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Current as of January 02, 2024 | Updated by FindLaw Staff
Sec. 6. (a) The surviving parent of a minor does not have the right to custody of the minor without a proceeding authorized by law if the parent was not granted custody of the minor in a dissolution of marriage decree and the conditions specified in this section exist.
(b) If:
(1) the surviving parent, at the time of the custodial parent's death, had required supervision during parenting time privileges granted under a dissolution of marriage decree involving the minor; or
(2) the surviving parent's parenting time privileges with the minor had been suspended at the time of the death of the custodial parent;
the court on petition by any person, including a temporary custodian named under IC 31-17-2-11 (or IC 31-1-11.5-27 before its repeal), or on the court's own motion, may appoint a temporary guardian for the minor for a specified period not to exceed sixty (60) days.
(c) If a petition is filed under this section, a court shall appoint a guardian ad litem (as defined in IC 31-9-2-50) or a court appointed special advocate (as defined in IC 31-9-2-28) for the child. A guardian ad litem or court appointed special advocate appointed under this section serves until removed by the court.
(d) If a temporary guardian is appointed without notice and the minor files a petition that the guardianship be terminated or the court order modified, the court shall hold a hearing and make a determination on the petition at the earliest possible time.
(e) A temporary guardian appointed under this section has only the responsibilities and powers that are ordered by the court.
(f) A proceeding under this section may be joined with a proceeding under IC 29-3-4 or IC 29-3-5.
(g) The court shall appoint a guardian under this article if the court finds that the surviving parent is not entitled to the right of custody of the minor.
Cite this article: FindLaw.com - Indiana Code Title 29. Probate § 29-3-3-6 - last updated January 02, 2024 | https://codes.findlaw.com/in/title-29-probate/in-code-sect-29-3-3-6/
FindLaw Codes may not reflect the most recent version of the law in your jurisdiction. Please verify the status of the code you are researching with the state legislature or via Westlaw before relying on it for your legal needs.
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