 transferred to Sec. 45a-595 in 1991; P.A. 07-116 added references to conserved person, and added reference to other incapable person.

PART II
GUARDIANS OF THE PERSON OF A MINOR

      Sec. 45a-607. (Formerly Sec. 45-44). Temporary custody of minor pending application to probate court for removal of guardian or termination of parental rights. (a) When application has been made for the removal of one or both parents as guardians or of any other guardian of the person of a minor child, or when an application has been made for the termination of the parental rights of any parties who may have parental rights with regard to any minor child, or when, in any proceeding the court has reasonable grounds to believe that any minor child has no guardian of his or her person, the court of probate in which the proceeding is pending may issue an order awarding temporary custody of the minor child to a person other than the parent or guardian, with or without the parent's or guardian's consent, but such order may only be issued in accordance with the provisions of this section.

      (b) In the case of a minor child in the custody of the parent or other guardian, no application for custody of such minor child may be granted ex parte, except in accordance with subdivision (2) of this subsection. In the case of a minor child in the custody of a person other than the parent or guardian, no application for custody may be granted ex parte, except in accordance with subdivisions (1) to (3), inclusive, of this subsection.

      (1) An application for immediate temporary custody shall be accompanied by an affidavit made by the custodian of such minor child under penalty of false statement, stating the circumstances under which such custody was obtained, the length of time the affiant has had custody and specific facts which would justify the conclusion that determination cannot await the hearing required by subsection (c) of this section. Upon such application, the court may grant immediate temporary custody to the affiant or some other suitable person if the court finds that: (A) The minor child was not taken or kept from the parent, parents or guardian, and (B) there is a substantial likelihood that the minor child will be removed from the jurisdiction prior to a hearing under subsection (c) of this section, or (C) to return the minor child to the parent, parents or guardian would place the minor child in circumstances which would result in serious physical illness or injury, or the threat thereof, or imminent physical danger prior to a hearing under subsection (c) of this section.

      (2) In the case of a minor child who is hospitalized as a result of serious physical illness or serious physical injury, an application for immediate temporary custody shall contain a certificate signed by two physicians licensed to practice medicine in this state stating that (A) the minor child is in need of immediate medical or surgical treatment, the delay of which would be life threatening, (B) the parent, parents or guardian of the minor child refuses or is unable to consent to such treatment, and (C) determination of the need for temporary custody cannot await notice of hearing. Upon such application, the court may grant immediate temporary custody to some suitable person if it finds that (i) a minor child has suffered from serious physical illness or serious physical injury and is in need of immediate medical or surgical treatment, (ii) the parent, parents or guardian refuses to consent to such treatment, and (iii) to delay such treatment would be life threatening.

      (3) If an order of temporary custody is issued ex parte, notice of the hearing required by subsection (c) of this section shall be given promptly, and the hearing shall be held within five business days of the date of such ex parte order of temporary custody, provided the respondent shall be entitled to continuance upon request. Upon the issuance of an order granting temporary custody of the minor child to the Commissioner of Children and Families, or not later than sixty days after the issuance of such order, the court shall make a determination whether the Department of Children and Families made reasonable efforts to keep the minor child with his or her parent, parents or guardian prior to the issuance of such order and, if such efforts were not made, whether such reasonable efforts were not possible, taking into consideration the minor child's best interests, including the minor child's health and safety. Upon issuance of an ex parte order of temporary custody, the court shall promptly notify the Commissioner of Children and Families, who shall cause an investigation to be made forthwith, in accordance with section 17a-101g, and shall present the commissioner's report to the court at the hearing on the application for temporary custody. The hearing on an ex parte order of temporary custody shall not be postponed, except with the consent of the respondent, or, if notice cannot be given as required by this section, a postponement may be ordered by the court for the purpose of a further order of notice.

      (c) Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, upon receipt of an application for temporary custody under this section, the court shall promptly set the time and place for a hearing to be held on such application. The court shall order notice of the hearing on temporary custody to be given, at least five days prior to the date of the hearing, to the Commissioner of Children and Families by first class mail and to both parents and to the minor child, if over twelve years of age, by personal service or service at the parent's usual place of abode or the minor's usual place of abode, as the case may be, in accordance with section 52-50, except that in lieu of personal service on, or service at the usual place of abode of, a parent or the father of a minor child born out of wedlock who is either an applicant or who signs under penalty of false statement a written waiver of such service on a form provided by the Probate Court Administrator, the court may order notice to be given by first class mail at least five days prior to the date of the hearing. If the whereabouts of the parents are unknown, or if such delivery cannot reasonably be effected, then notice shall be ordered to be given by publication. Such notice may be combined with the notice under section 45a-609 or with the notice required under section 45a-716. If the parents are not residents of the state or are absent from the state, the court shall order notice to be given by first class mail at least five 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 a newspaper which has a circulation at the last-known place of residence of the parents. In either case, such notice shall be given at least five days prior to the date of the hearing, except in the case of notice of a hearing on immediate temporary custody under subsection (b) of this section. 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 the applicant used all proper diligence to discover such names and addresses. Except in the case of newspaper notice, such notice shall include: (1) The time and place of the hearing, (2) a copy of the application for removal or application for termination of parental rights, (3) a copy of the motion for temporary custody, (4) any affidavit or verified petition filed with the motion for temporary custody, (5) any other documents filed by the applicant, (6) any other orders or notices made by the court of probate, and (7) 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 the respondent and, if the respondent is unable to obtain or pay for an attorney, the respondent may request the court of probate to appoint an attorney to represent the respondent. Newspaper notice shall include such facts as the court may direct.

      (d) If, after hearing, the court finds by a fair preponderance of the evidence (1) that the parent or other guardian has performed acts of omission or commission as set forth in section 45a-610, and (2) that, because of such acts, the minor child is suffering from serious physical illness or serious physical injury, or the immediate threat thereof, or is in immediate physical danger, so as to require that temporary custody be granted, the court may order the custody of the minor child to be given to one of the following, taking into consideration the standards set forth in section 45a-617: (A) The Commissioner of Children and Families; (B) the board of managers of any child-caring institution or organization; (C) any children's home or similar institution licensed or approved by the Commissioner of Children and Families; or (D) any other person. The fact that an order of temporary custody may have been issued ex parte under subsection (b) of this section shall be of no weight in a hearing held under this subsection. The burden of proof shall remain upon the applicant to establish the applicant's case. The court may issue the order without taking into consideration the standards set forth in this section and section 45a-610 if the parent or other guardian consents to the temporary removal of the minor child, or the court finds that the minor child has no guardian of his or her person. Upon the issuance of an order giving custody of the minor child to the Commissioner of Children and Families, or not later than sixty days after the issuance of such order, the court shall make a determination whether the Department of Children and Families made reasonable efforts to keep the minor child with his or her parent, parents or guardian prior to the issuance of such order and, if such efforts were not made, whether such reasonable efforts were not possible, taking into consideration the minor child's best interests, including the minor child's health and safety.

      (e) Such order for temporary custody shall be effective until disposition of the application for removal of parents or guardians as guardian or for termination of parental rights or until a guardian is appointed for a minor child who has no guardian, unless modified or terminated by the court of probate. Any respondent, temporary custodian or attorney for the minor child may petition the court of probate issuing such order at any time for modification or revocation thereof, and such court shall set a hearing upon receipt of such petition in the same manner as subsection (c) of this section. If the court finds after such hearing that the conditions upon which it based its order for temporary custody no longer exist, and that the conditions set forth in subsection (b) of this section do not exist, then the order shall be revoked and the minor child shall be returned to the custody of the parent or guardian.

      (f) A copy of any order issued under this section shall be mailed immediately to the last known address of the parent or other guardian from whose custody the minor child has been removed.

      (1949 Rev., S. 6851; 1963, P.A. 151; P.A. 74-164, S. 16, 20; P.A. 75-420, S. 4, 6; P.A. 77-21; 77-614, S. 521, 610; P.A. 79-460, S. 7; P.A. 83-481, S. 1; P.A. 84-294, S. 2; P.A. 86-264, S. 1; P.A. 93-91, S. 1, 2; P.A. 96-246, S. 31; P.A. 99-84, S. 23; P.A. 00-75, S. 5; May 9 Sp. Sess. P.A. 02-7, S. 31; P.A. 07-184, S. 1.)

      History: 1963 act authorized court to enforce order by warrant to proper officer "commanding him to take possession of the child and to deliver such child into the custody of the person, board, home or institution designated by said order"; P.A. 74-164 specified that provisions apply in cases where application has been made to terminate parental rights and described custodial institutions simply as those licensed or approved by welfare commissioner deleting reference to their incorporation by act of general assembly or organization under laws relating to corporations without capital stock, "whose objects and purposes are charitable"; P.A. 75-420 replaced welfare commissioner with commissioner of social services; P.A. 77-21 specified applicability of provisions in cases where court has reasonable grounds to believe that a minor child has no guardian of his person; P.A. 77-614 replaced social services commissioner with commissioner of human resources, effective January 1, 1979; P.A. 79-460 divided section into Subsecs., added provisions detailing grounds for issuance of order awarding temporary custody, replaced commissioner of human resources with commissioner of children and youth services, deleted previous provisions re court orders and added new provisions incorporated as Subsecs. (c) and (d); P.A. 83-481 deleted former Subsec. (c) and added provisions of Subsecs. (b) to (e), inclusive, re applications for temporary custody and ex parte issuance of order of temporary custody; P.A. 84-294 amended Subsec. (a) by deleting provision re restrictions on awarding temporary custody to person other than parent or guardian and added "but such order may only be issued in accordance with the provisions of this section", amended Subsec. (b)(3) by changing "immediately" to "promptly" and adding provision permitting postponement to be ordered by the court for the purpose of a further order of notice, amended Subsec. (c) by adding exception to notice requirement in the case of hearing on immediate temporary custody under Subsec. (b) of section, and amended Subsec. (e) by adding provision re duration of effectiveness of order of temporary custody until guardian is appointed for child who has no guardian; P.A. 86-264 amended Subsec. (c) by changing age of minor from 14 to 12 years of age, 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, requiring notice by certified mail, return receipt requested, to parents who are nonresidents or absent from the state and permitting notice by publication if delivery by certified mail cannot be reasonably effected; Sec. 45-44 transferred to Sec. 45a-607 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; (Revisor's note: In 1995 the indicators (1), (2), (3) and (4) in Subsec. (d)(2) were changed editorially by the Revisors to (A), (B), (C) and (D) respectively for consistency with statutory usage); P.A. 96-246 amended Subsec. (b)(3) by replacing reference to Sec. 17a-101 with Sec. 17a-101g; P.A. 99-84 amended Subsec. (c) by deleting "oath" and inserting "penalty of false statement"; P.A. 00-75 amended Subsec. (c) by adding provision requiring notice of hearing to the Commissioner of Children and Families by regular mail; May 9 Sp. Sess. P.A. 02-7 amended Subsec. (b)(3) to add provision requiring the court upon issuance of an order granting temporary custody of the minor child to the Commissioner of Children and Families, or not later than 60 days thereafter, to make a determination whether the Department of Children and Families made reasonable efforts to keep the minor child with his or her parent, parents or guardian prior to the issuance of such order and, if such efforts were not made, whether such reasonable efforts were not possible considering the best interests of the minor child, amended Subsec. (d) to add provision requiring the court upon issuance of an order giving custody of the minor child to the Commissioner of Children and Families, or not later than 60 days thereafter, to make a determination whether the Department of Children and Families made reasonable efforts to keep the minor child with his or her parent, parents or guardian prior to the issuance of such order and, if such efforts were not made, whether such reasonable efforts were not possible considering the best interests of the minor child, and made technical changes throughout section, effective August 15, 2002; P.A. 07-184 amended Subsec. (c) to substitute "first class mail" for "regular mail" and "certified mail", rewrite provisions re service and make technical changes.

