Marieann Vassar

Court Visitor

Office of Public Advocacy

Since 1966 Marieann Vassar has been employed as a court visitor, primarily within the third judicial district, currently serving, Anchorage, Kodiak, Dillingham, and Naknek. As a court visitor, Marieann is appointed by the court as a neutral investigator in adult guardianship and conservatorship proceedings, and makes recommendations tot he court as to whether guardianship and/or conservatorship is appropriate, based on the capacity and needs of the individual. If appropriate, she also recommends a person, state agency or private entity to serve as guardian and/or conservator for the individual. Marieann also participates in psychotropic medication hearings at Alaska Psychiatric Institute. In that role, she makes recommendations to the court as to whether the respondent/patient has the capacity to give or withhold informed consent for medications.