A Practical Guide to Mental Health Law in Hong Kong 香港精神健康條例實用指南

How can we best serve the interest of a family member who becomes mentally incapacitated because of ageing? How can parents of children with autism or Down syndrome arrange their affairs so their children will be taken care of even when they are gone? In light of the ageing population and increased life expectancy, these problems are likely to increase. A Practical Guide to Mental Health Law in Hong Kong will be a good starting point for preparing for the upcoming challenges before it is too late.

This book is divided into three parts. Part I consists of twelve modified case studies based on real-life scenarios, which provide an introduction to the relevant mental health law in Hong Kong. Part II highlights the legal procedures and practical considerations for managing the property and affairs of persons suffering from mental incapacitation (MIPs). Part III addresses alternative planning tools such as wills, enduring powers of attorney, continuing powers of attorney, and advance medical directives. The book ends with a discussion of the way forward for Hong Kong, with reference to the mental health law and legal practices in other common law jurisdictions pertinent to the protection of the interests of MIPs.

Family members, caregivers for MIPs, and professionals who are in disciplines relevant to the care of the MIPs will find this book a highly informative resource. It will also be useful for legal practitioners who are not familiar with this area of law.