§560:5-406 Original petition; preliminaries to hearing. (a) Upon the filing of a petition for a conservatorship or other protective order for a respondent for reasons other than being a minor, the court shall set a date for hearing. The court may appoint a kokua kanawai. The duties and reporting requirements of the kokua kanawai shall be limited to the relief requested in the petition. The kokua kanawai shall be an individual having such training or experience that the court deems appropriate.
(b) The court shall appoint a lawyer to represent the respondent in the proceeding if:
(c) Unless otherwise ordered by the court for good cause shown, the kokua kanawai shall interview the respondent in person and, to the extent that the respondent is able to understand:
(d) In addition to the duties imposed by subsection (c), the kokua kanawai shall:
(e) The kokua kanawai shall promptly file a report with the court, which shall include:
(f) The court may also appoint a physician, psychologist, or other individual qualified to evaluate the alleged impairment to conduct an examination of the respondent.
(g) While a petition to establish a conservatorship or for another protective order is pending, after preliminary hearing and without notice to others, the court may issue orders to preserve and apply the property of the respondent as may be required for the support of the respondent or individuals who are in fact dependent upon the respondent. The court may appoint a special conservator to assist in that task. [L 2004, c 161, pt of §1; am L 2008, c 39, §6]