Opinion ID: 1146057
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Validity of the Order Authorizing the Conservator to Institute an Annulment Suit.

Text: The present contention that the court was powerless to authorize the conservator to proceed with a suit in annulment is largely based upon the petitioner's argument that the refusal of the county court to grant a jury trial had the effect of voiding all of the subsequent proceedings. Apart from this problem there seems to be little question but that the county court has authority to authorize an annulment suit at the request of the conservator. Sections 152-10-13 and 152-10-27 contemplate the filing of suits by a conservator on behalf of its ward. Cox v. Armstrong, 122 Colo. 227, 221 P.2d 371 holds that an annulment suit may be instituted by the conservator on behalf of the ward. It has been represented to the Court that this matter is one of urgency which should be expedited, and we agree that it should be. The annulment proceedings should be pursued with dispatch and the same is true of the jury trial (to determine sanity) in the county court. Petitioner has urged us to declare that all of the proceedings in both the county and district courts were absolutely void. We do not agree that the county court's refusal to grant a jury trial tainted all of the proceedings. It is still possible to impanel a jury and litigate the merits in the county and district courts and it is our view that these hearings should be pursued without delay. The rule to show cause with respect to the request for jury trial is made absolute and it is directed that a jury be forthwith impanelled and a review be had as provided by statute. The rule to show cause directed to the district court is discharged and the rule to show cause alleging that the court lacked jurisdiction to appoint a conservator is likewise discharged. SUTTON and FRANTZ, JJ., not participating.