Source: http://www.jcblawyer.com/for-estate-trust-guardianship-litigation/litigating-guardianship-issues/
Timestamp: 2019-04-24 08:14:02+00:00

Document:
© By Jeffrey C. Blumenthal. All Rights Reserved.
The U.S. Census Bureau has projected that the population aged 65 and older will more than double between 2012 and 2060, from 43.1 million to 92 million people. As the population ages, the number of adults with dementia and other mental and physical infirmities that leave those adults unable to perform daily living activities is likely to skyrocket. Consequently, the number of persons who will need a guardian to help them function should also rapidly rise. There are a number of issues that are regularly litigated in guardianship disputes or are likely to be litigated in the future. This memorandum addresses a number of those issues.
Article XI a of the Probate Act governs proceedings for the appointment of a guardian for a disabled adult in Illinois (755 ILCS 5/11a-1 et. seq.). Section 3(b) of Article XI (755 ILCS 11a-3(b)) provides that the purpose of a guardianship is “to promote the well-being of the disabled person to protect him from neglect, exploitation or abuse, and to encourage development of his maximum self-reliance and independence.” Mabry v. Roberts, (In Re Mabry), 281 Ill. App. 3d 76, 87 (1st Dist. 1995). Section 3(b) further provides that “[g]uardianship shall be ordered only to the extent necessitated by the individual’s actual mental, physical and adaptive limitations”.  Much of current guardianship law is informed by the Section 3(b)’s directives.
In re Estate of Bennett, 123 Ill App. 3d 756 (2nd Dist. 1984), illustrates the trial and appellate court’s “careful” consideration and weighing of the evidence in applying Section 3(b)’s mandate of tailoring the guardianship to the needs of the disabled adult. In Bennett, supra, 123 Ill App. 3d at 758, the respondent suffered a stroke in 1979 and his wife filed a petition to have herself appointed as his plenary guardian in spring, 1981. Following respondent’s release from the hospital after his stroke, the husband went to live with his mother where he was being cared for by both his mother and sister for more than a year before the hearing on the guardianship petition (Id). In the fall of 1981, the mother and sister filed a cross-petition seeking an order that one or both of them be appointed as a limited guardian(s) for the respondent instead of the wife (Id).
At the guardianship hearing, the wife, who had not had “any close contact with [her husband] in over a year”, testified as did a psychiatrist the wife had retained (Id. at 759). The wife and her expert testified that respondent had limited “physical and mental capabilities” and was in need of a plenary guardian (Id). However, there was also testimony from the respondent, his brother-in-law and his sister and mother, who lived with him during the year before the hearing (Id). This testimony indicated that, while respondent experienced “some confusion” he was generally alert, aware of his surroundings and his finances (Id.) He could feed, bathe and shave himself and could walk with the aid of a walker (Id).
In addition there was testimony from two other psychiatrists and a psychologist that while the respondent had some “residual” effects from the stroke, including slurred speech, impaired vision and difficulty walking, “he was alert and coherent” (Id). While the respondent had “a deficiency in conceptual abilities” that could result in gaps in his reasoning process, these experts testified that the respondent could manage his estate and financial affairs” with assistance and support from a limited guardian (123 Ill. App. 3d at 760). The evidence indicated that the respondent was content living at his mother’s home and that his health had improved there because of the “constant” care of his mother and sister (Id at 761). Based on the evidence, the trial court rejected the wife’s request for the appointment of a plenary guardian and instead, appointed respondent’s sister and mother as co-limited guardians of his estate and person. (Id at 760 and 761).
The order determining that the respondent needs a limited guardianship… recognizes that the respondent can be disabled and lack some but not all of the capacity as specified in section 11a—3. (Citation omitted). The respondent requires limited assistance due to his speech impediment and the physical difficulty he encounters with writing and walking. He also has lapses of memory, but when he is provided with the necessary information, he is capable of reaching a responsible decision. The order conformed with the evidence adduced at the hearing. Although the respondent is a disabled person, he is not incapable of knowing what he wants to do. He merely needs assistance. The order is in keeping with the intent of the statute. (Citing 755 ILCS 11a-3(b)).
The first issue in many guardianship disputes is whether the individual alleged to need a guardian is “disabled” within the statutory meaning. “Disabled person” is defined in section 11a- 2 (755 ILCS 5/11a-2) and “Development disability” is defined in section 11a-1 (755 ILCS 5/11a-1) of Article XI a. A review of section 11a- 2 and decisions interpreting that section and predecessor provisions indicate that essentially any mental or physical condition that leaves a person 18 years or older unable to fully manage his or her person or estate can be sufficient for that person to be deemed “disabled” within the meaning of the guardianship provisions.
