The court will appoint a visitor upon the filing of the petition, generally a nurse or social worker with background and training in geriatric care. The visitor interviews the proposed guardian and the respondent, and gathers additional information concerning the issues. The visitor then prepares a report which is submitted to the court for review prior to the appointment of the guardian. If the visitor finds the allegations of the petition are substantially correct, and that a guardian is necessary, and also believes the petitioner is qualified and suitable to be appointed as guardian, then it is most likely the court will appoint the proposed guardian.
Once appointed, the guardian has all the powers of a custodial parent over a minor child; including but not limited to determining the place of residence of the protected person, providing for the physical care and maintenance of the person, and consenting or refusing to consent (or withholding) health care. The guardian is not, however, obligated to support the protected person, and is not liable for the civil debts of the person.