(a) The following definitions apply in this Article:

(1) Emergency. – A circumstance that likely will result in substantial harm to a respondent’s health, safety, or welfare, and for which the appointment of a guardian of the person is necessary because no other person has authority and is willing to act on the respondent’s behalf.

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Terms Used In North Carolina General Statutes 35B-15

  • Evidence: Information presented in testimony or in documents that is used to persuade the fact finder (judge or jury) to decide the case for one side or the other.
  • following: when used by way of reference to any section of a statute, shall be construed to mean the section next preceding or next following that in which such reference is made; unless when some other section is expressly designated in such reference. See North Carolina General Statutes 12-3
  • Guardian: A person legally empowered and charged with the duty of taking care of and managing the property of another person who because of age, intellect, or health, is incapable of managing his (her) own affairs.
  • property: shall include all property, both real and personal. See North Carolina General Statutes 12-3
  • state: when applied to the different parts of the United States, shall be construed to extend to and include the District of Columbia and the several territories, so called; and the words "United States" shall be construed to include the said district and territories and all dependencies. See North Carolina General Statutes 12-3

(2) Home state. – The state in which the respondent was physically present, including any period of temporary absence, for at least six consecutive months immediately before the filing of a petition for the adjudication of incompetence; or if none, the state in which the respondent was physically present, including any period of temporary absence, for at least six consecutive months ending within the six months prior to the filing of the petition for the adjudication of incompetence.

(3) Significant-connection state. – A state, other than the home state, with which a respondent has a significant connection other than mere physical presence and in which substantial evidence concerning the respondent is available.

(b) In determining under N.C. Gen. Stat. § 35B-17 and N.C. Gen. Stat. § 35B-30(e) whether a respondent has a significant connection with a particular state, the court shall consider:

(1) The location of the respondent’s family and other persons required to be notified of the incompetency, guardianship, or protective proceeding.

(2) The length of time the respondent at any time was physically present in the state and the duration of any absence.

(3) The location of the respondent’s property.

(4) The extent to which the respondent has ties to the state such as voting registration, state or local tax return filing, vehicle registration, drivers license, social relationship, and receipt of services. (2016-72, s. 1.)