Legal Question in Family Law in Pennsylvania

Next of kin

My Dad is terminally ill in the hospital. He was taken into the hospital by his girlfriend and she placed her name as the contact person. The problem now is a lack of communication between the parties. Previously, my Dad has communicated to us children his status on his health. He is heavily sedated right now and his girlfriend is playing games and not updating us on his condition and withholding information. Since she is the main contact, we are out of the loop as we were told. Since I am the closest blood relative of my dad, do I have the right to be updated also? We are a very close knit family, but every opportunity his girlfriend has to create trouble she does. Do we legally as his blood relatives have a right to know. Do we approach his doctor and find out his condition. She is still trying to talk him into marriage even though my Dad is terminally ill. Can we render him incapable at this point. He is in and out of consiousness and has his wits at times. She treats him very badly and I feel she is not doing him at good at this point. Is there anything I can do? I just want my dad to have the proper care. Thanks!


Asked on 9/20/05, 11:49 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Mark Johns Mark Johns, Esquire

Re: Next of kin

If he is not competent you can ask the court to appoint you guardian. The facility should be made aware that there is a communication issue and that you wish to be notified by them of any change in status. This avoids a knock down drag out fight.

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Answered on 9/21/05, 5:39 am


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