The Supreme Court Commission on Guardianships and Conservatorships hosted its first meeting of 2020 at the Judicial Branch Education facility in Lincoln on February 28, 2020.

February’s meeting was centered on a guest panel comprised of individuals who currently serve as Guardians and Conservators in the state of Nebraska. The panelists shared their personal stories of how they came to take on these roles, as well as their experiences navigating within the court system and with other institutions.  They offered suggestions on how to improve, and areas where they would like to see more support. The Commission will be actively working on improving the process for guardians and conservators across the state.

Co-chairs, Judge Francie Riedmann and Judge Holly Parsley expressed their gratitude to the panelist for sharing their stories and thanked all the Commission members for their ongoing support and commitment to its mission, which is:

“To engage in continuing analysis and study of statutes, court rules, and court procedures relating to guardianships and conservatorships; to examine the challenges these laws and procedures pose for court staff, the judiciary, the practicing bar, vulnerable adults and children and their legal guardians and conservators, and other professionals and service providers working with protected persons and wards; to propose solutions or improvements both within and without the judicial branch in response to such challenges; and to support the implementation of the recommendations of the Commission which the Nebraska Supreme Court approves.”

Guest panelists pictured from left to right:

• Russ Leavitt
• Sandy Leavitt
• Sarah Jennings
• Vonda Hartsell
• Jane Hanson
• Maureen Burson
• Brent Burch
• Sally Biegert