Did Gary Coleman's ex-wife have right to take him off life support?

Gary Coleman divorced at time of death
by Kate Ward


Gary Coleman’s former lawyer claims the actor was divorced from Shannon Price at the time of his death on May 28, People reports. Randy Kester claims the pair’s marriage ended on Aug. 12, 2008, which raises questions about Price’s legal right to take Coleman off life support. “We’re definitely concerned about this and we’re looking into what exactly happened here,” Janet Frank, a spokesperson for the Utah Valley Regional Medical Center — the hospital in which Coleman passed away — told People. “Shannon certainly portrayed herself as his wife to our staff and doctors. We assumed she was telling the truth. We can’t comment on specific details in Mr. Coleman’s case, but in general, any patient on life support is thoroughly evaluated medically before life support is ended.”

Kester claims it is possible that Coleman gave Shannon permission in writing at the hospital to make medical decisions for him. As for Coleman’s family, the actor’s mother told People, “It’s too early for us to comment on this. Of course we’re concerned, but we need to find out more information.” Price could not be reached for comment.

http://news-briefs.ew.com/2010/06/02/gary-coleman-divorced-at-time-of-death/

act like they give a shit now?

they are.

On the first day of Trusts and Estates, you learn that in all jurisdictions in the US, legal separation or filing for divorce automatically voids wills, and contracts that arise out of marriage.

Under that legal principle, I would say that if she had a Living Will that was given during marriage, it would be considered void unless and until it was ratified or redone after the divorce.

If she had nothing--and the hospital just took her word? That hospital will be facing a wrongful death suit....

I really hope his parents don't benefit from this. They robbed Gary Coleman blind when he was a kid.

Like the article says, we won't know until more information comes to light.

Q3JR4.

Line taken from another fanatical person...

if they meet the requirements of Utah law: Administrative order establishes that it arises out of a contract between two consenting parties who: (a) are capable of giving consent; (b) are legally capable of entering a solemnized marriage; (c) have cohabited; (d) mutually assume marital rights, duties, and obligations; and (e) who hold themselves out as and have acquired a uniform and general reputation as husband and wife. The determination or establishment of such a marriage must occur during the relationship or within one year following the termination of that relationship.

from http://www.ncsl.org/default.aspx?tabid=4265

dg