TITLE 29 GUARDIAN AND WARD

Section 4. Guardians of Adults, 29-4-1 through 29-4-98.

ARTICLE 6 ALTERNATIVE OR SUCCESSOR GUARDIANS

29-4-51. Appointment of successor guardian; notice to interested individuals; hearing; order.

1. In the event of the death of a guardian, and upon the petition of an interested person or on the court's own motion, the court shall appoint a successor guardian. The court shall appoint legal counsel for the ward and personal service of the petition shall be made upon the ward and the ward's legal counsel. Notice shall be given by first-class mail to the conservator of the ward, if any, the personal representative of the deceased guardian, if any, and to the following persons whose whereabouts are known and who must be persons other than the proposed successor guardian:
   1. The spouse of the ward; and
   2. All adult children of the ward; or
   3. If there is no adult child, then at least two adults in the following order of priority:
      1. Lineal descendants of the ward;
      2. Parents and siblings of the ward; and
      3. Friends of the ward.
2. After such hearing as the court deems appropriate, the court shall enter an order appointing a successor guardian in accordance with the provisions of Code Section 29-4-61, requiring the personal representative of the deceased guardian to turn over to the successor guardian all property of the ward held by the guardian.

(Code 1981, §29-4-51, enacted by Ga. L. 2004, p. 161, § 1.)