§ 646A. Representation of Ward or Proposed Ward by Attorney
646A. Representation of Ward or Proposed Ward by Attorney
(a) The following persons may at any time retain an attorney who holds a certificate required by Section 647A of this code to represent the person's interests in a guardianship matter instead of having those interests represented by an attorney ad litem appointed under Section 646 of this code or another provision of this chapter:
(1) a ward who retains the power to enter into a contract under the terms of the guardianship, subject to Section 694K of this code; and
(2) a proposed ward for purposes of a proceeding for the appointment of a guardian as long as the proposed ward has capacity to contract.
(b) If the court finds that the ward or the proposed ward has capacity to contract, the court may remove an attorney ad litem appointed under Section 646 of this code or any other provision of this chapter that requires the court to appoint an attorney ad litem to represent the interests of a ward or proposed ward and appoint a ward or a proposed ward's retained counsel.