NRS159.044. Petition for appointment of guardian: Who may submit; content; needs assessment required for proposed adult ward.

      1.  Except as otherwise provided in NRS 127.045, a proposed ward, a governmental agency, a nonprofit corporation or any interested person may petition the court for the appointment of a guardian.

      2.  To the extent the petitioner knows or reasonably may ascertain or obtain, the petition must include, without limitation:

      (a) The name and address of the petitioner.

      (b) The name, date of birth and current address of the proposed ward.

      (c) A copy of one of the following forms of identification of the proposed ward which must be placed in the records relating to the guardianship proceeding and, except as otherwise provided in NRS 239.0115 or as otherwise required to carry out a specific statute, maintained in a confidential manner:

             (1) A social security number;

             (2) A taxpayer identification number;

             (3) A valid driver’s license number;

             (4) A valid identification card number; or

             (5) A valid passport number.

Ê If the information required pursuant to this paragraph is not included with the petition, the information must be provided to the court not later than 120 days after the appointment of a guardian or as otherwise ordered by the court.

      (d) If the proposed ward is a minor, the date on which the proposed ward will attain the age of majority and:

             (1) Whether there is a current order concerning custody and, if so, the state in which the order was issued; and

             (2) Whether the petitioner anticipates that the proposed ward will need guardianship after attaining the age of majority.

      (e) Whether the proposed ward is a resident or nonresident of this State.

      (f) The names and addresses of the spouse of the proposed ward and the relatives of the proposed ward who are within the second degree of consanguinity.

      (g) The name, date of birth and current address of the proposed guardian. If the proposed guardian is a private professional guardian, the petition must include proof that the guardian meets the requirements of NRS 159.0595. If the proposed guardian is not a private professional guardian, the petition must include a statement that the guardian currently is not receiving compensation for services as a guardian to more than one ward who is not related to the person by blood or marriage.

      (h) A copy of one of the following forms of identification of the proposed guardian which must be placed in the records relating to the guardianship proceeding and, except as otherwise provided in NRS 239.0115 or as otherwise required to carry out a specific statute, maintained in a confidential manner:

             (1) A social security number;

             (2) A taxpayer identification number;

             (3) A valid driver’s license number;

             (4) A valid identification card number; or

             (5) A valid passport number.

      (i) Whether the proposed guardian has ever been convicted of a felony and, if so, information concerning the crime for which the proposed guardian was convicted and whether the proposed guardian was placed on probation or parole.

      (j) A summary of the reasons why a guardian is needed and recent documentation demonstrating the need for a guardianship. If the proposed ward is an adult, the documentation must include, without limitation:

             (1) A certificate signed by a physician who is licensed to practice medicine in this State or who is employed by the Department of Veterans Affairs, a letter signed by any governmental agency in this State which conducts investigations or a certificate signed by any other person whom the court finds qualified to execute a certificate, stating:

                   (I) The need for a guardian;

                   (II) Whether the proposed ward presents a danger to himself or herself or others;

                   (III) Whether the proposed ward’s attendance at a hearing would be detrimental to the proposed ward;

                   (IV) Whether the proposed ward would comprehend the reason for a hearing or contribute to the proceeding; and

                   (V) Whether the proposed ward is capable of living independently with or without assistance; and

             (2) If the proposed ward is determined to have the limited capacity to consent to the appointment of a special guardian, a written consent to the appointment of a special guardian from the ward.

      (k) Whether the appointment of a general or a special guardian is sought.

      (l) A general description and the probable value of the property of the proposed ward and any income to which the proposed ward is or will be entitled, if the petition is for the appointment of a guardian of the estate or a special guardian. If any money is paid or is payable to the proposed ward by the United States through the Department of Veterans Affairs, the petition must so state.

      (m) The name and address of any person or care provider having the care, custody or control of the proposed ward.

      (n) If the petitioner is not the spouse or natural child of the proposed ward, a declaration explaining the relationship of the petitioner to the proposed ward or to the proposed ward’s family or friends, if any, and the interest, if any, of the petitioner in the appointment.

      (o) Requests for any of the specific powers set forth in NRS 159.117 to 159.175, inclusive, necessary to enable the guardian to carry out the duties of the guardianship.

      (p) If the guardianship is sought as the result of an investigation of a report of abuse, neglect or exploitation of the proposed ward, whether the referral was from a law enforcement agency or a state or county agency.

      (q) Whether the proposed ward or the proposed guardian is a party to any pending criminal or civil litigation.

      (r) Whether the guardianship is sought for the purpose of initiating litigation.

      (s) Whether the proposed ward has executed a durable power of attorney for health care, a durable power of attorney for financial matters or a written nomination of guardian and, if so, who the named agents are for each document.

      (t) Whether the proposed guardian has filed for or received protection under the federal bankruptcy laws within the immediately preceding 7 years.

      3.  Before the court makes a finding pursuant to NRS 159.054, a petitioner seeking a guardian for a proposed adult ward must provide the court with an assessment of the needs of the proposed adult ward completed by a licensed physician which identifies the limitations of capacity of the proposed adult ward and how such limitations affect the ability of the proposed adult ward to maintain his or her safety and basic needs. The court may prescribe the form in which the assessment of the needs of the proposed adult ward must be filed.

      (Added to NRS by 1981, 1931; A 1989, 533; 1995, 1076, 2771; 1997, 1343; 1999, 1396; 2001 Special Session, 15; 2003, 1772; 2005, 815; 2007, 2025, 2075; 2009, 1646, 2519; 2013, 906)