Estates and Trusts - Guardianship of the Person of a Disabled Person - Emergency and Temporary Guardianship Petitions

HB 1553 modifies Maryland's guardianship laws for disabled adults to improve family access and streamline petitions. It requires courts to include a schedule for family members (by blood or marriage) to visit the disabled person in all guardianship orders, unless the court determines it is not in their best interest. The bill allows family members to petition for guardianship if the current guardian is neglecting the disabled adult (medically or physically) and authorizes temporary guardianship petitions. Additionally, it mandates health care evaluations within 21 days before filing petitions and requires courts to handle these cases on an expedited basis.