I am going to be seeing a therapist at church this week and am trying to hold myself together. I have a safety plan need be. I am looking for a pro-bono lawyer to help because I was denied petitioning myself. The ER who originally had him committed had a court order but it wasn't filed with the county or signed by a judge just a doctor and social worker. So when I went to county court they said he wasn't in the system and because of that I would have a hard time proving he is ill, but I have the documents!
I feel completely helpless. It seems like nobody in MI specializes in mental health law or the ones that do want a $2000 retainer which I don't have that kind of money. It's really un-nerving to me that the people that need help can't get it and I think it's because of the stigma of mental illness. If I could pay with a limb I would cut it off to have my husband get the treatment he needs, ya know?
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Originally Posted by TheByzantine
Hello, lisadhum1. In my state, commitment proceedings are conducted by the city or county attorney, depending on which one has been designated by law. Generally, the commitment proceedings are commenced when an affidavit has been filed stating grounds to believe the person is mentally ill and a danger to himself, others or property.
You know he has a mental illness. He did not take the meds with him. Call the city or county attorney to ask about the procedure and whether his leaving his meds is sufficient grounds to act on.
Ultimately, if he is not taking his meds he may very well end up hospitalized again.
You likely would be well-served to contact an attorney. If you have joint credit cards, he may be going to the limit on them. The credit card company will still come after you even if your ill husband ran up the debt. The joint accounts need to be dealt with so you do not end up destitute.
Most states have legal separations. The court divides the property and debts and deals with custody issues and support if there are children. In my state, if no one notifies the court within a year, the separation becomes a divorce. Doing a legal separation will allow you to not be at the mercy of your husband regarding diminution of marital assets. Too, it allows for the possibility of a reconciliation.
You also would probably benefit from talking to organizations like safe shelter. The people there can be supportive and have a lot of useful information. You might even consider formulating a plan to get to safety. If you husband is off meds and says he hates you, you could be in danger.
Lastly, you may benefit from therapy.
Good luck.
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