      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, at least ten days before the date of the hearing, to the Commissioner of Children and Families by first class mail and to both parents and to the minor, if over twelve years of age, by personal service or service at the parent's usual place of abode or the minor's usual place of abode, as the case may be, in accordance with section 52-50, except that in lieu of personal service on, or service at the usual place of abode of, 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 such service on a form provided by the Probate Court Administrator, the court may order notice to be given by first class mail 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 first class mail 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 a 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 date 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 the applicant 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 notices 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 the respondent in the matter, and if the respondent is unable to obtain or to pay an attorney, the respondent may request the Court of Probate to appoint an attorney to represent the respondent. 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; P.A. 07-184, S. 2.)

      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 changing age of minor from 14 to 12 years of age, 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, requiring notice by certified mail, return receipt requested, to parents who are nonresidents or absent from the state and 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; P.A. 07-184 amended Subsec. (b) to substitute "first class mail" for "regular mail" and "certified mail", rewrite provisions re service, substitute "date" of hearing for "time" of hearing and make technical changes.

      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 first class mail at least ten days prior to the date of the hearing. In addition, notice by first class 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; P.A. 07-185, S. 3.)

      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 14, 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 14 to 12 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 12, 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; P.A. 07-184 amended Subsec. (c) to substitute "first class mail" for "regular mail" and "certified mail" and delete "return receipt requested, deliverable to the addressee only".

PART IV
CONSERVATORS

      Sec. 45a-644. (Formerly Sec. 45-70a). Definitions. For the purposes of sections 45a-644 to 45a-663, 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-663, 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 Court of Probate under the provisions of sections 45a-644 to 45a-663, 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" or "incapable of caring for himself or herself" means that a person has a mental, emotional or physical condition that results in such person being unable to receive and evaluate information or make or communicate decisions to such an extent that the person is unable, even with appropriate assistance, to meet essential requirements for personal needs.

      (d) "Incapable of managing his or her affairs" means that a person has a mental, emotional or physical condition that results in such person being unable to receive and evaluate information or make or communicate decisions to such an extent that the person is unable, even with appropriate assistance, to perform the functions inherent in managing his or her affairs, and the person has property that will be wasted or dissipated unless adequate property management is provided, or that funds are needed for the support, care or welfare of the person or those entitled to be supported by the person and that the person is unable to take the necessary steps to obtain or provide funds needed for the support, care or welfare of the person or those entitled to be supported by the person.

      (e) "Involuntary representation" means the appointment of a conservator of the person or a conservator of 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 a conservator of the 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) "Conserved person" means a person for whom involuntary representation is granted under sections 45a-644 to 45a-663, inclusive.

      (i) "Personal needs" means the needs of a person including, but not limited to, the need for food, clothing, shelter, health care and safety.

      (j) "Property management" means actions to (1) obtain, administer, manage, protect and dispose of real and personal property, intangible property, business property, benefits and income, and (2) deal with financial affairs.

      (k) "Least restrictive means of intervention" means intervention for a conserved person that is sufficient to provide, within the resources available to the conserved person either from the conserved person's own estate or from private or public assistance, for a conserved person's personal needs or property management while affording the conserved person the greatest amount of independence and self-determination.

      (P.A. 77-446, S. 1; P.A. 80-476, S. 123; P.A. 84-271, S. 1; P.A. 93-184; P.A. 05-154, S. 2; P.A. 07-116, S. 10.)

      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"; P.A. 05-154 amended Subsec. (c) to define "incapable of caring for himself or herself"; P.A. 07-116 substituted "45a-663" for "45a-662", redefined "incapable of caring for one's self" and "incapable of managing his or her affairs", substituted "conserved person" for "ward", defined "personal needs", "property management" and "least restrictive means of intervention", and made technical changes.

      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 or she desires to be appointed as conservator of his or her person or estate or both, if he or she is thereafter found to be incapable of managing his or her affairs or incapable of caring for himself or herself.

      (b) The designation shall be executed, witnessed and revoked in the same manner as provided for wills in sections 45a-251 and 45a-257, except that 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; P.A. 07-116, S. 12.)

      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; P.A. 07-116 inserted "or incapable of caring for himself or herself" and made technical changes in Subsec. (a) and amended Subsec. (b) to substitute "except that" for "provided".

      Sec. 45a-645a. Recording of proceedings required. Each court of probate shall cause a recording to be made of all proceedings held under sections 45a-644 to 45a-663, inclusive. The recording shall be part of the court record and shall be made and retained in a manner approved by the Probate Court Administrator.

      (P.A. 07-116, S. 11.)

      Sec. 45a-648. (Formerly Sec. 45-70b). Application for involuntary representation of resident or nondomiciliary. Fraudulent or malicious application or false testimony: Class D felony. (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, is domiciled or is located at the time of the filing of the application.

      (b) An application for involuntary representation for a nondomiciliary of the state made pursuant to subsection (a) of this section shall not be granted unless the court finds the (1) respondent is presently located in the probate district in which the application is filed; (2) applicant has made reasonable efforts to provide notice to individuals and applicable agencies listed in subsection (a) of section 45a-649 concerning the respondent; (3) respondent has been provided an opportunity to return to the respondent's place of domicile, and has been provided the financial means to return to the respondent's place of domicile within the respondent's resources, and has declined to return, or the applicant has made reasonable but unsuccessful efforts to return the respondent to such respondent's place of domicile; and (4) requirements of this chapter for the appointment of a conservator pursuant to an application for involuntary representation have been met.

      (c) If, after the appointment of a conservator for a nondomiciliary of the state the nondomiciliary becomes domiciled in this state, the provisions of this section regarding involuntary representation of a nondomiciliary shall no longer apply.

      (d) The court shall review any involuntary representation of a nondomiciliary ordered by the court pursuant to subsection (b) of this section every sixty days. Such involuntary representation shall expire sixty days after the date such involuntary representation was ordered by the court or sixty days after the most recent review ordered by the court, whichever is later, unless the court finds the (1) conserved person is presently located in the state; (2) conservator has made reasonable efforts to provide notice to individuals and applicable agencies listed in subsection (a) of section 45a-649 concerning the conserved person; (3) conserved person has been provided an opportunity to return to the conserved person's place of domicile and has been provided the financial means to return to the conserved person's place of domicile within the conserved person's resources, and has declined to return, or the conservator has made reasonable but unsuccessful efforts to return the conserved person to the conserved person's place of domicile; and (4) requirements of this chapter for the appointment of a conservator pursuant to an application for involuntary representation have been met. As part of its review under this subsection, the court shall receive and consider reports from the conservator and from the attorney for the conserved person regarding the requirements of this subsection.

      (e) A person is guilty of fraudulent or malicious application or false testimony when such person (1) wilfully files a fraudulent or malicious application for involuntary representation or appointment of a temporary conservator, (2) conspires with another person to file or cause to be filed such an application, or (3) 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-663, inclusive. Fraudulent or malicious application or false testimony is a class D felony.

      (P.A. 77-446, S. 2; P.A. 80-476, S. 127; P.A. 84-271, S. 3; P.A. 07-116, S. 13.)

      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; P.A. 07-116 amended Subsec. (a) re filing at district where respondent is located, inserted new Subsecs. (b), (c) and (d) re application for involuntary representation for a nondomiciliary of the state and review of representation orders, redesignated existing Subsec. (b) as Subsec. (e) and amended same to make malicious application or false testimony a class D felony, and made technical changes.

      See Sec. 45a-132a re respondent's ability to refuse to undergo examination ordered by the court under said section.

      Sec. 45a-649. (Formerly Sec. 45-70c). Notice re application for involuntary representation. Form of notice. Appointment of counsel. (a)(1) 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 ten days before the hearing date, or in the case of an application made pursuant to section 17a-543 or 17a-543a, at least seven days before the hearing date, which date in any event 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.

      (2) The court shall direct that personal service of the citation be made, by a state marshal, constable or an indifferent person, upon the following: The respondent and 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.

      (3) 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) the Commissioner of Veterans' Affairs if the respondent is receiving veterans' benefits or the Veterans' Home, or both, if the respondent is receiving aid or care from such home, 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.

      (4) 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.

      (5) If personal service of the notice required in subsection (b) of this section is not made as required in subdivision (2) of this subsection, the court shall be deprived of jurisdiction over the application.

      (b) The notice required by subdivision (2) 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, (C) the date, time and place of the hearing, and (D) that the respondent has a right to be present at the hearing and has a right to be represented by an attorney of the respondent's choice at the respondent's own expense. The notice shall also include a statement in boldface type of a minimum size of twelve points in substantially the following form:

"POSSIBLE CONSEQUENCES OF THE APPOINTMENT

OF A CONSERVATOR FOR YOU

      Sec. 45a-649a. Right to an attorney re involuntary representation. Fees. Indigency. Attorney duties and access to information. (a) A respondent, as defined in section 45a-644, or a conserved person, as defined in section 45a-644, who is subject to proceedings subsequent to the appointment of a conservator pursuant to an application for involuntary representation shall have the right to be represented by an attorney of the respondent's or conserved person's choosing at the expense of the respondent or conserved person or, if the respondent or conserved person is indigent, within the payment guidelines of the Court of Probate.

      (b) If the Court of Probate finds the respondent or conserved person is indigent or otherwise unable to pay for an attorney, the court shall appoint an attorney for the respondent or conserved person unless the respondent or conserved person refuses to be represented by an attorney and the court finds that the respondent or conserved person understands the nature of the refusal. The court shall appoint an attorney from a panel of attorneys admitted to practice in this state provided by the Probate Court Administrator in accordance with regulations issued under section 45a-77.

      (c) An attorney appointed pursuant to this section shall represent the respondent or conserved person in proceedings under sections 45a-644 to 45a-663, inclusive, and shall consult with the conserved person regarding bringing an appeal to the Superior Court under section 45a-186. Upon the request of the conserved person, the attorney for the conserved person shall assist in the filing and commencing of an appeal to the Superior Court. An attorney's assistance in filing such an appeal shall not obligate the attorney to appear in or prosecute the appeal. A conservator may not deny the conserved person access to the person's resources needed for an appeal.

      (d) Nothing in this section shall impair, limit or diminish the right of a respondent or conserved person to replace the attorney for such respondent or conserved person with a different attorney whom such respondent or conserved person chooses in accordance with this section. Fees of an attorney chosen by the respondent or conserved person shall be approved by the Court of Probate or, if an appeal is taken, by the Superior Court.

      (e) If the respondent or conserved person is indigent, an attorney appointed under this section shall be paid a reasonable rate of compensation. Rates of compensation for such appointed attorneys shall be established by the Office of the Probate Court Administrator. Such compensation shall be paid from funds appropriated to the Judicial Department. If funds have not been included in the budget of the Judicial Department for such purposes, such compensation shall be paid from the Probate Court Administration Fund.

      (f) An attorney representing a respondent or conserved person subject to proceedings under this chapter shall not accept appointment as guardian ad litem or conservator of the person or estate for the same person unless such attorney has been nominated by the respondent or conserved person pursuant to section 45a-645, or similar instrument, including, but not limited to, a trust or an advance directive pursuant to section 19a-580e, or section 19a-580g, or is nominated by the respondent or conserved person pursuant to section 45a-650.

