Judge appoints guardian ad litem, resets emergency conservatorship for hearing Sept. 4

The presiding judge appointed an independent guardian ad litem for respondent Ray Robert Lamar Williams and set a follow-up hearing for Sept. 4 at 9 a.m. after denying an immediate appointment of an emergency conservator.

The judge said, “I'm not going to appoint a conservator this morning because of that. I'm going to appoint a guardian ad litem for your father,” and named Leslie Oliver Wright as the attorney to represent the respondent's interests while the court considers whether a conservatorship is required.

The nut of the order is that the guardian ad litem will investigate and report back to the court, giving the judge an independent account of the respondent's capacity before the court decides whether to appoint a conservator. The judge explained the purpose: “It's just to have an independent person come in and act on behalf of the respondent.”

Family members in the courtroom were told they may still consult privately with counsel; the judge noted they do not have the right to choose who the court appoints to represent the respondent. The judge also directed the clerk to reset the matter for a later hearing so the guardian ad litem can complete her investigation.

The court did not enter an emergency conservatorship today; instead, the guardian ad litem appointment will be followed by a status hearing on Sept. 4 at 9 a.m. for further proceedings.

Less-critical details: the judge suggested family members may consult attorneys named in the hearing—Mister Hamlin and Mister Locker were mentioned as attorneys the family could retain for their own representation—but the guardian ad litem will represent the respondent independently.