In re Estate of Suggs

Pharell Mae Lewis petitioned the circuit court of Cook County to appoint her as guardian of her nephew, Reginald B. Suggs, Jr., a minor. Reginald's grandmother, Gladys Williams, objected to Lewis' guardianship petition and cross-petitioned the court to appoint her as guardian of Reginald. At the close of an evidentiary hearing, the trial court awarded custody of Reginald to Williams and appointed her as his guardian. Lewis appeals, contending that (1) the trial court lacked jurisdiction to appoint Williams as guardian because Reginald's father (Lewis' brother) nominated her as Reginald's guardian in his will, and (2) even if the trial court possessed jurisdiction to determine guardianship, its appointment of Williams was not in the best interest of Reginald. We reverse and remand.