      (g) An attorney for the respondent or conserved person, on presentation of proof of authority, shall have access to all information pertinent to proceedings under this title, including immediate access to medical records available to the respondent's or conserved person's treating physician.

      (P.A. 07-116, S. 15.)

      Sec. 45a-650. (Formerly Sec. 45-70d). Hearing on application for involuntary representation. Evidence. Appointment of conservator. Limitation re powers and duties. Probate bond. (a) At any hearing on an application for involuntary representation, before the court receives any evidence regarding the condition of the respondent or of the respondent's affairs, the court shall require clear and convincing evidence that the court has jurisdiction, that the respondent has been given notice as required in section 45a-649, and that the respondent has been advised of the right to retain an attorney pursuant to section 45a-649a and is either represented by an attorney or has waived the right to be represented by an attorney. The respondent shall have the right to attend any hearing held under this section.

      (b) The rules of evidence in civil actions adopted by the judges of the Superior Court shall apply to all hearings pursuant to this section. All testimony at a hearing held pursuant to this section shall be given under oath or affirmation.

      (c) After making the findings required under subsection (a) of this section, the court shall receive evidence regarding the respondent's condition, the capacity of the respondent to care for himself or herself or to manage his or her affairs, and the ability of the respondent to meet his or her needs without the appointment of a conservator. Unless waived by the court pursuant to this subsection, evidence shall be introduced from one or more physicians licensed to practice medicine in the state who have examined the respondent within forty-five days preceding the hearing. The evidence shall contain specific information regarding the respondent's condition and the effect of the respondent's condition on the respondent's ability to care for himself or herself or to manage his or her affairs. 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 considers 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 the respondent's refusal to be examined by a physician or that the alleged incapacity is not medical in nature. If such requirement is waived, the court shall make a specific finding in any decree issued on the application stating why medical evidence was not required. Any hospital, psychiatric or medical record or report filed with the court pursuant to this subsection shall be confidential.

      (d) Upon the filing of an application for involuntary representation pursuant to section 45a-648, the court shall issue an order for the disclosure of the medical information required pursuant to this section to the respondent's attorney and, upon request, to the respondent. The court may issue an order for the disclosure of such medical information to any other person as the court determines necessary.

      (e) Notwithstanding the provisions of section 45a-7, the court may hold the hearing on the application at a place other than its usual courtroom if it would facilitate attendance by the respondent.

      (f) (1) If the court finds by clear and convincing evidence that the respondent is incapable of managing the respondent's affairs, that the respondent's affairs cannot be managed adequately without the appointment of a conservator and that the appointment of a conservator is the least restrictive means of intervention available to assist the respondent in managing the respondent's affairs, the court may appoint a conservator of his or her estate after considering the factors set forth in subsection (g) of this section.

      (2) If the court finds by clear and convincing evidence that the respondent is incapable of caring for himself or herself, that the respondent cannot be cared for adequately without the appointment of a conservator and that the appointment of a conservator is the least restrictive means of intervention available to assist the respondent in caring for himself or herself, the court may appoint a conservator of his or her person after considering the factors set forth in subsection (g) of this section.

      (3) No conservator may be appointed if the respondent's personal needs and property management are being met adequately by an agency or individual appointed pursuant to section 1-43, 19a-575a, 19a-577, 19a-580e or 19a-580g.

      (g) When determining whether a conservator should be appointed the court shall consider the following factors: (1) The abilities of the respondent; (2) the respondent's capacity to understand and articulate an informed preference regarding the care of his or her person or the management of his or her affairs; (3) any relevant and material information obtained from the respondent; (4) evidence of the respondent's past preferences and life style choices; (5) the respondent's cultural background; (6) the desirability of maintaining continuity in the respondent's life and environment; (7) whether the respondent had previously made adequate alternative arrangements for the care of his or her person or for the management of his or her affairs, including, but not limited to, the execution of a durable power of attorney, springing power of attorney, the appointment of a health care representative or health care agent, the execution of a living will or trust or the execution of any other similar document; (8) any relevant and material evidence from the respondent's family and any other person regarding the respondent's past practices and preferences; and (9) any supportive services, technologies or other means that are available to assist the respondent in meeting his or her needs.

      (h) The respondent or conserved person may appoint, designate or nominate a conservator pursuant to section 19a-580e, 19a-580g or 45a-645, or may, orally or in writing, nominate a conservator who shall be appointed unless the court finds that the appointee, designee or nominee is unwilling or unable to serve or there is substantial evidence to disqualify such person. If there is no such appointment, designation or nomination or if the court does not appoint the person appointed, designated or nominated by the respondent or conserved person, the court may appoint any qualified person, authorized public official or corporation in accordance with subsections (a) and (b) of section 45a-644. In considering who to appoint as conservator, the court shall consider (1) the extent to which a proposed conservator has knowledge of the respondent's or conserved person's preferences regarding the care of his or her person or the management of his or her affairs, (2) the ability of the proposed conservator to carry out the duties, responsibilities and powers of a conservator, (3) the cost of the proposed conservatorship to the estate of the respondent or conserved person, (4) the proposed conservator's commitment to promoting the respondent's or conserved person's welfare and independence, and (5) any existing or potential conflicts of interest of the proposed conservator.

      (i) If the court appoints a conservator of the estate of the respondent, the court shall require a probate bond. The court may, if it considers it necessary for the protection of the respondent, require a bond of any conservator of the person appointed under this section.

      (j) Absent the court's order to the contrary and except as otherwise provided in subsection (b) of section 19a-580e, a conservator appointed pursuant to this section shall be bound by all health care decisions properly made by the conserved person's health care representative.

      (k) A conserved person shall retain all rights and authority not expressly assigned to the conservator.

      (l) The court shall assign to a conservator appointed under this section only the duties and authority that are the least restrictive means of intervention necessary to meet the needs of the conserved person. The court shall find by clear and convincing evidence that such duties and authority restrict the decision-making authority of the conserved person only to the extent necessary to provide for the personal needs or property management of the conserved person. Such personal needs and property management shall be provided in a manner appropriate to the conserved person. The court shall make a finding of the clear and convincing evidence that supports the need for each duty and authority assigned to the conservator.

      (m) Nothing in this chapter shall impair, limit or diminish a conserved person's right to retain an attorney to represent such person or to seek redress of grievances in any court or administrative agency, including proceedings in the nature of habeas corpus arising out of any limitations imposed on the conserved person by court action taken under this chapter, chapter 319i, chapter 319j or section 45a-242. In any other proceeding in which the conservator has retained counsel for the conserved person, the conserved person may request the Court of Probate to direct the conservator to substitute an attorney chosen by the conserved person.

      (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; P.A. 01-209, S. 6, 7; P.A. 04-142, S. 3; P.A. 06-195, S. 76; P.A. 07-116, S. 16.)

      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; P.A. 01-209 amended Subsec. (a) to add provisions re examination by independent physician, psychologist or psychiatrist in matter in which Commissioner of Social Services seeks appointment of conservator, effective July 1, 2001; P.A. 04-142 amended Subsec. (a) by adding provision re confidentiality of medical report filed with the court, added new Subsec. (b) re court order for disclosure of required medical information, redesignated existing Subsecs. (b) to (g) as new Subsecs. (c) to (h), respectively, and made technical changes; P.A. 06-195 substituted "health care representative" for "health care agent" in Subsec. (h); P.A. 07-116 inserted provisions in Subsec. (a) re requirements before court receives evidence and respondent's right to attend any hearing under section, inserted new Subsec. (b) re applicable rules of evidence, designated as new Subsec. (c) existing provisions re court's receipt of evidence re capacity of respondent, and amended same to substitute 45 days for 30 days re physician examination preceding hearing, substitute reference to respondent's condition and respondent's ability to care for self or manage affairs for reference to respondent's "disability and the extent of its incapacitating effect", and delete provisions re matters where Commissioner of Social Services seeks appointment of conservator for an elderly person, redesignated existing Subsec. (b) as Subsec. (d) and inserted provisions therein re disclosure of medical information, redesignated existing Subsec. (c) as (e) and amended same to delete "within the state" re place of hearing, redesignated existing Subsec. (d) as Subsec. (f) and inserted provisions therein re court's findings, redesignated existing Subsec. (e) as Subsec. (g) and amended same to substitute enumerated factors for consideration of best interest of respondent and prior alternative arrangements, inserted Subsec. (h) designator and added provisions therein re respondent's ability to nominate conservator and court's appointment of conservator, deleted former Subsec. (f) re court's findings of facts to be furnished upon request, redesignated existing Subsec. (g) as Subsec. (i), deleted former Subsec. (h) re limitation on powers and duties of conservator, added new Subsecs. (j) to (m) re limitations on powers of conservators and retention of rights of conserved person, and made technical changes.

      See Sec. 45a-656 re duties and authority assigned by the court.

      Sec. 45a-653. (Formerly Sec. 45-73). Conveyances, contracts and funds of allegedly incapable person pending application for appointment of conservator. Recording or lodging of 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 certified by the court 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 certified by the court, such bank, trust company or depositary shall not allow any funds of the allegedly 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) The original copy of the notice of the application shall be filed with the court. The notice may not be recorded or lodged elsewhere unless it is a copy certified by the court. The notice shall state that an application for appointment of a conservator is pending and shall include the name of the allegedly 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; P.A. 07-116, S. 17.)

      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; P.A. 07-116 inserted "certified by the court" re application in Subsecs. (a) and (b), substituted "allegedly" for "alleged" in Subsecs. (b) and (c), and amended Subsec. (c) re filing of original copy of notice with the court and prohibiting the notice from being recorded or lodged elsewhere unless it is a copy certified by the court.

      Sec. 45a-654. (Formerly Sec. 45-72). Appointment of temporary conservator. Duties. (a) Upon written application for appointment of a temporary conservator brought by any person considered by the court to have sufficient interest in the welfare of the respondent, including, but not limited to, the spouse or any relative of the respondent, the first selectman, chief executive officer or head of the department of welfare of the town of residence or domicile of any respondent, the Commissioner of Social Services, the board of directors of any charitable organization, as defined in section 21a-190a, or the chief administrative officer of any nonprofit hospital or such officer's designee, the Court of Probate may appoint a temporary conservator if the court finds by clear and convincing evidence that: (1) The respondent is incapable of managing his or her affairs or incapable of caring for himself or herself, (2) immediate and irreparable harm to the mental or physical health or financial or legal affairs of the respondent will result if a temporary conservator is not appointed, and (3) appointment of a temporary conservator is the least restrictive means of intervention available to prevent such harm. The court shall require the temporary conservator to give a probate bond. The court shall limit the duties and authority of the temporary conservator to the circumstances that gave rise to the application and shall make specific findings, by clear and convincing evidence, of the immediate and irreparable harm that will be prevented by the appointment of a temporary conservator and that support the appointment of a temporary conservator. In making such specific findings, the court shall consider the present and previously expressed wishes of the respondent, the abilities of the respondent, any prior appointment of an attorney-in-fact, health care representative, trustee or other fiduciary acting on behalf of the respondent, any support service otherwise available to the respondent and any other relevant evidence. In appointing a temporary conservator pursuant to this section, the court shall set forth each duty or authority of the temporary conservator. The temporary conservator shall have charge of the property or of the person of the conserved person, or both, for such period or for such specific occasion as the court finds to be necessary, provided a temporary appointment shall not be valid for more than thirty days, unless at any time while the appointment of a temporary conservator is in effect, an application is filed for appointment of a conservator of the person or estate under section 45a-650. The court may (A) extend the appointment of the temporary conservator until the disposition of such application under section 45a-650, or for an additional thirty days, whichever occurs first, or (B) terminate the appointment of a temporary conservator upon a showing that the circumstances that gave rise to the application for appointment of a temporary conservator no longer exist. No appointment of a temporary conservator under this section may be in effect for more than sixty days from the date of the initial appointment.

