Hahto v. State Department of Mental Hygiene

The practice of adjusting claims against those who may be responsible for maintenance of a member of their family while such member is an inmate of a state asylum has been outlined by statutes for many years. The method has always included a provision for consideration of ability to pay on the part of one to be charged. As there is no direct liability independent of that imposed by statute— none existing at common law — the terms of the statute imposing the liability are to be followed in a proceeding .to charge that maintenance against a wife, a husband, or children. Statutes relating to…