Legal Question in Family Law in Kansas

(In the state of Kansas) A person over the age of 21 has a previous history of mental health conditions including being committed (by the order of a judge) to psychiatric hospitals on multiple occasions. They now been diagnosed with stage three cancer that is still treatable, with a good chance of recovery. They are refusing treatment at this time. Can the family get a legal order to force medical treatment to remove the cancer?


Asked on 12/12/12, 12:25 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys

Anthony Smith LawSmith

It may be possible to get a medical Guardian or custodian appointed. If appointed, that person or persons can make medical decisions about treatment. There is no "just order him to have the operation" petition. You mentioned that the person had been ordered into the hospital previously. That is not the same as ordering a specific procedure. Some people choose not to get an operation when given a cancer diagnosis. That choice may sound crazy to some other people, but is not in itself evidence that the person is incapable of making decisions for themself. It will be very important what the psychiatrist and oncologist have to say about the person's present physical and mental health

Good luck

Read more
Answered on 12/12/12, 3:44 pm


Related Questions & Answers

More Family Law, Divorce, Child Custody and Adoption questions and answers in Kansas