      (b) Unless the court waives the medical evidence requirement pursuant to subsection (e) of this section, an appointment of a temporary conservator shall not be made unless a report is filed with the application for appointment of a temporary conservator, signed by a physician licensed to practice medicine or surgery in this state, stating: (1) That the physician has examined the respondent and the date of such examination, which shall not be more than three days prior to the date of presentation to the judge; (2) that it is the opinion of the physician that the respondent is incapable of managing his or her affairs or incapable of caring for himself or herself; and (3) the reasons for such opinion. Any physician's report filed with the court pursuant to this subsection shall be confidential. The court shall provide for the disclosure of the medical information required pursuant to this subsection to the respondent on the respondent's request, the respondent's attorney and to any other party considered appropriate by the court.

      (c) Upon receipt of an application for the appointment of a temporary conservator, the court shall issue notice to the respondent, appoint counsel for the respondent and conduct a hearing on the application in the manner set forth in sections 45a-649, 45a-649a and 45a-650, except that (1) notice to the respondent shall be given not less than five days before the hearing, which shall be conducted not later than seven days after the application is filed, excluding Saturdays, Sundays and holidays, or (2) where an application has been made ex parte for the appointment of a temporary conservator, notice shall be given to the respondent not more than forty-eight hours after the ex parte appointment of a temporary conservator, with the hearing on such ex parte appointment to be conducted not later than three days after the ex parte appointment, excluding Saturdays, Sundays and holidays. Service on the respondent of the notice of the application for the appointment of a temporary conservator shall be in hand and shall be made by a state marshal, constable or an indifferent person. Notice shall include (A) a copy of the application for appointment of a temporary conservator and any physician's report filed with the application pursuant to subsection (b) of this section, (B) a copy of an ex parte order, if any, appointing a temporary conservator, and (C) the date, time and place of the hearing on the application for the appointment of a temporary conservator. The court may not appoint a temporary conservator until the court has made the findings required in this section and held a hearing on the application, except as provided in subsection (d) of this section. If notice is provided to the next of kin with respect to an application filed under this section, the physician's report shall not be disclosed to the next of kin except by order of the court.

      (d) (1) If the court determines that the delay resulting from giving notice and appointing an attorney to represent the respondent as required in subsection (c) of this section would cause immediate and irreparable harm to the mental or physical health or financial or legal affairs of the respondent, the court may, ex parte and without prior notice to the respondent, appoint a temporary conservator upon receiving evidence and making the findings required in subsection (a) of this section, provided the court makes a specific finding in any decree issued on the application stating the immediate or irreparable harm that formed the basis for the court's determination and why such hearing and appointment was not required before making an ex parte appointment. If an ex parte order of appointment of a temporary conservator is made, a hearing on the application for appointment of a temporary conservator shall be commenced not later than three days after the ex parte order was issued, excluding Saturdays, Sundays and holidays. An ex parte order shall expire not later than three days after the order was issued unless a hearing on the order that commenced prior to the expiration of the three-day period has been continued for good cause.

      (2) After a hearing held under this subsection, the court may appoint a temporary conservator or may confirm or revoke the ex parte appointment of the temporary conservator or may modify the duties and authority assigned under such appointment.

      (e) The court may waive the medical evidence requirement under subsection (b) of this section if the court finds that the evidence is impossible to obtain because of the refusal of the respondent to be examined by a physician. In any such case the court may, in lieu of medical evidence, accept other competent evidence. In any case in which the court waives the medical evidence requirement as provided in this subsection, the court may not appoint a temporary conservator unless the court finds, by clear and convincing evidence, that (1) the respondent is incapable of managing his or her affairs or incapable of caring for himself or herself, and (2) immediate and irreparable harm to the mental or physical health or financial or legal affairs of the respondent will result if a temporary conservator is not appointed pursuant to this section. In any case in which the court waives the requirement of medical evidence as provided in this subsection, the court shall make a specific finding in any decree issued on the application stating why medical evidence was not required.

      (f) Upon the termination of the temporary conservatorship, the temporary conservator shall file a written report with the court and, if applicable, a final accounting as directed by the court, of his or her actions as temporary conservator.

      (1955, S. 2908d; 1957, P.A. 449; February, 1965, P.A. 590, S. 2; 1967, P.A. 385; P.A. 75-72; P.A. 77-446, S. 6; 77-614, S. 521, 610; P.A. 79-631, S. 83, 111; P.A. 80-227, S. 9, 24; 80-476, S. 130; P.A. 84-202; 84-271, S. 6; 84-294, S. 8; P.A. 90-230, S. 58, 101; P.A. 93-262, S. 65, 87; P.A. 95-89; P.A. 96-170, S. 9, 23; P.A. 97-90, S. 5, 6; P.A. 04-142, S. 4; P.A. 05-154, S. 1; P.A. 06-195, S. 77; P.A. 07-73, S. 2(a); 07-116, S. 18.)

      History: 1965 act authorized board of directors of charitable organization to make application for appointment of temporary conservator; 1967 act allowed appointment to cover charge of person in lieu of or in addition to the estate; P.A. 75-72 authorized applications by chief administrative officer of any nonprofit hospital or his designee; P.A. 77-446 authorized applications by first selectman, chief executive officer or head of town department of welfare or by commissioner of social services, rephrased provision so that court makes finding as to respondent's capability where provisions had been phrased to imply that such finding was previously made and added hearing provisions; P.A. 77-614 replaced commissioner of social services with commissioner of human resources, effective January 1, 1979; P.A. 79-631 replaced human resources commissioner with commissioner of children and youth services; P.A. 80-227 substituted "probate bond" for "bond, conditioned upon the faithful performance of his duties, in an amount to be determined by the judge", effective July 1, 1981; P.A. 80-476 divided section into Subsecs. and rephrased provisions; P.A. 84-202 and P.A. 84-294 amended Subsec. (a) by replacing commissioner of children and youth services with commissioner of human resources as authority empowered to apply for appointment of temporary conservator; P.A. 84-271 amended Subsec. (a) by replacing provision allowing "written application by the husband, wife or any relative" with "written application of any person deemed by the court to have sufficient interest in the welfare of the respondent, including but not limited to the spouse or any relative of the respondent", and deleting "commissioner of children and youth services" and adding "commissioner of human resources" and "the commissioner on aging" as agency heads authorized to make application, and amended Subsec. (c) by requiring the application to be acted upon within 48 hours of filing, Saturdays and Sundays excluded, unless continued for cause shown; P.A. 90-230 corrected an internal reference in Subsec. (a); Sec. 45-72 transferred to Sec. 45a-654 in 1991; P.A. 93-262 replaced reference to commissioners of human resources and aging with commissioner of social services, effective July 1, 1993; P.A. 95-89 amended Subsec. (a) by specifying applicability to appointment of temporary conservators, by adding irreparable harm to health or financial or legal affairs as ground for appointment, by granting discretionary power to require that bond be posted and by authorizing extension of appointment in cases where application for appointment of conservator under Sec. 45a-650 is filed, amended Subsec. (b) by changing requirement of two physicians to one physician and added provision re date of examination and opinion, deleted former provisions of Subsec. (c) and added new provisions re ex parte appointment of temporary conservator, added Subsec. (d) re hearing and notice where ex parte appointment not appropriate, added Subsec. (e) re waiver of medical evidence requirement and added Subsec. (f) re written report on termination of temporary conservatorship; 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; P.A. 04-142 amended Subsec. (b) by adding provisions re confidentiality of physician's report filed with the court and re court order for disclosure of required medical information and by making technical changes; P.A. 05-154 amended Subsec. (a) to substitute "immediate and irreparable" for "immediate" in Subdiv. (2), to provide that the court shall limit duties, responsibilities and powers to the circumstances that gave rise to the application, to add factors the court shall consider in making findings, to insert Subpara. (A) designator and "under section 45a-650" in Subpara. (A), and to add new Subpara. (B) re termination of appointment, amended Subsec. (b)(2) to insert "incapable", amended Subsec. (c) to insert new Subdiv. designators (1) to (3), to insert new language in Subdiv. (1) re court determination that delay will result in injury and requiring specific findings, to insert "ex parte" re appointment and change Subdiv. and Subpara. designators in Subdiv. (2), to insert new Subpara. (B) re scheduling date, place and time of hearing not later than 72 hours after decree, excluding Saturdays, Sundays and holidays, to add new Subpara. (C)(iii) re date, place and time of hearing, to delete former provisions re hearings, and to rewrite Subdiv. (3) re court duties after hearing, amended Subsec. (e)(2) to delete "if a hearing has not been held", added new Subsec. (f) re restrictions on changing respondent's residence, added new Subsec. (g) re placement of respondent in an institution for long-term care, redesignated existing Subsec. (f) as Subsec. (h), and made technical changes, effective June 24, 2005; P.A. 06-195 substituted "health care representative" for "health care agent" in Subsec. (a); pursuant to P.A. 07-73 "Department of Mental Retardation" was changed editorially by the Revisors to "Department of Developmental Services" in Subsec. (g)(2), effective October 1, 2007; P.A. 07-116 amended Subsec. (a) to require "clear and convincing evidence", insert Subdiv. (3) re appointment of temporary conservator as least restrictive means of intervention available to prevent harm, substitute "shall" for "may" re providing probate bond, substitute "duties and authority" for "duties, responsibilities and powers", "irreparable harm" for "irreparable injury", "specific findings" for "findings", "considered" for "deemed" and "conserved person" for "respondent", provide that court shall set forth each duty or authority of temporary conservator upon appointment, and provide that no appointment may be in effect more than 60 days from initial appointment, amended Subsec. (b) to make conforming changes and replace "may issue an order" re disclosure of medical information with "shall provide for the disclosure of the medical information" to respondent, respondent's attorney and other appropriate party, inserted new Subsec. (c) re notice and service, redesignated existing Subsec. (c) as Subsec. (d) and inserted therein "upon receiving evidence" re appointment, deleted former Subsec. (d), amended Subsec. (e) to require enumerated court findings by clear and convincing evidence in any case where court waives medical evidence requirement, deleted former Subsecs. (f) and (g) re changing respondent's residence or placement in institution for long-term care, redesignated existing Subsec. (h) as Subsec. (f) and added "and, if applicable, a final accounting as directed by the court" therein, and made technical changes.

      See Sec. 45a-132a re respondent's ability to refuse to undergo examination ordered by the court under said section.

      Sec. 45a-655. (Formerly Sec. 45-75). Duties of conservator of the estate. Application for distribution of gifts of income and principal from the estate. (a) A conservator of the estate appointed under section 45a-646, 45a-650 or 45a-654 shall, within two months after the date of the conservator's appointment, make and file in the Court of Probate, an inventory, under penalty of false statement, of the estate of the conserved person, with the properties thereof appraised or caused to be appraised, by such conservator, at fair market value as of the date of the conservator's appointment. Such inventory shall include the value of the conserved person's interest in all property in which the conserved person has a legal or equitable present interest, including, but not limited to, the conserved person's interest in any joint bank accounts or other jointly held property. The conservator shall manage all the estate and apply so much of the net income thereof, and, if necessary, any part of the principal of the property, which is required to support the conserved person and those members of the conserved person's family whom the conserved person has the legal duty to support and to pay the conserved person's debts, and may sue for and collect all debts due the conserved person. The conservator shall use the least restrictive means of intervention in the exercise of the conservator's duties and authority.

