(a) Proceedings shall be commenced by filing a petition with the clerk of the probate division of circuit court.
(b) Only the Department of Human Services may file a petition seeking ex parte emergency relief.
(c) No fees may be charged or collected by the clerk in cases brought by the department, including, but not limited to:
(1) Fees for filing;
(2) Summons; or
(3) Subpoenas.
(d) The court shall immediately appoint the Arkansas Public Defender Commission to represent the maltreated adult if:
(1) There is reasonable cause to believe the maltreated adult is indigent; or
(2) The maltreated adult's liberty interest is in jeopardy and the financial condition of the maltreated adult is undetermined.
Structure Arkansas Code
Subtitle 2 - Domestic Relations
Chapter 20 - Adult Maltreatment Custody Act
§ 9-20-104. Spiritual treatment alone not abusive
§ 9-20-105. Privilege not grounds for exclusion of evidence
§ 9-20-106. Immunity for investigation participants
§ 9-20-107. Reports as evidence
§ 9-20-108. Jurisdiction — Venue — Eligibility
§ 9-20-109. Commencement of proceedings
§ 9-20-112. Voluntary protective placement
§ 9-20-116. Probable cause hearing
§ 9-20-117. Long-term custody and court-ordered protective services hearings
§ 9-20-119. Assets of a maltreated adult
§ 9-20-120. Duties and responsibilities of custodian
§ 9-20-121. Availability of custody and protective services records
§ 9-20-122. Evaluation of prospective guardians
§ 9-20-123. Rights of relatives
§ 9-20-124. Consideration of issues requiring court approval