When the Probate Division of the Superior Court appoints a guardian for a spendthrift or a mentally disabled person, it may allow for the expenses of the ward in defending against the petition such sum out of the ward's estate as appears to be reasonable. (Amended 1979, No. 76, § 4; 2009, No. 154 (Adj. Sess.), § 238a, eff. Feb. 1, 2011.)