14-5314. Compensation of appointees; definitions

A. If not otherwise compensated for services rendered, an investigator, accountant, lawyer, physician, registered nurse, psychologist or guardian who is appointed pursuant to this article, including an independent lawyer representing the alleged incapacitated person pursuant to section 14-5303, subsection C, is entitled to reasonable compensation from the estate of the ward if the petition is granted, or from the petitioner if the petition is denied.

B. If the petitioner withdraws the petition or if the petition is dismissed because of the petitioner's failure to prosecute, the court may order that the compensation of the investigator, accountant, lawyer, physician, registered nurse, psychologist or guardian appointed pursuant to this article, including an independent lawyer representing the alleged incapacitated person pursuant to section 14-5303, subsection C, be paid either from the ward's estate or by the petitioner, depending on the facts and circumstances. In making this determination, the court may consider any evidence it deems appropriate.

C. A lawyer who is employed by the guardian to represent the guardian in the guardian's appointment or duties as guardian is entitled to reasonable compensation from the ward's estate if the petition is granted. If the petitioner withdraws the petition or if the court dismisses the petition because of the petitioner's failure to prosecute, the court may order that the compensation of the proposed guardian's lawyer be paid either from the ward's estate or by the petitioner, depending on the facts and circumstances. In making these determinations, the court may consider any evidence it deems appropriate.

D. A lawyer who is employed by the petitioner to represent the petitioner in seeking the appointment of a guardian is entitled to reasonable compensation from the ward's estate if the petition is granted.

E. If the court compensates the provider of a service, the court may charge the estate for the reasonable cost of the service and shall deposit these monies in the probate fund pursuant to section 14-5433.

F. If compensation by the ward or the petitioner is not feasible the court shall determine and pay reasonable compensation for services rendered by an investigator, accountant, lawyer, physician, registered nurse, psychologist or guardian appointed in a guardianship proceeding.

G. If a county pays for any of these services from general fund appropriations, the county may charge the estate for reasonable compensation. The county treasurer shall deposit monies collected pursuant to this subsection in the same fund from which the expenditure was made.

H. For the purposes of this section:

1. " Guardian" includes both a guardian and a temporary guardian.

2. " Petition" means a petition filed pursuant to section 14-5303, subsection A or section 14-5310, subsection A.

3. " Ward" includes an alleged incapacitated person.