Nonabatement in case of guardianship. When a conservatorship or guardianship

ceases for any reason, any action or proceeding then pending shall not abate. The conservator’s or guardian’s successor, the former ward, or the personal representative of the ward’s estate shall be substituted or joined as a party. If no application is made for substitution, the court on its own motion may appoint a personal representative to represent the deceased party in the action. [Report 1943; October 31, 1997, effective January 24, 1998; November 9, 2001, effective February 15, 2002]