{"data":{"id":"us-mo/mo.-rev.-stat.-475.361","jurisdiction":"us-mo","citation":"Mo. Rev. Stat. § 475.361","heading":"Wards, rights of.","body":"1. The provisions of section 475.078 notwithstanding to the contrary, in every guardianship, the ward has the right to:\n(1) A guardian who acts in the best interests of the ward;\n(2) A guardian who is reasonably accessible to the ward;\n(3) Communicate freely and privately with family, friends, and other persons other than the guardian; except that, such right may be limited by the guardian for good cause but only as necessary to ensure the ward's condition, safety, habilitation, or sound therapeutic treatment;\n(4) Individually or through the ward's representative or legal counsel, bring an action relating to the guardianship, including the right to file a petition alleging that the ward is being unjustly denied a right or privilege granted by this chapter, including the right to bring an action to modify or terminate the guardianship under the provisions of section 475.083;\n(5) The least restrictive form of guardianship assistance, taking into consideration the ward's functional limitations, personal needs, and preferences;\n(6) Be restored to capacity at the earliest possible time;\n(7) Receive information from the court that describes the ward's rights, including rights the ward may seek by petitioning the court; and\n(8) Participate in any health care decision-making process.\n2. An adult ward may petition the court to grant the ward the right to:\n(1) Contract to marry or to petition for dissolution of marriage;\n(2) Make, modify, or terminate other contracts or ratify contracts made by the ward;\n(3) Consent to medical treatment;\n(4) Establish a residence or dwelling place;\n(5) Change domicile;\n(6) Bring or defend any action at law or equity, except an action relating to the guardianship; or\n(7) Drive a motor vehicle if the ward can pass the required driving test.\n3. The appointment of a guardian shall revoke the powers of an agent who was previously appointed by the ward to act as an agent under a durable power of attorney for health care, unless the court so orders.\n4. The appointment of a guardian is not a determination that the ward lacks testamentary capacity.","path":["Title XXXI - TRUSTS AND ESTATES OF DECEDENTS AND PERSONS UNDER DISABILITY","Chapter 475 - Probate Code — Guardianship"],"source_url":"https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=475.361","current_through":"2026 legislative session (floor)","vintage":"","retrieved_at":"2026-09-03T22:23:28Z","sha256":"2aeea880819e29a6f7b5d0726c9e93a452bbff56af4de15045b4478aafacc25c","source_id":"us-mo","stale":false,"prev":"us-mo/mo.-rev.-stat.-475.357","next":"us-mo/mo.-rev.-stat.-475.370"},"notice":"GroundRules: Original legal text. Not legal advice."}