      (b) Any conservator of the estate of a married person may apply such portion of the property of the conserved person to the support, maintenance and medical treatment of the conserved person's spouse which the Court of Probate, upon hearing after notice, decides to be proper under the circumstances of the case.

      (c) Notwithstanding the provisions of section 45a-177, the court may, and at the request of any interested party shall, require annual accountings from any conservator of the estate and the court shall hold a hearing on any such account with notice to all persons entitled to notice under section 45a-649.

      (d) In the case of any person receiving public assistance, state-administered general assistance or Medicaid, the conservator of the estate shall apply toward the cost of care of such person any assets exceeding limits on assets set by statute or regulations adopted by the Commissioner of Social Services. Notwithstanding the provisions of subsections (a) and (b) of this section, in the case of an institutionalized person who has applied for or is receiving such medical assistance, no conservator shall apply and no court shall approve the application of (1) the net income of the conserved person to the support of the conserved person's spouse in an amount that exceeds the monthly income allowed a community spouse as determined by the Department of Social Services pursuant to 42 USC 1396r-5(d)(2)-(4), or (2) any portion of the property of the conserved person to the support, maintenance and medical treatment of the conserved person's spouse in an amount that exceeds the amount determined allowable by the department pursuant to 42 USC 1396r-5(f)(1) and (2), notwithstanding the provisions of 42 USC 1396r-5(f)(2)(A)(iv), unless such limitations on income would result in significant financial duress.

      (e) Upon application of a conservator of the estate, after hearing with notice to the Commissioner of Administrative Services, the Commissioner of Social Services and to all parties who may have an interest as determined by the court, the court may authorize the conservator to make gifts or other transfers of income and principal from the estate of the conserved person in such amounts and in such form, outright or in trust, whether to an existing trust or a court-approved trust created by the conservator, as the court orders to or for the benefit of individuals, including the conserved person, and to or for the benefit of charities, trusts or other institutions described in Sections 2055(a) and 2522(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, or any corresponding internal revenue code of the United States, as from time to time amended. Such gifts or transfers shall be authorized only if the court finds that: (1) In the case of individuals not related to the conserved person by blood or marriage, the conserved person had made a previous gift to that unrelated individual prior to being declared incapable; (2) in the case of a charity, either (A) the conserved person had made a previous gift to such charity, had pledged a gift in writing to such charity, or had otherwise demonstrated support for such charity prior to being declared incapable; or (B) the court determines that the gift to the charity is in the best interests of the conserved person, is consistent with proper estate planning, and there is no reasonable objection by a party having an interest in the conserved person's estate as determined by the court; (3) the estate of the conserved person and any proposed trust of which the conserved person is a beneficiary is more than sufficient to carry out the duties of the conservator as set forth in subsections (a) and (b) of this section, both for the present and foreseeable future, including due provision for the continuing proper care, comfort and maintenance of such conserved person in accordance with such conserved person's established standard of living and for the support of persons the conserved person is legally obligated to support; (4) the purpose of the gifts is not to diminish the estate of the conserved person so as to qualify the conserved person for federal or state aid or benefits; and (5) in the case of a conserved person capable of making an informed decision, the conserved person has no objection to such gift. The court shall give consideration to the following: (A) The medical condition of the conserved person, including the prospect of restoration to capacity; (B) the size of the conserved person's estate; (C) the provisions which, in the judgment of the court, such conserved person would have made if such conserved person had been capable, for minimization of income and estate taxes consistent with proper estate planning; and (D) in the case of a trust, whether the trust should be revocable or irrevocable, existing or created by the conservator and court approved. The court should also consider the provisions of an existing estate plan, if any. In the case of a gift or transfer in trust, any transfer to a court-approved trust created by the conservator shall be subject to continuing probate court jurisdiction in the same manner as a testamentary trust including periodic rendering of accounts pursuant to section 45a-177. Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, the court may authorize the creation and funding of a trust that complies with section 1917(d)(4) of the Social Security Act, 42 USC 1396p(d)(4), as from time to time amended. The provisions of this subsection shall not be construed to validate or invalidate any gifts made by a conservator of the estate prior to October 1, 1998.

      (1949 Rev., S. 6878; P.A. 73-34, S. 2; P.A. 77-446, S. 7; P.A. 80-476, S. 131; P.A. 81-349, S. 2, 5; P.A. 83-62; P.A. 85-523, S. 1, 9; P.A. 87-565, S. 2; P.A. 89-211, S. 45; P.A. 92-233, S. 2; P.A. 93-262, S. 1, 87; June 18 Sp. Sess. P.A. 97-2, S. 103, 165; P.A. 98-232, S. 2; P.A. 99-84, S. 28; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 01-2, S. 6, 69; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 01-9, S. 129, 131; P.A. 07-116, S. 19.)

      History: P.A. 73-34 substituted "spouse" for "husband", "person" for "woman" and made other changes which had distinguished persons under provisions by sex; P.A. 77-446 imposed deadline for return of inventory, removed provisions which had distinguished between conduct of conservator who is ward's spouse and conduct of other conservator, and added provisions allowing court to require annual accounting and to hold hearing on accounts; P.A. 80-476 divided section into Subsecs., rephrased provisions and substituted "property" for "estate"; P.A. 81-349 added Subsec. (d) requiring the conservator of the estate of any person receiving public or medical assistance to apply any assets exceeding limits set by statute or regulation toward the cost of such person's care; P.A. 83-62 added Subsec. (e) permitting conservator of the estate to pay and distribute gifts of income and principal from estate of ward subject to the approval of the court; P.A. 85-523 amended Subsec. (e) to delete provisions re intent of ward concerning continuation of gifts and added phrase "in the case of ward capable of making an informed decision"; P.A. 87-565 amended Subsec. (a) by changing "return" to "make and file in", and added provision re appraisal of inventory at fair market value as of date of appointment of conservator and included all property in which ward has interest, including joint bank accounts; P.A. 89-211 clarified reference to the Internal Revenue Code of 1986; Sec. 45-75 transferred to Sec. 45a-655 in 1991; P.A. 92-233 amended Subsec. (d) by adding provisions re limits on amount of income and property applied to support of spouse of ward who is an applicant for or recipient of medical assistance; P.A. 93-262 authorized substitution of commissioner and department of social services for commissioner and department of income maintenance, effective July 1, 1993; June 18 Sp. Sess. P.A. 97-2 amended Subsec. (d) to make technical and conforming changes re references to assistance and Medicaid, effective July 1, 1997; P.A. 98-232 amended Subsec. (e) to provide notice to Commissioner of Social Services, to permit court to authorize conservator to make gifts and other transfers of income from estate of ward to existing or court-approved trust for benefit of individuals, including ward, charities, trusts or other institutions, and to provide criteria for determining whether gift to charity will be permitted and the nature of the trust and continuing jurisdiction of Probate Court; P.A. 99-84 amended Subsec. (a) by deleting "oath" and inserting "penalty of false statement"; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 01-2 amended Subsec. (d) to make technical changes and delete provisions prohibiting application of certain income or property to support of ward's spouse, effective July 1, 2001; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 01-9 revised effective date of June Sp. Sess. P.A. 01-2 but without affecting this section; P.A. 07-116 substituted "conserved person" for "ward", amended Subsec. (a) to provide that conservator shall use least restrictive means of intervention in exercise of duties and authority, and made technical changes.

      Sec. 45a-656. (Formerly Sec. 45-75a). Duties of conservator of the person. (a) The conservator of the person shall have the duties and authority expressly assigned by the court pursuant to section 45a-650, which duties and authority may include: (1) The duty and responsibility for the general custody of the conserved person; (2) the authority to establish the conserved person's residence within the state, subject to the provisions of section 45a-656b; (3) the authority to give consent for the conserved person's medical or other professional care, counsel, treatment or service; (4) the duty to provide for the care, comfort and maintenance of the conserved person; and (5) the duty to take reasonable care of the conserved person's personal effects.

      (b) In carrying out the duties and authority assigned by the court, the conservator of the person shall exercise such duties and authority in a manner that is the least restrictive means of intervention and shall (1) assist the conserved person in removing obstacles to independence, (2) assist the conserved person in achieving self-reliance, (3) ascertain the conserved person's views, (4) make decisions in conformance with the conserved person's reasonable and informed expressed preferences, (5) make all reasonable efforts to ascertain the health care instructions and other wishes of the conserved person, and (6) make decisions in conformance with (A) the conserved person's expressed health care preferences, including health care instructions and other wishes, if any, described in section 19a-580e, or validly executed health care instructions described in section 19a-580g, or (B) a health care decision of a health care representative described in subsection (b) of section 19a-580e, except under a circumstance set forth in subsection (b) of section 19a-580e. The conservator shall afford the conserved person the opportunity to participate meaningfully in decision-making in accordance with the conserved person's abilities and shall delegate to the conserved person reasonable responsibility for decisions affecting such conserved person's well-being.

      (c) The conservator shall report at least annually to the probate court that appointed the conservator regarding the condition of the conserved person, the efforts made to encourage the independence of the conserved person and the conservator's statement on whether the appointment of the conservator is the least restrictive means of intervention for managing the conserved person's needs. The duties, responsibilities and authority assigned pursuant to section 45a-650 or set forth in this section shall be carried out within the resources available to the conserved person, either through the conserved person's own estate or through private or public assistance.

      (d) 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; P.A. 05-155, S. 1; P.A. 07-73, S. 2(a); 07-116, S. 20.)

      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; P.A. 05-155 amended Subsec. (a) to substitute "the ward's" for "his", and added new Subsec. (c) re duties if the conservator determines it is necessary to place the ward in an institution for long-term care; pursuant to P.A. 07-73 "Department of Mental Retardation" was changed editorially by the Revisors to "Department of Developmental Services" in Subsec. (c), effective October 1, 2007; P.A. 07-116 substituted "authority" for "power", substituted "conserved person" for "ward" and "respondent", amended Subsec. (a) to insert "the duties and authority expressly assigned by the court pursuant to section 45a-650, which duties and authority may include" and provide that powers are subject to Sec. 45a-656b, inserted new Subsec. (b) re exercise of duties, designated existing reporting requirements as Subsec. (c) and amended same to require report to include efforts made to encourage independence and statement on whether appointment of conservator is least restrictive means of intervention, redesignated existing Subsec. (b) as Subsec. (d), deleted former Subsec. (c) re placement of ward in institution for long-term care, and made technical changes.

      See Sec. 45a-656b re duties of conservator.

      Sec. 45a-656b. Duties of conservator re real and personal property and placement of conserved person. (a) Except as provided in subsections (b), (c), (d), (e) and (f) of this section, a conservator may not terminate a tenancy or lease of a conserved person, as defined in section 45a-644, sell or dispose of any real property or household furnishings of the conserved person, or change the conserved person's residence unless a court of probate finds, after a hearing, that such termination, sale, disposal or change is necessary or that the conserved person agrees to such termination, sale, disposal or change.

