Visite este site e veja como pode ajudar o seu trabalho:

LawHelp State Frequently Asked Questions
A defendant in an interdiction suit cannot appear in court without a lawyer. Once appointed to represent the defendant, the attorney must meet with the ...
www.lawhelp.org/.../1330099/iChannelID/140/isubtopicid/1/ip...




--------------------------------------------------
Note added at 17 mins (2006-11-17 15:43:32 GMT)
--------------------------------------------------

Como o link não está funcionando bem, transcrevo abaixo o que interessa:

A Guide to Interdiction
by: Advocacy Center
Q. What is interdiction and what does it do?

A. Interdiction is probably the best known way to change the legal status of a mentally impaired or elderly person and has long been used in Louisiana courts. Interdiction is, however, the most intrusive procedure affecting an individual's rights and responsibilities and is often more sweeping in its effect than is really needed to meet a person's needs. The interdicted person, often called the intedict, loses the right to take care of his own person and property. These rights are transferred to a person the court decides on. This person is called the curator (or "curatrix" in the case of a woman). Because of the extensive loss of rights that results from a judgment of interdiction, it is sometimes called a "civil death" for the interdict.

The law also allows for limited interdiction. In limited interdiction, some decision-making authority is transferred to a curator, but the individual retains all other rights not specifically granted to the curator. Limited interdiction allows a curator to help an individual with his real needs without infringing on his other rights.



--------------------------------------------------
Note added at 4 hrs (2006-11-17 19:49:14 GMT)
--------------------------------------------------

Besides, interdiction is reversible (at least in Brazil). Should the mental conditions improve with time, the interdict (or his curator or other relatives) can apply for a new evaluation and the reversion of the previous decision (Art. 1186 of the Brazilian Code of Civil Proc.)

Thx for the civil-guardian explanation.

Guardians are usually appointed for children, but can also be for mental incompetents. A receiver may also be appointed. The receivership takes powers of disposition away from the patient.

The Mental Health Act 1983 and Guardianship:


'The Mental Health Act 1983 deals with people who are medically assessed as having a ‘mental disorder’. If a person is thought to be a risk to themselves or to others, or if it is felt that their health is at risk, they can be detained in hospital under the act (this is known as being ‘sectioned’). Under the act, ‘Guardians’ can also be appointed to make decisions on behalf of people who do not have mental capacity.'