59-30,107 - Practice in court.

59-30,107. Practice in court. (a) The petitioner and the respondent shall each be afforded an opportunity to appear at the trial, to testify and to present and cross-examine witnesses. If the trial has been consolidated with a trial being held pursuant to either the care and treatment act for mentally ill persons or the care and treatment act for persons with an alcohol or substance abuse problem, persons not necessary for the conduct of the proceedings may be excluded as provided for in those acts. The trial shall be conducted in as informal a manner as may be consistent with orderly procedure. The court shall have the authority to receive all relevant and material evidence which may be offered, including the testimony or written report, findings or recommendations of any professional or other person who has examined or evaluated the respondent and the testimony and written findings and recommendations of any court liaison appointed pursuant to K.S.A. 59-30,144, and amendments thereto. Such evidence shall not be privileged for the purpose of this trial.

(b) If proceedings for a guardianship, conservatorship or protective arrangement under K.S.A. 59-30,197 or 59-30,198, and amendments thereto, for the same individual are commenced or pending in the same court, the proceedings may be consolidated.

(c) A respondent may demand a jury trial in a proceeding under this act on the issue of whether a basis exists for appointment of a guardian or conservator.