Section 29-3-3-6 - Surviving parent; custody proceedings; temporary guardian or guardian ad litem; hearing(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.As added by P.L. 155-1990, SEC.2. Amended by P.L. 1-1993, SEC.215; P.L. 1-1997, SEC.119; P.L. 68-2005, SEC.7.