Legal Question in Family Law in Minnesota

State Committment

I have a sister - not a minor, recently widowed - who is about to be committed to chemical dependency treatment by the State. This will probably be long-term treatment. She currently owns a house, and has other financial obligations. How does the State expect these financial obligations will be met while she is hospitalized? Can the family participate in the committment decision? How can we obtain access to her accounts to pay bills and try to save her assets?


Asked on 10/16/02, 6:59 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
David Kelly-952-544-6356 Kelly Law Office

Re: State Committment

She's not going to be committed without at least having a public defender appointed to represent her. Find out who it is and call him or her. The hearings are closed to the public, but you should be able to attend if invited by your sister or her attorney.

To get access to her accounts so you can write checks and so on, a power of attorney should do it. It's a simple form. Ask her lawyer about having her sign one. He may bre able to prepare it. If he can't or won't, call me (952-544-6356).

Meanwhile, the state really doesn't care if her bills are paid. The mental health court is looking at the prospect of her drinking herself to death, in which case keeping up the payments on her house isn't going to do her any good.

Good luck.

This response is for general information purposes only and does not create an attorney-client relationship. You are advised to consult with the attorney of your choice concerning the details of your case.

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Answered on 10/16/02, 10:52 am


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