(a) Notice of the time and place of hearing of a petition for the appointment of a guardian of a minor is to be given by the petitioner in the manner prescribed by AS 13.06.110 to:

(1) the minor, if the minor is 14 or more years of age;

(2) the person who has had the principal care and custody of the minor during the 60 days preceding the date of the petition; and

(3) any living parent of the minor.

(b) Upon hearing, if the court finds that a qualified person seeks appointment, venue is proper, the required notices have been given, the requirements of AS 13.26.132 have been met, and the welfare and best interests of the minor will be served by the requested appointment, it shall make the appointment. In other cases the court may dismiss the proceedings, or make any other disposition of the matter that will best serve the interest of the minor.

(c) If necessary, the court may appoint a temporary guardian, with the status of an ordinary guardian of a minor, but the authority of a temporary guardian shall not last longer than six months.

(d) If, at any time in the proceeding, the court determines that the interests of the minor are or may be inadequately represented, it may appoint an attorney to represent the minor, giving consideration to the preference of the minor if the minor is 14 years of age or older.

(e) A petitioner seeking appointment as the guardian of a minor in state custody under AS 47.10 shall file the petition in either the court where the child-in- need-of-aid proceedings are pending or the judicial district in which the petitioner resides, as required under AS 13.26.137(b) and AS 47.10.111.