Michigan § 712A.18o - Competency evaluation; conduct by qualified forensic mental health examiner; expert witness; additional evaluations at party's expense; conduct in least restrictive environment.
Full text of Michigan Michigan Compiled Laws § 712A.18o — Competency evaluation; conduct by qualified forensic mental health examiner; expert witness; additional evaluations at party's expense; conduct in least restrictive environment., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 712A.18o. Competency evaluation; conduct by qualified forensic mental health examiner; expert witness; additional evaluations at party's expense; conduct in least restrictive environment.
(1) A competency evaluation ordered under section 18n of this chapter shall be conducted by a qualified juvenile forensic mental health examiner. The qualified juvenile forensic mental health examiner shall provide the court with an opinion as to whether the juvenile is competent to proceed. The court has the final determination of an expert witness serving as a qualified juvenile forensic mental health examiner.
(2) This section does not prohibit any party from retaining the party's own qualified juvenile forensic mental health examiner to conduct additional evaluations at the party's own expense.
(3) The competency evaluation shall be conducted in the least restrictive environment. There is a presumption in favor of conducting a competency evaluation while the juvenile remains in the custody of a parent or legal guardian, unless removal from the home is necessary for the best interests of the juvenile, for reasons of public safety, or because the parent or guardian has refused to cooperate in the competency evaluation process.
Source: official Michigan text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Michigan § 712A.18o
What does Michigan Compiled Laws § 712A.18o cover?
Section 712A.18o ("Competency evaluation; conduct by qualified forensic mental health examiner; expert witness; additional evaluations at party's expense; conduct in least restrictive environment.") is part of the Michigan Compiled Laws, the codified statutory law of Michigan. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Michigan § 712A.18o?
A common citation format is "Michigan Compiled Laws § 712A.18o" (Michigan). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Michigan law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Michigan official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Michigan attorney.
How does Michigan § 712A.18o apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Michigan can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Michigan.