In Karbin v. Karbin, 2012 Ill. Lexis 1011*p.20, 977 N.E. 2d 154 (2012), the Supreme Court held that: “[Article 11a of] [t]he [Probate] Act defines a ‘disabled person’ to include anyone over the age of 18 who ‘is not fully able to manage his person or estate’ because of ‘mental deterioration,’ ‘physical incapacity, ’mental illness,’ or ‘developmental disability.’”(Quoting from the language of 755 ILCS 5/11a-2(a) and (b)). Similarly, in In re Estate of Malloy, 96 Ill. App. 3d 1020, 1028 (1st Dist. 1990), the Court stated “a disabled person is … defined by section 11a—2 of the Act, as a person who … for certain mental and physical causes … is not fully able to manage his person or estate.” As these cases suggest, the focus of the “disabled person” definition is not on the alleged mental or physical condition per se, but rather on the disability’s effect in rendering an individual unable to fully manage his or her personal or financial affairs.
Finally, in In Re Estate of McPeak, 53 Ill. App. 3d 133, 136 (5th Dist. 1977), the appellate court reversed the trial court’s order appointing a “conservator” because “the record was barren” of any credible facts, as opposed to unsupported opinion, showing that the respondent was incapable of managing her person or estate. McPeak, surpa, 53 Ill. App. 3d at 134, involved an 81 year old, whose “health was described as poor.” Petitioner, who one of the respondent’s two sons, and petitioner’s witnesses testified that the respondent was “forgetful, confused and repetitive” (Id). These witnesses further opined that respondent’s “mind was deteriorating and that she was not capable of taking care of herself.” (Id). However, the facts indicated that, a month before the guardianship petition had been filed, the respondent had voluntarily entered a nursing home and had given her other, non-petitioning son a power of attorney over her estate (Id). At the conservatorship hearing, five nursing home employees testified that the respondent was “mentally alert”, “kept herself clean and has insisted on keeping her surroundings neat and orderly.” (Id).
Section 11a-3 expressly requires that the proof that the person is “disabled” must be established by clear and convincing evidence. Karbin v Karbin, supra, 2012 Ill. Lexis 1011*p. 20, 977 N.E. 2d 154 (2012). The Courts have further “recognize[d] that the adjudication of disability is a uniquely factual determination ….” In Re Estate of Hickman, 208 Ill. App. 3d 265, 276 (4th Dist. 1991); Accord; Barr v. Horwitz, 142 Ill. App. 3d 428, 433 (1st Dist. 1986); Estate of Galvin v. Galvin, 112 Ill. App. 3d 677, 681-682 (1st Dist. 1988). See also: In re Estate of Silverman, 257 Ill. App. 3d 162, 168-169 (1st Dist. 1994) (“Whether and to what extent a person needs a guardian is a factual determination…”). The import of the witnesses’ presentation in a guardianship matter is highlighted by the court’s statement in Estate of Galvin, supra, that: “We cannot envision an instance in which the observation of the witnesses, particularly the alleged incompetent, is more critical to the outcome of proceedings.” In Galvin, supra, 112 Ill. App. 3d at 679-680, it was the trial court’s observation of the respondent on the witness stand and the respondent’s testimony that lead the trial court to rule that the respondent knew what he was doing and did not need a guardian.
Section 11a-9(a) (755 ILCS 5/11a-9(a)) provides that the petition for adjudication of disability and for appointment of a guardian should be accompanied by a report which “(1) describes the nature and type of the respondent’s disability; (2) evaluates the respondent’s mental and physical condition, and, if appropriate, his or her educational level, adaptive behavior and social skills; (3) states an opinion as to whether guardianship is needed; (4) recommends the most suitable living arrangement for the respondent or , if appropriate, a treatment or habilitation plan; and (5) contains the signatures of all those who performed the evaluation, at least one of whom must be a licensed physician.” In re Estate of Silverman, supra, 257 Ill. App. 3d at 169 (Paraphrasing from the statute’s language).
subject’s physical and mental status.
