1. (1) If, after hearing, the court is satisfied that the person alleged to be an absentee is an absentee as defined in s. 747.01 and that it is necessary that a conservatorship be established, she or he shall appoint a conservator of the estate and property of said absentee to take charge of the absentee's estate and property under the supervision, and subject to the further orders, of the court.
2. (2) In the appointment of a conservator, the court shall give due consideration to the appointment of one of the next of kin of the absentee if such next of kin is a fit and proper person and is qualified to act.

History.--s. 7, ch. 71-103; s. 1132, ch. 97-102.