The default is that guardianship and conservatorship proceedings in Minnesota are public. However guardianship hearings may be closed to the public in some situations. Minnesota Statute 524.5-307 allows the court to close the hearing “upon the request of the respondent and a showing of good cause.” Examples of when a request to close a hearing would be appropriate include: when the circumstances leading to the guardianship petition are extremely sensitive in nature – either because of medical conditions or behaviors alleged to be exhibited by the Respondent or others involved in the hearing.