Similarly, in Hanley v. Hanley, 2013 Ill. App. Lexis 599, 995 N.E. 2d 596 (3rd Dist. 2013) both the trial and appellate court rejected the petitioner’s contention that under Section 11a-9 (b), the court was required to order evaluations of his respondent father, where no report had been submitted with the son’s guardianship petition. In so ruling the Court relied on the reasoning from both In re Estate of Silverman, supra, and Williams v. Estate of Cole, supra. Accordingly, the Hanley Court granted the father’s Section 619 motion to dismiss the guardianship petition based on the medical reports and doctors’ affidavits, which the father had submitted from his treating neurologist and physician. 2013 Ill. App. Lexis 599 *pp. 16, 20, holding that the son had failed to rebut the affirmative matter presented his father. The Court reasoned that in light of the statutorily sufficient medical reports submitted by the respondent, he should not be subjected to “further unwarranted mental and physical evaluations”. Id. p. 67.
What these cases indicate is that a guardianship petition may not be able to get beyond the pleading stage where a medical report is not submitted with the guardianship petition and the putative disabled person both objects to the petition and files a physician’s report that the respondent is not disabled within the meaning of the Probate Act and a guardianship is unnecessary.
As the court pointed out in In re Estate of Mackey, 85 Ill. App. 3d 235, 238 (3rd Dist. 1980), even though an individual “may be a disabled person, in the statutory sense of not being fully able to manage his person, a guardian is not therefore permissible or appropriate if that person is capable of making and communicating responsible decisions concerning the care of his person. … Similarly, a person might be a disabled person but nevertheless not be in need of a guardian over his estate, because with help from others he is able to direct and manage his affairs and estate”. Accord: In re Estate of Galvin, 112 Ill. App. 3d 677, 681 (1st Dist. 1983) See also: In re Estate of Hickman, 208 Ill. App. 3d 265, 276 (4th Dist.1991).
The care which courts exercise in setting the scope of a guardianship is indicated in In re Estate of Barr, 142 Ill. App. 3d 428, 434 (1st Dist. 1986) where the trial court’s order for appointment of a plenary guardian was reversed. In Estate of Barr, supra, the appellate court determined that while the respondent “has some mental peculiarities and he has selected a life style that would easily be described as eccentric,” the appellate court could not say that he was “unable to manage his person.” Accordingly, the appellate court remanded with instructions to appoint a limited guardian of the estate, restricted to managing the respondent’s share of his father’s estate.
Similarly, in In re Estate of Fallos, 386 Ill. App. 3d 831,839 (4th Dist. 2008), the appellate court reversed an order appointing a plenary guardian where a physically disabled adult was not totally without capacity as is required for the appointment of a plenary guardian under section 11a-3. In so ruling the court cited to In re Estate of Bennett, 122 Ill. App. 3d 756, 671-672 (2nd Dist. 1984) where an individual had physical limitations but was not incapable of knowing what he wants to do”, and merely needed assistance in caring out his desires. Accordingly, the Bennett Court determined that a limited guardianship was more appropriate than a plenary guardianship, and furthered the statutory purposes of providing the least restrictive guardianship allowed under the circumstances. In contrast to the above cases, in In re Estate of Hickman, 208 Ill. App. 3d 265,278 (4th Dist. 1991), the appellate court reversed the trial court’s ruling which held that respondent only needed a guardian for her estate. Based on evidence that respondent suffered from “impaired memory”, was “prone to confusion and disorientation,” and was “unable to make [appropriate] personal grooming decisions,” the appellate court remanded for the appointment of a guardian of the person, as well as for the estate.
Clear and convincing evidence that a mental or physical condition has rendered an individual unable to make or communicate responsible decisions regarding his or her personal care must be shown before a personal guardian will be appointed. The fact that a person has chosen an “eccentric” or peculiar life-style is not a basis for appointing a personal guardian. Estate of Galvin, supra, and Estate of Barr, supra. On the other hand, a personal guardian was appointed for an “elderly woman with a heart condition who wears a pacemaker and must take medication regularly”, based on evidence that she suffer[red] from an impaired memory”, was “prone to confusion and disorientation” and was unable to make appropriate grooming decisions. In re Estate of Hickman, 208 Ill. App. 3d 265,276 (4th Dist. 1991).