      (b) If the conservator determines it is necessary to cause the conserved person to be placed in an institution for long-term care or to change the conserved person's residence, the conservator shall file a report of the intended placement in an institution for long-term care or change of residence with the court of probate that appointed the conservator. The court shall hold a hearing to consider the report. If, after the hearing, the conservator obtains permission of the court for the intended placement or change of residence, the conservator may make such a placement or implement such a change of residence. The hearing shall be held not less than five days after the filing of the report, excluding Saturdays, Sundays and holidays, and not less than seventy-two hours before the placement in the institution for long-term care or the change of residence, except that if the placement in an institution for long-term care results from the conserved person's discharge from a hospital, the conservator may make the placement before filing the report, provided the conservator (1) files the report not later than five days after making such placement, and (2) includes in the report a statement as to the hospital discharge and related circumstances requiring the placement of the conserved person in the institution for long-term care. No such placement made before the filing of the report of the conservator shall continue unless ordered by the Court of Probate after a hearing held pursuant to this section.

      (c) A report filed under subsection (b) of this section with respect to placement in an institution for long-term care shall set forth the basis for the conservator's determination, what community resources are available and have been considered to avoid the placement, and the reasons why the conserved person's physical, mental and psychosocial needs cannot be met in a less restrictive and more integrated setting. Such community resources include, but are not limited to, resources provided by the area agencies on aging, the Department of Social Services, the Office of Protection and Advocacy for Persons with Disabilities, the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, the Department of Developmental Services, any center for independent living, as defined in section 17b-613, any residential care home or any congregate or subsidized housing. The conservator shall give notice of the placement of the conserved person in an institution for long-term care and a copy of such report to the conserved person, the conserved person's attorney and any interested parties as determined by the court. Service shall be by first-class mail. The conservator shall provide a certification to the court that service was made in the manner prescribed by this subsection.

      (d) The conserved person may, at any time, request a hearing by the court on the person's placement in an institution for long-term care which hearing may determine the availability of a less restrictive alternative for the person's placement. On request of the conserved person made after the initial hearing held under subsection (b) of this section, the court shall hold a hearing on the placement not later than ten days, excluding Saturdays, Sundays and holidays, after receipt by the court of such request. The court shall not be required to conduct a hearing under this subsection more than three times in any twelve-month period following the hearing held under subsection (b) of this section authorizing the initial placement, except that the court shall conduct a hearing whenever information not previously available to the court is submitted with a request for a hearing.

      (e) After the initial hearing held under subsection (b) of this section, the court may hold a hearing on a conservator's report and the placement of the conserved person in an institution for long-term care in any case even if no request for a hearing is made.

      (f) If the court, after a hearing on the placement of the conserved person in an institution for long-term care, determines that the conserved person's physical, mental and psychosocial needs can be met in a less restrictive and more integrated setting within the resources available to the conserved person, either through the conserved person's own estate or through private or public assistance, the court shall order that the conserved person be placed and maintained in a less restrictive and more integrated setting.

      (g) A conserved person may waive the right to a hearing required under this section if the conserved person's attorney has consulted with the conserved person and the attorney has filed with the court a record of the waiver. Such a waiver shall be invalid if the waiver does not represent the conserved person's own wishes.

      (h) For purposes of this section, an "institution for long-term care" means a facility that has been federally certified as a skilled nursing facility, an intermediate care facility, a residential care home, an extended care facility, a nursing home, a rest home and a rehabilitation hospital or facility.

      (P.A. 07-73, S. 2(c); 07-116, S. 21.)

      History: Pursuant to P.A. 07-73 "Department of Mental Retardation" was changed editorially by the Revisors to "Department of Developmental Services", effective October 1, 2007.

      Sec. 45a-659. (Formerly Sec. 45-76). Conservator of nonresident's property. (a) If any person not domiciled in this state and owning real property or tangible personal property in this state is incapable of managing his or her affairs, the court of probate for the district in which the property or some part of it is situated may, on the written application of a husband, wife or relative or of a conservator, committee or guardian having charge of the person or estate of the incapable person in the state where the incapable person is domiciled and after notice pursuant to section 45a-649 or such reasonable notice as the court may order, and a hearing as required pursuant to section 45a-650, appoint a conservator of the estate for the real property and tangible personal property in this state of the incapable person pursuant to section 45a-650. If an application for appointment of a conservator is made pursuant to this section, the court of probate may not act on the application until an attorney is appointed to represent the person in the manner set forth in section 45a-649a.

      (b) If a conservator of the estate has been appointed for such an incapable person in the state of such person's domicile, (1) the court may, on application of the out-of-state conservator to act as conservator for real or tangible personal property of the incapable person in this state, appoint such person as conservator of the estate without a hearing, on presentation to the court of a certified copy of the conservator's appointment in the state of the incapable person's domicile, and (2) if the application is for the appointment of a person other than the out-of-state conservator to act as conservator of the estate, the court, at its hearing on the application, may accept a certified copy of the out-of-state appointment of a conservator as evidence of incapacity. As used in this subsection, a "conservator of the estate" in an out-of-state jurisdiction includes any person serving in the equivalent capacity in such state.

      (c) The conservator of the estate for the property in this state shall give a probate bond, and shall, within two months after the date of his or her appointment, make and file in the court of probate, under penalty of false statement, an inventory of all the real property and tangible personal property in this state of the incapable person, appraised or caused to be appraised, by such conservator, at fair market value as of the date of the conservator's appointment.

      (d) The proceeds of any sale of the real or tangible personal property, or the tangible personal property itself, may be transferred to the conservator, committee or guardian having charge of the person and estate of the incapable person in the state where the incapable person is domiciled, following the application and proceedings which are required by section 45a-635.

      (1949 Rev., S. 6879; P.A. 80-476, S. 136; P.A. 87-565, S. 3; P.A. 94-24; P.A. 99-84, S. 29; P.A. 07-116, S. 22.)

      History: P.A. 80-476 divided section into Subsecs. and rephrased provisions; P.A. 87-565 amended Subsec. (b) by adding provision re appraisal of inventory of all property in this state of incapable person at fair market value at date of appointment of conservator; Sec. 45-76 transferred to Sec. 45a-659 in 1991; P.A. 94-24 amended Subsec. (a) by changing "residing" to "domiciled" and "property" to "real property or tangible personal property" and adding requirement of notice and hearing prior to appointment of conservator, inserted new Subsec. (b) re appointment of conservator of the estate in an out-of-state jurisdiction as conservator for real or tangible property of the incapable person in this state, relettering former Subsecs. (b) and (c) accordingly, amended Subsec. (c) by changing "property" to "real property or tangible personal property" and deleting provision re order of probate court re sale of property, and amended Subsec. (d) by changing "the sale of both real and personal property" to "any sale of either real property or tangible personal property, or both"; P.A. 99-84 amended Subsec. (c) by deleting "oath" and inserting "penalty of false statement"; P.A. 07-116 amended Subsec. (a) to substitute "not domiciled in this state" for domiciled out of state, and provide that court may not act on application until an attorney is appointed, and amended Subsec. (d) to provide that tangible personal property itself may be transferred.

      Sec. 45a-660. (Formerly Sec. 45-77). Termination of conservatorship. Review of conservatorship by court. (a)(1) A conserved person may, at any time, petition the court of probate having jurisdiction for the termination of a conservatorship. A petition for termination of a conservatorship shall be determined by a preponderance of the evidence. The conserved person shall not be required to present medical evidence at such a hearing. A hearing on the petition shall be held not later than thirty days after the date the petition was filed in the Court of Probate, unless the hearing is continued for good cause. If such hearing is not held within such thirty-day period or continuance period, if applicable, the conservatorship shall terminate. If the court of probate having jurisdiction finds a conserved person 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 conserved person 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 the conserved person's property be restored to the conserved person. (2) If the court finds upon hearing and after notice which the court prescribes that a conserved person 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 conserved person, upon such conservator or person giving such probate bond, if any, as the court orders. (3) If any conserved person having a conservator dies, the conserved person's property other than property which has accrued from the sale of the conserved person's real property shall be delivered to the conserved person's executor or administrator. The unexpended proceeds of the conserved person's 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 the conservator's final account, and the court shall audit the account and allow the account if it is found to be correct. If the conserved person is living, the conserved person and the conserved person's attorney, if any, shall be entitled to notice by first class mail of any hearing held on the final account. (2) The court of probate having jurisdiction shall send written notice annually to the conserved person and the conserved person's attorney that the conserved person 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 request unless continued for cause shown.

      (c) The court shall review each conservatorship not later than one year after the conservatorship was ordered, and not less than every three years after such initial one-year review. After each such review, the court shall continue, modify or terminate the order for conservatorship. The court shall receive and review written evidence as to the condition of the conserved person. The conservator 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. On receipt of a written report from the conservator or a physician, the court shall provide a copy of the report to the conserved person and the attorney for the conserved person. If the conserved person is unable to request or obtain an attorney, the court shall appoint an attorney. If the conserved person is unable to pay for the services of the attorney, the reasonable rates of compensation of such attorney shall be established by, and the attorney shall be paid from funds appropriated to, the Judicial Department. If funds have not been included in the budget of the Judicial Department for such purposes, such rates of compensation shall be established by the Probate Court Administrator and the attorney shall be paid from the Probate Court Administration Fund. The physician shall examine the conserved person within the forty-five-day period preceding the date of submission of the physician's report. Any physician's report filed with the court pursuant to this subsection shall be confidential. The court may issue an order for the disclosure of medical information required pursuant to this subsection, except that the court shall issue an order for the disclosure of medical information to the conserved person's attorney. Not later than thirty days after receipt of the conservator's report and the physician's report, the attorney for the conserved person shall notify the court that the attorney has met with the conserved person and shall inform the court as to whether a hearing is being requested. Nothing in this section shall prevent the conserved person or the conserved person's attorney from requesting a hearing at any other time as permitted by law.

      (d) If the court finds, after receipt of the reports from the attorney for the conserved person, the physician and the conservator, by clear and convincing evidence, that the conserved person continues to be incapable of managing his or her affairs or continues to be incapable of caring for himself or herself, as the case may be, and that there are no less restrictive means available to assist the conserved person in managing his or her affairs or caring for himself or herself, as the case may be, the court shall continue or modify the conservatorship under the terms and conditions of the appointment of the conservator under section 45a-650. If the court does not make such a finding of continued incapacity by clear and convincing evidence, the court shall terminate the conservatorship. A hearing on the condition of the conserved person shall not be required under this subsection, except that the court may hold a hearing in its discretion and shall hold a hearing if the conserved person, conserved person's attorney or conservator requests a hearing, in which case 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; P.A. 04-142, S. 5; P.A. 07-116, S. 23.)

      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; (Revisor's note: 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; P.A. 04-142 amended Subsec. (c) by adding provisions re confidentiality of physician's report filed with the court and re court order for disclosure of required medical information and by making technical changes; P.A. 07-116 substituted "conserved person" for "ward", "first class mail" for "regular mail", and "reasonable rates of compensation" for "reasonable compensation", amended Subsec. (a) re conserved person's ability to petition at any time for termination of conservatorship and hearing on such petition, amended Subsec. (c) to substitute review of conservatorship not later than one year after order, and not less than every three years after first review, for review every three years, delete requirement that attorney for ward submit written report, provide that on receipt of written report from conservator or physician, court shall provide copy to conserved person and attorney, and insert requirements re order for disclosure of medical information to conserved person's attorney and notice and time of hearing, amended Subsec. (d) to require clear and convincing evidence that conserved person continues to be incapable and there be no less restrictive means available for care of conserved person in order for conservatorship to be continued or modified, and replace provision re hearing held on request of physician with provision re hearing held on request of conserved person, and made technical changes.

