10.1.4.010 Appointment of Guardians

(a) The Court shall have the jurisdiction to appoint and remove legal guardians for minors and for persons who are incapable of managing their own affairs.

(b) All proceedings in this Section shall be in accordance with the Civil Rules of Procedure of this Code and the Rules of the Court.

(c) The Court may appoint guardians over the property or over the person, or both, of a minor or for persons determined by the Court to be incapable or managing their own affairs. Appointment of any non-Indian as guardian by the Court must be approved by the Governor and Tribal Council.

(d) The Court may require a report from the Social Worker of the Bureau of Indian Affairs or the State of New Mexico or other person designated by the Court to make a report on the parties involved and such other information as the Court may order.

(e) Any guardian appointed under this Section shall advise the Court by written report at least once a year or upon request of the Court on all actions of the guardian on behalf of the ward or the ward's estate.

(f) No guardian may dispose of any of the war's property without the approval of the Court in advance.

(g) Any guardianship over the person of a minor shall automatically terminate when the ward becomes the age of eighteen (18) years.

(h) Any guardianship over the property of a minor shall terminate upon application of the guardian or minor for termination of the guardianship to the Court and the approval of the Court.

(i) A special guardian may be appointed for the special purpose of signing deeds, contracts or other documents on behalf of a minor or a personwho is incapable of managing his own affairs. The document to be valid must be approved by the Court and also approved by the Secretary of the Interior or his designated representative if it involves trust or restricted property or funds.