This section defines terms used in the chapter.
For the purposes of this chapter, the following terms have the following meanings: (1) CLAIMS. With respect to a protected person, the liabilities of the protected person, whether arising in contract, tort, or otherwise, and liabilities of the estate which arise at or after the appointment of a conservator, including expenses of administration. (2) CONSERVATOR. A person who is appointed by a court to manage the estate of a protected person. The term includes a limited conservator described in Section 26-2A-148(a). (3) COURT. A probate court of this state. (4) COURT REPRESENTATIVE. A person appointed in a guardianship or protective proceeding who: (i) is trained in law, nursing, or social work; (ii) is an officer, employee, or special appointee of the court; and (iii) has no personal interest in the proceeding. (5) DISABILITY. Cause for a protective order as described in Section 26-2A-130. (6) ESTATE. The property of the person whose affairs are subject to this chapter. (7) GUARDIAN. A person who has qualified as a guardian of a minor or incapacitated person pursuant to parental or spousal nomination or court appointment. The term includes a limited guardian as described in Sections 26-2A-78(e) and 26-2A-105(c), but excludes a person who is merely a guardian ad litem. (8) INCAPACITATED PERSON. Any person who is impaired by reason of mental illness, mental deficiency, physical illness or disability, physical or mental infirmities accompanying advanced age, chronic use of drugs, chronic intoxication, or other cause, except minority, to the extent of lacking sufficient understanding or capacity to make or communicate responsible decisions. (9) LEASE. Includes an oil, gas, or other mineral lease. (10) LETTERS. Letters of guardianships and letters of conservatorship. (11) MINOR. A person who is under 19 years of age and has not otherwise had the disabilities of minority removed. (12) MINOR WARD. A minor for whom a guardian has been appointed solely because of minority. (13) MORTGAGE. Any conveyance, agreement, or arrangement in which property is used as collateral. (14) ORGANIZATION. A corporation, business trust, estate, trust, partnership, association, two or more persons having a joint or common interest, government, governmental subdivision or agency, or any other legal entity. (15) PARENT. Any person entitled to take, or who would be entitled to take if the child died without a will, as a parent by intestate succession from the child whose relationship is in question. The term excludes any person who is only a stepparent, foster parent, or grandparent. (16) PERSON. An individual or an organization, unless the context otherwise requires. (17) PETITION. A written request to the court for an order after notice. (18) PROCEEDING. Action at law and suit in equity. (19) PROPERTY. Both real and personal property, or any interest therein, and anything that may be the subject of ownership. (20) PROTECTED PERSON. A minor or other person for whom a conservator has been appointed or other protective order has been made as provided in Sections 26-2A-136 and 26-2A-137. (21) PROTECTIVE PROCEEDING. A proceeding under Division 3 of Article 2. (22) RESPONDENT. An individual for whom: (i) a petition requests the court to enter a protective order to appoint a guardian or conservator; (ii) a protective arrangement is sought; or (iii) any emergency or temporary guardian, conservator, or other relief is requested. (23) SECURITY. Any note; stock; treasury stock; bond; debenture; evidence of indebtedness; certificate of interest or participation in an oil, gas, or mining title or lease or in payments out of production under such a title or lease; collateral trust certificate; transferable share; voting trust certificate or, in general, any interest or instrument commonly known as a security, or any certificate of interest or participation; any temporary or interim certificate, receipt or certificate of deposit for; or any warrant or right to subscribe to or purchase any of the foregoing. (24) WARD. A person for whom a guardian has been appointed.