Miss. Code § 93-20-207

Current through the 2024 Regular Session
Section 93-20-207 - Emergency guardian for minor
(1) On a petition by a person interested in a minor's welfare or a petition filed under Section 93-20-202, the court may appoint an emergency guardian for the minor if the court finds:
(a) Appointment of an emergency guardian is likely to prevent substantial harm to the minor's health, safety, or welfare; and
(b) No other person appears to have authority and willingness to act in the circumstances.
(2) The duration of authority of an emergency guardian for a minor may not exceed sixty (60) days, and the emergency guardian may exercise only the powers specified in the order of appointment. The emergency guardian's authority may be extended one (1) time for not more than sixty (60) days if the court finds that the conditions for appointment of an emergency guardian in subsection (1) continue.
(3) Except as otherwise provided in subsection (4), summons giving reasonable notice of the date, time, and place of a hearing on a petition for appointment of an emergency guardian for a minor must be given to:
(a) The minor, if the minor is fourteen (14) years of age or older;
(b) Any attorney appointed under Section 93-20-204;
(c) Each parent of the minor;
(d) Any person, other than a parent, having care or custody of the minor; and
(e) Any other person the court determines.
(4) The court may appoint an emergency guardian for a minor under subsection (3) without notice or a hearing only if the court finds from an affidavit or testimony that the minor's health, safety, or welfare will be substantially harmed before a hearing after notice of the appointment could be held. If the court appoints an emergency guardian to an unrepresented minor or the attorney for a represented minor without notice, notice of the appointment must be given not later than forty-eight (48) hours after the appointment to the individuals listed in subsection (3) and summons must be issued on continuation of the guardianship. The court must hold a hearing on continuation of a guardianship within five (5) days of any objection or other contest. Not later than five (5) days after the appointment, the court must hold a hearing on the appropriateness of the appointment.
(5) Appointment of an emergency guardian under this section, with or without notice, is not a determination that a basis exists for appointment of a guardian under Section 93-20-201.
(6) The court may remove an emergency guardian appointed under this section at any time. The emergency guardian must make any report the court requires.

Miss. Code § 93-20-207

Amended by Laws, 2020, ch. 344, SB 2874,§ 14, eff. 6/23/2020.
Added by Laws, 2019, ch. 463, SB 2828,§ 1, eff. 1/1/2020.