Helping a Family Member with Mental Illness

By Thomas G. Glick

Most people don’t realize that in Missouri Probate Courts have jurisdiction to involuntary commitment of people who are mentally ill. These can be initiated by the police, by doctors or by the friends and family of the person with a mental illness.

Locking up a person who hasn’t committed any crimes is a pretty extreme measure but this provision is for people who are so sick that they represent a threat to themselves or others. My associate Misty Watson and I recently wrote an article [download PDF] aimed at other lawyers on the subject. The relevant lengths of time may also be helpful to non-lawyers as well.

07/1/09 8:02 AM

Filed under Estate Planning, Family Law, Probate, Special Needs, Trusts | Comments Off