§ 14-5407 — Procedure concerning hearing and order on original petition

A. On the filing of a petition for appointment of a conservator or any other protective order because of minority, the court shall set a hearing date on the matters alleged in the petition. If, at any time in the proceeding, the court determines that the interests of the minor are or may be inadequately represented, it shall appoint an attorney to represent the minor. If the minor is at least fourteen years of age the court shall consider the choice of the minor.

B. On the filing of a petition for appointment of a conservator or any other protective order for reasons other than minority, or on the filing of a petition for continuation of a conservatorship or other protective order pursuant to section 14-5401, subsection B, the court shall set a hearing date. Unless the person to be protected has counsel of that person's own choice, the court shall appoint an attorney to represent that person. If the alleged disability is mental illness, mental deficiency, mental disorder, physical illness or disability, chronic use of drugs, or chronic intoxication, the court shall appoint an investigator to interview the person to be protected. On petition by an interested person or on the court's own motion, the court may direct that an appropriate medical or psychological evaluation of the person be conducted. The investigator and the person conducting the medical or psychological evaluation shall submit written reports to the court before the hearing date.

C. In any case where the United States department of veterans affairs is or may be an interested party, a certificate of an authorized official of the United States department of veterans affairs that the person allegedly in need of protection has been found incapable of handling the benefits payable, on examination in accordance with the laws and regulations governing the United States department of veterans affairs, is prima facie evidence of the necessity for appointment of a conservator.

D. The person allegedly in need of protection is entitled to be present at the hearing, to be represented by counsel, to present evidence and to cross-examine witnesses, including any court appointed examiner and investigator. The issue may be determined at a closed hearing if the person allegedly in need of protection or that person's counsel so requests.

E. At the initial hearing on the petition, the court shall read into the record the notice of right to a trial by jury as stated in the notice of hearing.

F. After the hearing, and after making specific findings on the record that a basis for the appointment of a conservator or any other protective order has been established, the court shall make an appointment or other appropriate protective order.