This report is reviewed prior to the hearing by the Judicial Officer and copies are also provided to the attorneys prior to the hearing. The SDM is empowered to consent to the use of neuroleptic medication for incompetent consenters. In this process, the patient is interviewed, the medical chart is reviewed, and there is discussion with members of the treatment team before a consent is signed. Complaints by interested parties as to the inappropriate actions or difficulties experienced in dealing with the guardians or conservators are referred to Gretchen Crowder to investigate the issues and to report on the investigation directly to the Presiding Judge. The Judicial Staff consists of a Presiding Judge and four District Court Referees.
Original microfiche is stored in an underground storage facility in Hutchinson, Kansas.
The office of the Probate Registrar is responsible for all estates filed as Informal Unsupervised cases. The Registrar and Deputy Registrar conduct informal hearings with attorneys, their clients, and with lay people, reviewing the documents required to commence an informal probate proceeding. The application is then either granted or declined, based on whether all requirements of the statutes and court rules have been met. The Registrar and Deputy Registrar also advise and instruct attorneys, legal assistants, and other Registrars on a wide range of probate-related topics, such as procedural options, form preparation, real estate transfers, estate administration problems, closing estates, etc. They also provide information to lay people regarding informal probate and procedures.