Section 11a-17, entitled “Duties of personal guardian (755 ILCS 5/11a-17),” provides that the personal guardian has such duties as the court orders and is generally charged with custody of the ward and making provision for the ward’s personal needs, including “support, care, comfort, health, education and maintenance.” In the recent case of Karbin v. Karbin, 2012 Ill. Lexis 1011* pp. 32-33, 977 N.E. 2d 154(2012), in holding that a personal guardian had the authority to institute a marital dissolution action on a ward’s behalf, the Illinois Supreme Court ruled that a guardian is imbued with such powers as may be implied from the provisions of the guardianship statutes. In People v. Kenya C. (In re K.C.), 323 Ill. App. 3d 839, 849 (1st Dist. 2001), the appellate court held that: “The decision making authority of a plenary guardian of the person under section 11a-17 is exceedingly broad.” Similarly, in In re Estate of D.W., 134 Ill. App. 3d 788, 791(1st Dist. 1985), the Court held that section 11a—17 of the Probate Act of 1975 vests a guardian with broad authority to act in the best interest of the ward”, including the authority to authorize an abortion for the ward. Thus, In Estate of D.W., supra, the appellate court reversed the trial court’s order denying a mother’s/guardian’s request to consent to an abortion on behalf of her severely mental handicapped adult daughter/ward.
Notwithstanding the broad powers with which a personal guardian is imbued, there are limitations on those powers. For example, 11a-17(c), expressly provides that where health care decisions of a ward are covered by an existing health-care power of attorney, the agent who holds the power has the authority to make those health-care decisions, unless a court enters an order directing the personal guardian to so act.
Under section 11a-17, a personal guardian does not have authority to involuntarily commit his ward to a mental health facility; and any involuntary commitment must adhere to the procedures specified in the Mental Health and Development Disabilities Code. In re Gardiner, 121 Ill. App. 3rd 7, 10 (4th Dist. 1984); Accord: Muellner v. Blessing Hosp., 335 Ill. App. 3d 1079 (4th Dist. 2002).
Additionally, unless there has been compliance with the requirements of the Health Care Surrogate Act (the “HCSA”, 755 ILCS 40/1 et. seq.), a personal guardian does not have authority to forego life sustaining treatment for a disabled person who does not have a living will or health care power of attorney so providing. Lower v. Murphy (In re Austwick), 275 Ill. App. 3d 665, 668 (1st Dist. 1995). The HCSA presumes that every individual has decision making capacity (Id). Under the HCSA, in order for the guardian to forego life sustaining medical treatment for his ward, the disabled person’s attending doctor must make a written determination that the subject patient/disabled person lacks “decisional capacity” and has a qualifying condition as defined by the Act (Id).(See also? 755 ILCS 40/20 (b-5)(1)). A “qualifying condition” which is defined in the HCSA as being a “terminal condition”, “permanent unconsciousness” or an “irreversible condition” certified in the patient’s medical records by the attending physician and concurred in by at least one other physician. (Id). (See also: 755 ILCS 40/10).
In In re Austwick, supra, 275 Ill. App. 3d 669, the court determined that an adjudication that a person was “disabled” under the Guardianship Act, was not tantamount to a determination that a patient lacked “decisional capacity” as that term is defined in the HCSA. The Austwick Court affirmed the trial court’s ruling terminating a Do Not Resuscitate Order approved by a personal guardian because there was no proof of a written determination by the ward’s attending that she lacked decisional capacity as required by the HCSA (Id at 669-670). Nor was there a written finding in the ward’s medical file from her attending physician certifying that she had a “qualifying condition,”, let alone a concurrence in such determination by another physician, both of which are also required under the Act where a guardian seeks to forego life sustaining treatment (Id at 670). The Austwick Court ruled because there had not been compliance with the requirements of the HCSA, the DNR order that was entered at the direction of the guardian was defective.
Because personal guardians are fiduciaries of their ward (In re Swieckicki, 106 Ill. 2d 111, 118 (1985), wherever the law is unclear or a guardian’s decision could be deemed controversial, the guardian can and should seek court approval before taking action so as avoid possible personal liability. “[O]nce a person is adjudicated disabled, that person remains under the jurisdiction of the court, even when a plenary guardian of the person has been appointed. Struck v. Cook County Public Guardian, 387 Ill. App. 3d 867, 877 (1st Dist. 2008). Moreover, section 11a-17 expressly provides that the guardian acts “under the direction” of the court.
Section 11a-17(e) “sets up a dual standard [of decision making] where guardians of disabled adults must make decisions for their wards…” In re Estate of K.E.G., 382 Ill. App. 3d 401,418 (1st Dist. 2008).
