Sec. 16. (a) The circuit or superior court exercising jurisdiction over an adoption proceeding in any of the following counties shall establish a guardian ad litem pilot program to appoint a guardian ad litem to represent the interests of an incapacitated parent:

(1) LaPorte County.

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Terms Used In Indiana Code 31-19-2-16

  • 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.
  • Jurisdiction: (1) The legal authority of a court to hear and decide a case. Concurrent jurisdiction exists when two courts have simultaneous responsibility for the same case. (2) The geographic area over which the court has authority to decide cases.
  • Liabilities: The aggregate of all debts and other legal obligations of a particular person or legal entity.
(2) Marshall County.

(3) Starke County.

     (b) The court shall appoint a guardian ad litem under this section if a parent of a child subject to a petition for adoption:

(1) is an individual with an intellectual disability; and

(2) has a court appointed guardian.

     (c) The provisions of IC 31-32-3 concerning the:

(1) representation;

(2) duties;

(3) liabilities; and

(4) appointment;

of a guardian ad litem apply to a guardian ad litem appointed under this section.

     (d) The cost and expenses incurred in connection with the appointment of a guardian ad litem are paid by the county upon order of the appointing court.

     (e) This section expires July 1, 2026.

As added by P.L.97-2024, SEC.1.