      Sec. 45a-662. (Formerly Sec. 45-77b). Conveyance of property by order of court. The court of probate in which a conservator has been appointed may, concurrently with courts of equity, order such conservator to convey the interest of the conserved person in any real property which ought in equity to be conveyed to another person.

      (P.A. 80-476, S. 139; P.A. 07-116, S. 27.)

      History: Sec. 45-77b transferred to Sec. 45a-662 in 1991; P.A. 07-116 deleted reference to incapable person, substituted "conserved person" for "ward" and made technical changes.

      Sec. 45a-663. Compensation of conservator if conserved person is unable to pay. If a conserved person 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; P.A. 07-116, S. 28.)

      History: P.A. 07-116 substituted "conserved person" for "ward".

PART V
GUARDIANS OF PERSONS WITH MENTAL RETARDATION

      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 Developmental Services 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; P.A. 07-73, S. 2(b).)

      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; pursuant to P.A. 07-73 "Commissioner of Mental Retardation" was changed editorially by the Revisors to "Commissioner of Developmental Services", effective October 1, 2007.

      Sec. 45a-671. (Formerly Sec. 45-323). Hearing on application for guardianship. Notice. (a) Within forty-five days of the filing of such application for guardianship 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 the 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 first class 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; and (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; and (2) the siblings of the respondent or their representatives, if the respondent has no living parents, and the 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; P.A. 07-184, S. 4.)

      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; P.A. 07-184 substituted "the filing of such application for guardianship" for "filing such application" in Subsec. (a), substituted "first class mail" for "certified mail" in Subsec. (b), and made technical changes.

      Sec. 45a-674. (Formerly Sec. 45-326). Hearing for appointment of guardian. Evidence. Report by 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 person with mental retardation, the court shall receive evidence as to the condition of the respondent, including a written report or testimony by a Department of Developmental Services assessment team appointed by the Commissioner of Developmental Services 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 two 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 Developmental Services.

      (P.A. 82-337, S. 7; P.A. 86-323, S. 5; P.A. 03-51, S. 4; P.A. 04-211, S. 1; P.A. 07-73, S. 2(a), (b).)

      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 45 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); P.A. 03-51 substituted "person with mental retardation" for "mentally retarded person"; P.A. 04-211 changed from three to two the minimum number of assessment team members; pursuant to P.A. 07-73 "Commissioner of Mental Retardation" and "Department of Mental Retardation" were changed editorially by the Revisors to "Commissioner of Developmental Services" and "Department of Developmental Services", effective October 1, 2007.

      Sec. 45a-676. (Formerly Sec. 45-328). Appointment of plenary guardian or limited guardian. (a) If the court finds, by clear and convincing evidence, that the respondent is, by reason of the severity of the respondent's mental retardation, totally unable to meet essential requirements for the respondent's physical health or safety and totally unable to make informed decisions about matters related to the respondent's care, the court shall appoint a plenary guardian or plenary coguardians of the person with mental retardation who shall have all those powers and duties provided for in section 45a-677.

      (b) If the court finds by clear and convincing evidence that the respondent is able to do some, but not all, of the tasks necessary to meet essential requirements for the respondent's physical health or safety or that the respondent is able to make some, but not all, informed decisions about matters related to the respondent's care, the court shall appoint a limited guardian or limited coguardians of the person with mental retardation.

      (c) For the purposes of sections 45a-669 to 45a-684, inclusive, and 46b-38ii, any alleged inability of the respondent must be evidenced by recent behavior that would cause harm or create a risk of harm, by clear and convincing proof.

      (d) The court shall take from any such plenary guardian or limited guardian a written acceptance of such guardianship and, if the court deems it necessary for the protection of the respondent, a probate bond.

      (e) The court shall make written findings of fact that support each grant of authority to the plenary guardian or limited guardian. If the court in reaching its conclusion is relying on incidents of behavior that occurred more than six months prior to the date of hearing, the court findings shall include its reasoning for relying upon such incidents.

      (f) In selecting a plenary guardian or limited guardian of the person with mental retardation, the court shall be guided by the best interests of the respondent, including, but not limited to, the preference of the respondent as to who should be appointed as plenary guardian or limited guardian.

      (g) No person shall be excluded from serving as a plenary guardian or limited guardian solely because such person is employed by the Department of Developmental Services, except that (1) no such employee may be appointed as a plenary guardian or limited guardian of a person with mental retardation residing in a state-operated residential facility for persons with mental retardation located in the Department of Developmental Services region in which such person is employed; and (2) no such employee shall be so appointed unless no other suitable person to serve as plenary guardian or limited guardian can be found. Any appointment of an employee of the Department of Developmental Services as a plenary guardian or limited guardian shall be made for a limited purpose and duration. During the term of appointment of any such employee, the Commissioner of Developmental Services shall search for a suitable person who is not an employee of the department to replace such employee as plenary guardian or limited guardian.

      (h) No person shall be excluded from serving as a plenary guardian or limited guardian solely because such person is employed by a private facility funded or licensed by the Department of Developmental Services, except that (1) no such employee may be appointed as a plenary guardian or limited guardian of a person with mental retardation residing in a residential facility in which such employee is employed, and (2) no such employee shall be so appointed unless no other suitable person to serve as plenary guardian or limited guardian can be found.

      (i) No person shall be excluded from serving as a plenary guardian or limited guardian solely because such person is licensed by the Department of Developmental Services to operate a community training home, except that (1) no such licensee, nor any of such licensee's relatives or household members, may be appointed as a plenary guardian or limited guardian of a person with mental retardation residing in a community training home operated by such licensee, and (2) no such licensee shall be so appointed unless no other suitable person to serve as plenary guardian or limited guardian can be found.

      (P.A. 82-337, S. 9; P.A. 83-420, S. 1; P.A. 85-310, S. 1; P.A. 86-323, S. 6; P.A. 03-51, S. 5; P.A. 04-257, S. 108; P.A. 05-10, S. 19; 05-288, S. 152; P.A. 07-73, S. 2(a), (b); 07-238, S. 6.)

      History: P.A. 83-420 amended Subsec. (e) re appointment of employee of the department of mental retardation as guardian or limited guardian of a mentally retarded person; P.A. 85-310 added references to coguardians and limited coguardians; P.A. 86-323 substituted "meet essential requirements for his physical health or safety" for "care for himself or his personal affairs"; added "plenary" before "guardian", added provision requiring alleged inability of respondent to be evidenced by recent behavior which would cause harm or create risk of harm, by clear and convincing proof; deleted requirement that court make and furnish findings upon request of respondent and added provision requiring written findings of fact for each grant of authority to guardian and if incidents of behavior recurred more than six months before hearing, court must include reasons for relying on such incidents; Sec. 45-328 transferred to Sec. 45a-676 in 1991; P.A. 03-51 substituted "person with mental retardation" for "mentally retarded person" in Subsecs. (a), (b) and (f); P.A. 04-257 made technical changes in Subsec. (f), effective June 14, 2004; (Revisor's note: In 2005, a reference in Subsec. (c) to Sec. 45a-668 was changed editorially by the Revisors to Sec. 45a-669 to reflect the repeal of Sec. 45a-668 by P.A. 04-54); P.A. 05-10 amended Subsec. (c) to add reference to Sec. 46b-38ii and make a technical change; P.A. 05-288 made technical changes in Subsec. (c), effective July 13, 2005; pursuant to P.A. 07-73 "Commissioner of Mental Retardation" and "Department of Mental Retardation" were changed editorially by the Revisors to "Commissioner of Developmental Services" and "Department of Developmental Services", effective October 1, 2007; P.A. 07-238 made technical changes in Subsecs. (a), (b), (c) and (e), redesignated provisions allowing employees of Department of Developmental Services to serve as plenary or limited guardians as Subsec. (g), added Subsec. (h) allowing persons employed by private facilities funded or licensed by department to serve as plenary or limited guardians under certain circumstances and added Subsec. (i) allowing community training home licensees to serve as plenary or limited guardians under certain circumstances.

      Sec. 45a-677. (Formerly Sec. 45-329). Powers and duties of plenary or limited guardian. Report. Transfer of file. (a) The court may assign to a limited guardian of a person with mental retardation any portion of the duties and powers listed in subsection (d) of this section for those particular areas in which the respondent lacks the capacity to meet the essential requirements for such respondent's physical or mental health or safety.

      (b) A limited guardian may also be assigned the duty to assist the respondent in those particular areas in which the capacity of the respondent to meet the essential requirements of such respondent's physical or mental health or safety, protect such respondent's rights, obtain necessary services, or to fulfill such respondent's civil duties is impaired, as well as in other ways not specifically prohibited by sections 45a-669 to 45a-684, inclusive.

      (c) A limited guardian of a person with mental retardation shall have only such of the duties and responsibilities and powers of a guardian of a person with mental retardation under subsection (d) of this section as the court shall specify based upon its findings with regard to the individual need of the respondent for supervision. The guardian shall have the duty to report to the probate court which appointed such limited guardian at least annually 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 the ward's own estate or by reason of private or public assistance.

      (d) The court may assign to a limited guardian the custody of the ward for the purpose of exercising any, but not all, of the following limited duties and powers, in order to assist the ward in achieving self-reliance: (1) To assure and consent to a place of abode outside the natural family home, (2) to consent to specifically designed educational, vocational or behavioral programs, (3) to consent to the release of clinical records and photographs, (4) to assure and consent to routine, elective and emergency medical and dental care, and (5) other specific limited powers to assure and consent to services necessary to develop or regain to the maximum extent possible the ward's capacity to meet essential requirements. All plenary guardians and limited guardians appointed pursuant to sections 45a-669 to 45a-684, inclusive, shall also have a duty to assure the care and comfort of the ward within the limitations of their appointment, and within the limitations of the resources available to the ward either through the ward's own estate or by reason of private or public assistance.

      (e) A plenary guardian or limited guardian of a person with mental retardation shall not have the power or authority: (1) To cause the ward to be admitted to any institution for treatment of the mentally ill, except in accordance with 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 420b; (2) to cause the ward to be admitted to any training school or other facility provided for the care and training of persons with mental retardation if there is a conflict concerning such admission between the guardian and the person with mental retardation or next of kin, except in accordance with the provisions of sections 17a-274 and 17a-275; (3) to consent on behalf of the ward to a sterilization, except in accordance with the provisions of sections 45a-690 to 45a-700, inclusive; (4) to consent on behalf of the ward to psychosurgery, except in accordance with the provisions of section 17a-543; (5) to consent on behalf of the ward to the termination of the ward's parental rights, except in accordance with the provisions of sections 45a-706 to 45a-709, inclusive, 45a-715 to 45a-718, inclusive, 45a-724 to 45a-737, inclusive, and 45a-743 to 45a-757, inclusive; (6) to consent on behalf of the ward to the performance of any experimental biomedical or behavioral medical procedure or participation in any biomedical or behavioral experiment, unless it (A) is intended to preserve the life or prevent serious impairment of the physical health of the ward, (B) is intended to assist the ward to regain the ward's abilities and has been approved for the ward by the court, or (C) has been (i) approved by a recognized institutional review board, as defined by 45 CFR 46, 21 CFR 50 and 21 CFR 56, as amended from time to time, which is not a part of the Department of Developmental Services, (ii) endorsed or supported by the Department of Developmental Services, and (iii) approved for the ward by such ward's primary care physician; (7) to admit the ward to any residential facility operated by an organization by whom such guardian is employed, except in accordance with the provisions of section 17a-274; (8) to prohibit the marriage or divorce of the ward; and (9) to consent on behalf of the ward to an abortion or removal of a body organ, except in accordance with applicable statutory procedures when necessary to preserve the life or prevent serious impairment of the physical or mental health of the ward.