First, if possible, the guardian is to apply the “substituted judgment” standard of decision in making a personal decision for the ward. Under this standard, the “guardian must make decisions on behalf of the ward that conform “’as closely as possible to what the ward, if competent, would have done or intended under the circumstances.’” Struck v. Cook County Public Guardian, 387 Ill. App. 3d 867,875 (1st Dist. 2008) quoting In re Mark W., 228 Ill. 2d 365, 374 (2008) quoting 755 ILCS 11a-17(e); See also: Mabry v. Roberts (In re Mabry), 281 Ill App. 3d 76, 87(4th Dist. 1996). In other words, “the guardian is to attempt to discern what the ward would have wished is she were competent, and then substitute that judgment for their own.” In re Estate of K.E.G., 322 Ill. App. 3d 401, 418 (1st Dist. 2008) citing to In re Estate of Greenspan, 137 Ill. 2d 1 (1990). “If there is clear and convincing evidence to demonstrate the course of action that the ward would have taken if competent, then those wishes take precedence over any best interest analysis.” Estate of K.E..G. supra, 322 Ill App. 3d at 418.
However, “[i]f the preferences of the ward are unknown and remain unknown after reasonable efforts to discern them, decisions shall be made on the basis of the ward’s best interest as determined by the guardian. Struck, supra, 387 Ill. App. 3d at 875. Citing In re Estate of K.E.J., 322 Ill. App. 3d 401, 417-418 (1st Dist. 2008) citing 755 ILCS 11a-17(e); See also: Mabry, supra, 281 Ill App. 3d at 87. While section 11a-17(e) provides criteria the guardian is to consider in making personal decisions for the ward under the “best interest” standard, in Struck v. Cook County Public Guardian, the court stated at 387 Ill. App. 3d 875 that: “the guardian is to consider only the ward’s best interest, and not the interests of the ward’s family, of society, or of the guardian himself”.
Clear and convincing evidence that a mental or physical condition has rendered an individual “unable to manage his estate or financial affairs” must be proffered before a guardian of a disabled’s estate may be appointed. 755 ILCS 5/11-a 3(a) (2); Mabry v Roberts (In re Mabry), 281 Ill. App. 3d 76, 88(1995). The estate guardian has broad powers under 11a-18, including “the care, management and investment of the estate”; and the estate guardian “shall manage the estate frugally and shall apply the income and principal…, so far as necessary for the comfort and suitable support and education of the ward, his minor and adult dependent children, and persons related by blood or marriage who are dependent… upon… him”. (Id.) See also: Mabry v. Roberts, 281 Ill App. 3d at 88. Upon petition of the guardian, the Court may authorize the estate guardian to run the ward’s business and “perform the ward’s contracts, including execution and delivery of legal instruments.” Mabry, supra, see also 755 ILCS 5/11a-18 (b.) With court permission, the guardian may also enter into contracts for the ward (11a-18 (a-5) (5)) and unless the court appoints someone else, it is the estate guardian’s responsibility to represent the ward in all litigation (11a-18(c), Mabry, supra, 281 Ill. App. at 82.
Accordingly, the Zagorski appellate court affirmed the probate court’s order allowing the plenary (estate) guardian of a disabled adult to amend the ward’s revocable trust to both remove and replace the designated successor trustees, the Kaletas, who were former neighbors of the disabled adult and had both assisted and visited with her over the years, with the plenary guardian, a niece of the ward, Zagorski, “who had limited contact with [the ward] over the years” (404 Ill. App. 3d at 97), and to remove and replace the neighbors, who were the remainder beneficiaries of the trust, with the niece guardian as the remainder beneficiary of the ward’s trust.
The Zagorski appellate court reasoned, at 404 Ill App. 3d 84-86, that when the limitation in section 11a-18 (a-5) 11 was read in the context of the entire 11a-18 (a-5) subsection, it should not be construed as restricting the probate court’s right to approve a guardian’s proposed amendment to a ward’s trust. The decision greatly expands the guardian’s power over a ward’s estate plan and is intended to prevent abuse from those who would exploit a disabled person. However, the decision raises serious questions, as it may give an estate guardian the power to override and thwart a ward’s donative intentions and testamentary plan. This concern is heightened because, in an area where most “dispositive” facts must be proven by “clear and convincing” evidence, the Zagorski court held, at 404 Ill. App. 3d 96, that the guardian need only prove its factual basis for amending a revocable trust (and presumably a will) by the lesser “preponderance of the evidence” standard. Given that disabled adults are vulnerable and predisposed to outside (undue) influence and suggestion, a higher evidentiary standard might be expected before a guardian is authorized to modify trust or will provisions.
In Zagorski, the court credited the guardian and guardian ad litem’s testimony over the testimony of the Polish-speaking attorney, who had initially prepared the subject trust and testified that he believed that the ward, Michalak, “did not have diminished or insufficient capacity and understood everything [the attorney] explained during their two consultations.” (404 Ill. App. 3d 78) In Zagorski, the court appears to have believed that the ward, Michalak, retained some “decisional/ dispositional” capacity despite having been adjudicated as disabled, which may be why the court gave “credit” to the testimony of the guardian and guardian ad litem.
