1. If the plan adopted pursuant to NRS 432B.553 for the permanent placement of a child includes a request for the appointment of a guardian for the child pursuant to NRS 432B.4665 to 432B.468, inclusive, a governmental agency, a nonprofit corporation or any interested person, including, without limitation, the agency that adopted the plan may petition the court for the appointment of a guardian. The guardian may be appointed at a hearing conducted pursuant to NRS 432B.590 or at a separate hearing.

2. A petition for the appointment of a guardian pursuant to this section:

(a) May not be filed before the court has determined that the child is in need of protection;

(b) Must include the information required pursuant to NRS 159A.044; and

(c) Must include a statement explaining why the appointment of a guardian, rather than the adoption of the child or the return of the child to a parent, is in the best interests of the child.

3. In addition to the notice required pursuant to NRS 432B.590, a governmental agency, nonprofit corporation or interested person who files a petition for the appointment of a guardian must serve notice of the petition that includes a copy of the petition and the date, time and location of the hearing on the petition, by registered or certified mail or by personal service:

(a) To all the persons entitled to notice of the hearing pursuant to NRS 432B.590, the parents of the child, any person or governmental agency having care, custody or control over the child, and, if the child is 14 years of age or older, the child; and

(b) At least 20 days before the hearing on the petition.

(Added to NRS by 2003, 588; A 2017, 898)