14-5405. Notice in conservatorship proceedings; damages

A. In a proceeding for the appointment or substitution of a conservator of a protected person or person allegedly in need of protection, other than the appointment of a temporary conservator or temporary suspension of a conservator, and in a proceeding to continue a conservatorship or other protective order pursuant to section 14-5401, subsection B, notice of the hearing shall be given to each of the following:

1. The protected person or the person allegedly in need of protection if that person is fourteen years of age or older.

2. The spouse, parents and adult children of the protected person or person allegedly in need of protection, or if no spouse, parents or adult children can be located, at least one adult relative of the protected person or the person allegedly in need of protection, if such a relative can be found.

3. Any person who is serving as guardian or conservator or who has the care and custody of the protected person or person allegedly in need of protection.

4. Any person who has filed a demand for notice.

B. At least fourteen days before the hearing notice shall be served personally on the protected person or the person allegedly in need of protection and that person's spouse and parents if they can be found within the state. Notice to the spouse and parents, if they cannot be found within the state, and to all other persons except the protected person or the person allegedly in need of protection shall be given in accordance with section 14-1401. Waiver of notice by the protected person or the person allegedly in need of protection is not effective unless the protected person or the person allegedly in need of protection attends the hearing.

C. In addition to stating the time and place of the hearing, a notice given pursuant to this section shall provide notice of the right to a trial by jury under section 14-1306, subsection A.

D. The court may order a person who intentionally fails to provide notice of a hearing as required by this section, or who knowingly makes a false claim that the person did not receive notice of a hearing, to pay damages, including reasonable attorney fees and costs, incurred as a result of such unreasonable conduct.