The facts of JP Morgan Chase Bank, N.A. v. Wemple, 396 Ill. App. 3d 88 (1st Dist. 2009) better illustrate the reasons for allowing guardians, under the strict control of the courts, to amend and/or revoke provisions of trusts and wills under the court’s strict supervision. In Wemple, in February 2004, Henry, who was then 89 years old, and who was adjudicated as disabled slightly more than 2 years later in April 2006, purported to execute a new will leaving most of his five million dollar estate to his caretaker “Mick”, and his executor, Wemple (the “2004 Will”). At some point, in a separate action, the caretaker was held to have breached his fiduciary duties to Henry and to have engaged in a scheme to misappropriate large sums of money from Henry, who was found to be mentally infirm and unable to protect himself (“Henry 1”) While Henry 1 was pending, Henry’s guardian petitioned the probate court to replace the distributive provisions of Henry’s 2004 Will with a Codicil that mirrored the disposition provisions of Henry’s prior 1999 Will that the guardian alleged Henry’s true testamentary wishes. In addition, the guardian proposed a trust agreement that contained a number of features that benefited Henry including providing for payments for Henry’s care during his lifetime. The probate court approved the action and a subsequent appeal was dismissed on the basis that Wemple and the caretaker did not have standing to contest the guardian’s action because they merely had unenforceable expectancies under the replaced dispositive provisions of the 2004 Will.
Formal statutory requirements to be qualified as a guardian are minimal. Individuals can qualify as a guardian if the person is over 18 and a United States resident, who has not been adjudicated as disabled, is of sound mind and has never been convicted of a felony. 755 ILCS 11a-5(a). You don’t even have to be an Illinois resident to qualify as a guardian. Doyle v. Doyle (In re Estate of Doyle), 362 Ill. App. 3d 293, 304 (4th Dist. 2005) appeal denied, 218 Ill. 2d 539 (2006).
Pursuant to755 ILCS 11a-5(b): “Any corporation qualified to accept and execute trusts in Illinois may be appointed guardian of the estate of a disabled person”; See: Howse v. Johnson (In re Estate of Johnson), 303 Ill. App. 3d 696, 704-705 (1st Dist. 1999). “A parent of a disabled person may designate a person, corporation or public agency qualified under Section 11a-5 [755 ILCS 11a-5(a)], to be appointed as guardian or successor guardian of the person or of the estate or both.” 755 ILCS 11a-16.
The appointment of a guardian is in the discretion of the court. In exercising that discretion, the court is supposed to give “due consideration” to the preference of the disabled person and to consider “the qualifications of the proposed guardian, in making its appointment.” 755 ILCS 5/11a-12(d). However, the appointment of a guardian is ultimately predicated on the “best interests” of the ward and which individual or entity will best serve and protect the ward’s interests (In re Estate of Debevec, 105 Ill. App.3d 891, 896-897 (5th Dist. 1990).
Accordingly, in In re Estate of Bania, 130 Ill. App. 3d 36 (1st Dist. 1984). the court rejected the disabled person’s choices as guardian for both the person and the estate In Bania, supra, 130 Ill App. 3d at 40, the court rejected the disabled person’s choice of her niece by marriage as guardian of her person. The court’s rejection was premised on its suspicions of the niece’s possible self-interest because she had made an unexplained trip to the disabled person’s bank and did not clear up those doubts by testifying at the hearing on appointment of respondent’s guardians. The court, at 130 Ill. App. at 41, also rejected the respondent’s choice of guardian for her estate, by appointing a retired policeman, who was the son of the respondent’s cousin, had repeated contact with the ward, already managed two apartment buildings and had the time to manage the ward’s estate including her apartment building. In contrast, the person whom the ward wanted as estate guardian did not testify at the appointment hearing.
Similarly, family members are generally given preference over non-family members as guardians because “it is presumed that relatives are more solicitous of an incompetent’s welfare than a non-relative.” In re Estate of Debevec, 105 Ill. App.3d 891, 896-897 (5th Dist. 1990) quoting from In re Conservatorship of Browne, 54 Ill. App. 3d 556, 559-560 (3rd Dist. 1977). However, where the evidence shows that the best interests of the ward will be served by appointing a non-family member, the Court will make that appointment. For example, in In re Estate of Johnson, 219 Ill. App. 3d 962 (5th Dist. 1991), the State Guardian was appointed as guardian over a family member that was removed as guardian, where: (a) two factions of the ward’s family were feuding over the family member’s expenditures on the ward’s home; (b) the ward did not want the family member as guardian; and (c) the Guardian Ad Litem believed that a non-family should be appointed as ward’s guardian. The court rejected the contention that the state guardian, who was an outsider, should not be appointed where there was a family member who was willing to serve as guardian.