      (f) A plenary guardian or limited guardian shall submit a report to the court: (1) Annually; (2) when the court orders additional reports to be filed; (3) when there is a significant change in the capacity of the ward to meet the essential requirements for the ward's physical health or safety; (4) when the plenary guardian or limited guardian resigns or is removed; and (5) when the guardianship is terminated.

      (g) Such reports shall be submitted on a form provided by the Office of the Probate Court Administrator and shall contain the following information: (1) Significant changes in the capacity of the ward to meet the essential requirements for the ward's physical health or safety; (2) the services being provided to the ward and the relationship of those services to the individual guardianship plan; (3) the significant actions taken by the limited guardian of a person with mental retardation or plenary guardian of a person with mental retardation during the reporting period; (4) any significant problems relating to the guardianship which have arisen during the reporting period; and (5) whether such guardianship, in the opinion of the guardian, should continue, be modified, or be terminated, and the reasons therefor.

      (h) When any person with mental retardation 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, or becomes a resident of any town in the state to which the guardianship file has been transferred under this section, 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, the Commissioner of Developmental Services or the commissioner's designee, or a relative of the person under guardianship, transfer the file to the probate district in which the person under guardianship resides at the time of the application, provided the transfer is in the best interest of the person with mental retardation. 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 person under guardianship resides. When the transfer is made, the court of probate in which the person 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.

      (i) A plenary guardian or limited guardian of a person with mental retardation and, to the extent appropriate, such person shall be the primary decision maker with respect to programs needed by such person and policies and practices affecting the well-being of such person within the authority granted by the court pursuant to this section, provided any such decision does not conflict with the requirements of section 17a-238. In making any such decision, the plenary guardian or limited guardian shall consult with the ward and appropriate members of the ward's family, where possible. A limited guardian shall be the primary decision maker only with respect to such duties assigned to the limited guardian by the court. The provisions of this subsection shall be included in any court order appointing a plenary guardian or limited guardian of a person with mental retardation.

      (P.A. 82-337, S. 10; P.A. 83-420, S. 2; P.A. 85-310, S. 2; P.A. 86-323, S. 7; P.A. 94-27, S. 14, 17; P.A. 98-250, S. 3, 39; P.A. 99-41, S. 1, 2; P.A. 01-140, S. 3; P.A. 02-58, S. 1; P.A. 03-51, S. 6; 03-278, S. 97; P.A. 04-257, S. 109; P.A. 07-73, S. 2(a), (b).)

      History: P.A. 83-420 amended Subsec. (e)(1) by adding language re conflict between guardian and mentally retarded person or next of kin concerning admission and added Subsec. (e)(6) re admission by employee of department of mental retardation and right to notice and probate court review of persons voluntarily admitted by their guardians pursuant to Sec. 19a-455; P.A. 85-310 amended Subsec. (d) adding "or more limited powers as the court deems appropriate" and added Subsec. (h) re transfer of file of mentally retarded person for whom a guardian has been appointed from one probate court to another; P.A. 86-323 deleted provisions of Subsec. (d) re duties of guardian assigned by court and substituted provision re powers of limited guardian assigned by court, deleted provisions of Subsec. (e) re power or authority that limited guardian or guardian of the mentally retarded person shall not have, and substituted new provision re power or authority that plenary or limited guardian of mentally retarded person shall not have, substituted "plenary" for "guardian" and "ward" for "respondent", and in Subsec. (h), deleted "the court of probate in which the guardian was appointed shall" and substituted "or becomes a resident of any town in the state to which the guardianship file has been transferred under this section, such court in that district may" and permitted transfer of file on motion of guardian; Sec. 45-329 transferred to Sec. 45a-677 in 1991; P.A. 94-27 amended Subsec. (e) to delete reference to Secs. 17a-580 to 17a-603, inclusive, effective July 1, 1994; P.A. 98-250 amended Subsec. (d) by replacing reference to placement in licensed and unlicensed facilities with reference to placement "outside the natural family home", deleting "habilitative" and adding "vocational or behavioral" to programs, deleting former Subdivs. (5) re consent to programs and (7) re consent to elective and emergency medical and dental care, including anesthesia, and made technical changes, including renumbering Subdivs., effective July 1, 1998; P.A. 99-41 amended Subsec. (d)(4) by adding "elective and emergency" before "medical and dental care", effective May 27, 1999; P.A. 01-140 made technical changes in Subsecs. (a) to (h) and added new Subsec. (i) re primary decision maker; P.A. 02-58 amended Subsec. (e)(6) by designating existing exceptions as Subparas. (A) and (B) and adding Subpara. (C) re exception for procedure or experiment approved by recognized institutional review board, endorsed or supported by department and approved by primary care physician; P.A. 03-51 substituted "person with mental retardation" for "mentally retarded person"; P.A. 03-278 made technical changes in Subsecs. (e) and (f), effective July 9, 2003; P.A. 04-257 made a technical change in Subsec. (e)(2), effective June 14, 2004; (Revisor's note: In 2005, references in Subsecs. (b) and (d) to Sec. 45a-668 were changed editorially by the Revisors to Sec. 45a-669 to reflect the repeal of Sec. 45a-668 by P.A. 04-54); pursuant to P.A. 07-73 "Commissioner of Mental Retardation" and "Department of Mental Retardation" were changed editorially by the Revisors to "Commissioner of Developmental Services" and "Department of Developmental Services", effective October 1, 2007.

      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 or conserved person has both a plenary guardian or limited guardian of the person with mental retardation 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 or conserved person.

      (P.A. 82-337, S. 12; P.A. 86-323, S. 9; P.A. 03-51, S. 8; P.A. 07-116, S. 29.)

      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; P.A. 03-51 substituted "person with mental retardation" for "mentally retarded person"; P.A. 07-116 added references to "conserved person".

      Sec. 45a-681. (Formerly Sec. 45-333). Review by court of guardianship or limited guardianship of person with mental retardation. (a) The court shall review each guardianship of the person with mental retardation or limited guardianship of the person with mental retardation at least every three years and shall either continue, modify or terminate the order for guardianship. (1) The court shall receive and review written evidence as to the condition of the ward. Except as provided in subdivision (2) of this subsection, the guardian, the attorney for the ward and a Department of Developmental Services professional or, if requested by the ward or by the court, an assessment team appointed by the Commissioner of Developmental Services or his designee shall each submit a written report to the court not later than forty-five days after the court's request for such report. (2) In the case of a ward who is functioning adaptively and intellectually within the severe or profound range of mental retardation, as determined by the Department of Developmental Services, the court shall receive and review written reports as to the condition of the ward only from the guardian and the attorney for the ward, provided the court may require a Department of Developmental Services professional or assessment team to submit a written report as to the condition of such ward. Each written report shall be submitted to the court not later than forty-five days after the court's request for such report. (3) 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 Developmental Services 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 Developmental Services 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 Developmental Services 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; P.A. 03-51, S. 10; P.A. 04-211, S. 2; P.A. 07-73, S. 2(a), (b).)

      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 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 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; P.A. 03-51 substituted "person with mental retardation" for "mentally retarded person" in Subsec. (a); P.A. 04-211 amended Subsec. (a) to add Subdiv. designators and new provision as Subdiv. (2), requiring written reports re ward functioning adaptively and intellectually within severe or profound range of mental retardation only from guardian and attorney for ward unless court requires report from Department of Mental Retardation professional or assessment team, and to make conforming and technical changes; pursuant to P.A. 07-73 "Commissioner of Mental Retardation" and "Department of Mental Retardation" were changed editorially by the Revisors to "Commissioner of Developmental Services" and "Department of Developmental Services", effective October 1, 2007.

      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, the respondent's parents or spouse, if any, and to the Office of Protection and Advocacy for Persons with Disabilities. 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 the respondent's mental retardation is incapable of giving informed consent to such procedure, and that the respondent will suffer deterioration of the respondent's physical or mental health or serious discomfort if such procedure or treatment, or both, is not ordered, the court may appoint a temporary limited guardian for the purpose of consenting to such procedure or treatment, or both. 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 Developmental Services, or the commissioner's 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; P.A. 03-278, S. 125; P.A. 07-73, S. 2(b).)

      History: P.A. 85-523 amended Subsec. (b) increasing duration of appointment of a temporary limited guardian from not more than 30 days to not more than 60 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; P.A. 03-278 made technical changes in Subsec. (b), effective July 9, 2003; pursuant to P.A. 07-73 "Commissioner of Mental Retardation" was changed editorially by the Revisors to "Commissioner of Developmental Services", effective October 1, 2007.

PART VI
STERILIZATION

      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 Developmental Services 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; P.A. 07-73, S. 2(b).)

      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; pursuant to P.A. 07-73 "Commissioner of Mental Retardation" was changed editorially by the Revisors to "Commissioner of Developmental Services", effective October 1, 2007.

PART VIII
HABEAS CORPUS

      Sec. 45a-705a. Application for writ of habeas corpus by individual subject to guardianship or involuntary representation. (a) An individual subject to a guardianship or involuntary representation under this chapter may apply for and is entitled to the benefit of the writ of habeas corpus without having previously exhausted other available remedies including, but not limited to, the right to appeal the order of guardianship or involuntary representation. The question of the legality of such guardianship or involuntary representation shall be determined by the court or judge issuing such writ.

      (b) A writ of habeas corpus shall be directed to the guardian of the person or the estate of the ward or to the conservator of the conserved person and if illegality or invalidity of the guardianship or involuntary representation is alleged in such writ, a copy shall also be directed to the judge of the court that issued the order as to such claim.

      (c) An application for a writ of habeas corpus under this section shall be brought to either the Superior Court or the Court of Probate.

      (d) If such application has been brought in the Court of Probate, the Probate Court Administrator shall appoint a three-judge court to hear such application from among the judges of probate who are approved to hear such applications by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. The judge of the court of probate who issued the order shall not be a member of the three-judge court. No such application shall be denied without the vote of at least two judges of the three-judge court. The judges of such three-judge court shall designate a chief judge from among their members. The three-judge court shall cause a recording to be made of all proceeding held under this section. The recording shall be part of the court record and shall be made and retained in a manner approved by the Probate Court Administrator. All records for any case before the three-judge court shall be maintained in the court of probate in which the conservator or guardian was appointed.

      (e) Hearing under this section shall be heard not later than ten days, excluding Saturdays, Sundays and holidays, after return of service of the writ.

      (f) If the court or judge before whom such a writ is brought decides that the guardianship or involuntary representation is not illegal, such decision shall be considered a final judgment and subject to appeal.

      (g) If the court or judge before whom such case is brought decides that the guardianship or involuntary representation is not illegal, such decision shall not bar issuance of such a writ again, provided it is claimed that such person is no longer subject to the condition for which the person was conserved or such application is based on a ground different from that relied on in an earlier application. Such writ may be applied for by an individual subject to guardianship or involuntary representation or on the behalf of such individual by any relative, friend or person interested in such individual's welfare.

      (h) An appeal to the Superior Court of a decision rendered by a three-judge court under this section shall be filed in the judicial district in which the court of probate that issued the order appointing a guardian or conservator is located. Such appeal shall be heard not later than thirty days of the return of service of the appeal.

      (P.A. 07-116, S. 24.)