Rule 52.02(k) Guardian Ad Litem Suggestions

What happens when someone is physically or mentally infirm, does not have a guardian/conservator and is a party to a lawsuit? When someone does not have an attorney in litigation, he or she is held to the same standard as a licensed attorney. However, when a physical or mental infirmity exists, that may be impossible. 
Under Rule 52.02(k) in Missouri, a guardian ad litem may be appointed for someone who is mentally or physically infirm. The procedure requires that (1) it either affirmatively appear or be suggested that someone who does not have a guardian (2) is incapable of protecting his or her own’s interest in any litigation. Further, the Court is to (3) inquire into the person’s condition for the purpose of the particular litigation and (4) may appoint a guardian for the purpose of the particular litigation. 
Contact with questions about probate litigations or general civil litigation. 

Related Articles

Premises Liability: Third-Party Criminal Acts

November 22, 2023

As a general rule, if a customer/invitee of a business is harmed by a third-party criminal act, the business is not responsible. The rationale for this rule is that criminal acts are rarely foreseeable. Early v. Dunn, 670 S.W.3d 47, 51 (Mo. App. E.D. 2023). There are a number of exceptions. First, a duty arises…

Read More

Determining a Grantor’s Intent in Trusts

November 4, 2023

When interpreting a trust, the Settlor’s “intent is controlling and such intention must be ascertained primarily from the trust instrument as a whole.” Berezo v. Berezo, 628 S.W.3d 737, 743-44 (Mo. App. E.D. 2021). Because language and circumstances vary, the Court must examine “the specific language as well as the surrounding circumstances.” Matter of TR…

Read More

Mootness, Exceptions

October 19, 2023

Courts generally shy away from rendering decisions in moot cases. A case is moot when “the question presented for decision seeks a judgment upon some matter which, if the judgment was rendered, would not have any practical effect upon any then existing controversy.” DCM v. Pemiscot County Juvenile Office, 578 S.W.3d 776, 780 (Mo. 2019). There…

Read More

Comity, Multiple Lawsuits, Litigation

October 11, 2023

In complex situations, it is not uncommon for multiple lawsuits to be pending in multiple jurisdictions. When this occurs, one court, in the interests of comity, may allow the other court to handle the entire dispute. At the state level in Missouri, comity is not an ironclad rule, but a rule of “practice, convenience, and…

Read More
Scroll to Top