Unlike the situation in Schmidt, in Howse v. Johnson (In re Estate of Johnson), 303 Ill. App. 3d 696, 705-706(1st Dist. 1999), the court rejected a father’s contention that he was entitled to a statutory preference over an aunt in the determination as to who would be guardian over his daughter. In making its ruling, the court took into account that the ward had lived with the aunt for a long period of time, had a loving and close relationship with the respondent, took good care of respondent and that the respondent wanted her aunt to be her guardian.
In In re Estate of Robertson, 144 Ill. App. 3d 701 (1st Dist. 1986), a daughter-in-law was selected as guardian over a granddaughter. In making its choice, the Court noted that the granddaughter, who had been living with the respondent for a number of years, had made questionable expenditures on vacations from the ward’s funds and on properties she co-owned with the respondent. In making the guardianship appointment, the court stated at 144 Ill. App. 3d at 712 that: “The court may consider such factors as past actions and conduct of proposed guardians, business experience, ages, and family situations.” Accord: Schmidt v. Schmidt, 298 Ill. App. 3d 682, 690 (2nd Dist. 1998), In Robertson, the court specifically noted that there was “ample evidence” to support allegations of the granddaughter’s bad faith in her dealings with her grandfather, including destroying accounts that the ward had with other family members and moving the money to an account the granddaughter had with the ward and spending his money for her benefit.
Section 11a-10 (755 ILCS 5/11a-10) entitled “Procedures preliminary to hearing” provides for the appointment of a guardian ad litem (“GAL”) to report to the court on the respondent’s best interests except where the court determines that such an appointment is unnecessary for the respondent’s protection or a reasonably informed decision on the petition for adjudication and appointment of a guardian. Section 11a-10 further provides that the GAL shall personally observe the respondent prior to the hearing on adjudication and shall inform him of the contents of the petition and his rights under the Probate Act. Additionally, under section 11a-10, the GAL is also supposed to attempt to elicit the respondent’s position concerning his or her adjudication as disabled and the proposed guardian and change, if any, in residential placement or other changes that may result from the placement. The GAL’s personal observations and discussion with the respondent should be included in the GAL’s report to the court on the GAL’s views as to whether the respondent is “disabled” within the meaning of the Act and whether, the Petitioner should be appointed as guardian.
In In re Mark W., 328 Ill. 2d 365, 374 (2008), the Supreme Court stated: “A guardian ad litem functions as the ‘eyes and ears of the court’, and not as the ward’s attorney. (Citing Mabry v. Roberts, 291 Ill. App. 3d 76, 88(4th Dist. 1996)). The traditional role of the guardian ad litem is not to advocate for what the ward wants, but, instead, to make a recommendation to the court as to what is the ward’s best interests.” (Citing Mabry v. Roberts, supra).The role of the guardian ad litem is thus in contrast to the role of the plenary guardian of the person appointed pursuant to the Probate Act. Under section 11a-17 of the Probate Act, the plenary guardian makes decisions on behalf of the ward, and must, in general conform those decisions ‘as closely as possible to what the ward, if competent, would have done or intended under the circumstances.” In contrast, the GAL acts solely to further the best interests of the ward.
As the appellate court stated in Mabry v. Roberts, at 291 Ill. App. 3d 88: “The GAL represents the ward’s best interests (as the GAL sees them), not the ward…. If the GAL and ward are in agreement, the GAL does in effect represent the ward. However, the court must appoint separate counsel if the ward requests it or if the ward and GAL take different positions. 755 ILCS 5/11a-10(b) (2) (West 1994). … [Moreover, “[o]nce a guardian of the estate has been named, it becomes that entity’s responsibility to represent the ward in all litigation. 755 ILCS 5/11a-18(c) (West 1994).Thus, a GAL is only required prior to [and at] the hearing on the respondent’s competence, although a court may still appoint a GAL or next friend to represent the ward’s interest in subsequent litigation.” Id. at 88-89.
The Uniform Adult Guardianship and Protective Proceedings Jurisdiction Act (“UAGPPJA”, 755 ILCS 8/101 et. seq.) became effective in Illinois on January 1, 2010. The UAGPPJA is intended to provide an efficient and logical process for determining guardianships of guardianships where more than one state may have a connection to the putative disabled person.
