Mental Competency Hearings

Mental competency hearings are legal proceedings that determine whether a person has the ability to understand and make decisions about their own healthcare, financial affairs, or legal matters. These hearings assess if an individual can comprehend relevant information, appreciate the consequences of decisions, and communicate choices consistently. The goal is to protect individuals' rights by ensuring they're capable of participating in important decisions, or, if not, to establish appropriate legal guardianship or support. Typically, mental health professionals provide evaluations, and the court makes a final determination based on evidence presented.