Over the past decades, there has been a significant increase in the number of seniors who have homes in more than one state and therefore, have significant connections with multiple states. Moreover, as the society becomes more mobile and families become more fragmented, instances where parents and children live in separate states have greatly increased.
The Act fixes jurisdiction for a guardianship or an ancillary proceeding in the adult’s home state as defined in the act, followed by possible jurisdiction in another state or states where the putative disabled adult has significant connections as defined in the Act(755 ILCS 8/203). The UAGPPJA defines the home state, in 755 ILCS 8/201(2) as “the state in which the respondent was physically present… for at least six consecutive months immediately before the filing of the petition for the protective order of appointment of a guardian….” The Act is intended to facilitate communication and cooperation between the courts of different states where actions involving a disabled person may have been initiated. (See: eg: 755 ILCS 8-104-106).
At present, there are no reported Illinois cases under the UAGPPJA.
 U.S. Census 12/12/12 News Release. Projections were based on the 2010 national census.
 According to the Alzheimer’s Association Report “generation alzheimer’s”, p.1: “10 million baby boomers will develop Alzheimer’s. Of those who reach the age of 85, one in two will get it”.
 The purposes and goals of Illinois guardianship statutes bear analogy to those of the “Individuals with Disabilities Education Act” (20 U.S.C. 1400 et. seq, “IDEA”).regarding provision of a free appropriate education for disabled students. Just as an educational program under IDEA is to be tailored through an Individualized Educational Plan to meet the disabled student’s needs, guardianships are supposed to be tailored to meet the disabled adult’s needs. Likewise, just as the least restrictive alternative for educating a disabled student is to be adopted under IDEA, guardianship restrictions are to be employed only to the extent needed by the disabled adult.
, A Practitioner’s Guide to Adult Guardianship in Illinois, prepared by the Illinois Guardianship and Advocacy Commission, suggests on page 3, that there is “a bias toward plenary guardianship” among guardianship attorneys, doctors and the Courts, because limited guardianships are complicated and require careful differentiation between what a respondent can and cannot do. However, it may be that mental deterioration is harder to detect than visible physical deterioration. In many, if not in most, instances, by the time mental deterioration becomes apparent, it may have progressed to the point that a plenary guardian is needed. As the ability to detect mental disabilities becomes more sophisticated, approaches to guardianship should become more refined. The trend is clearly towards maximizing the disabled person’s independence and it is likely that in the future more guardianships will be of a more restricted variety.
 A number of the “old” terms such as “conservator” for guardians of a disabled person’s estate and “incapacitated person” for what is now defined as a disabled persons under Article 11a are used as definitions in the relatively recently enacted Uniform Adult Guardianship and Protective Proceedings Jurisdiction Act (755 ILCS 8/101 et. seq.).
 “[P]roof by clear and convincing evidence has most often been defined as the quantum of proof which leaves no reasonable doubt in the mind of the trier of fact as to the truth of the proposition in question.” In re Estate of Ragen, 79 Ill. App. 3d 8, 14 (1st Dist. 1979).
 As Austwick recognizes at 275 Ill. App. 3d at 669. prior to enactment of the Health Care Surrogate Act, the Supreme Court held that a personal guardian had standing to seek court approval to discontinue life sustaining treatment if certain judicially articulated procedures had been followed. In re Estate of Greenspan, 137 Ill. 2d1 (1990); In re Estate of Longeway, 133 Ill. 2d 33 (1990). The HCSA supersedes Greenspan and Longeway as procedures under the HCSA are less restrictive than the ones mandated in those cases.
 In allowing the guardian to amend who was the remainder beneficiary of the ward’s trust, the Zagorski court relied in large part on the hearsay testimony of guardian ad litem that the ward, who been declared totally incompetent, thought that one of the former neighbors was a “crook” and did not want them to get the house (404 Ill. App. 3d at 81), as well as the interested, hearsay testimony of the guardian.
 While attestation clauses are not required for trust instruments, it may have strengthened the case for the distributive provision of the original trust agreement if there had been such a clause. Even if the witnesses to the attestation clause no longer remembered the event, the attestation page may have been admissible as either part of the prove- up of the overall trust agreement or as past recollection recorded.
 Under section 11a-6, a competent person may designate in writing a person, corporation or public agency to serve as his or her guardian of the person, estate or both in the event the person is adjudicated disabled. If the designation is attested to in the manner of a will, the designation will be deemed prima facie valid.
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