Although Khloé Kardashian and Lamar Odom both signed divorce papers in July of this year, the couple are still legally married. Court records show that a judgement package was received and filed, but that the case was never finalised.
Because the official status of their divorce is still pending, Entertainment Tonight reports, this could have complications going forward.
It could mean that Khloé, who is currently dating basketball player James Harden, may have the responsibility of making medical decisions for Lamar. Alternatively, Lamar's family may hold the right.
© Photo: Getty ImagesLamar Odom and Khloé Kardashian signed divorce papers in July
The former NBA star is currently in a coma and is reported to be in a serious condition. Lamar, 35, was found unconscious at a legal brothel in Nevada on Tuesday. He was stabilised and taken to the Sunrise Hospital and Medical Center in Las Vegas.
Khloé, her sisters Kim and Kourtney Kardashian and their mum Kris Jenner have all been spotted visiting the hospital. A distraught Khloé has been at her estranged husband's bedside since Tuesday night when he was admitted.
On the question of who will make medical decisions, celebrity divorce attorney Vikki Ziegler said: "If they have a medical directive, it would be whoever is assigned to his medical decisions [but] if there is no medical directive, Khloé may have the ability to make decisions on his behalf until the stipulation is signed by the judge.
"There may be a fight between Lamar's family and her as it relates to what should happen to him medically, and that may become a problem."
© Photo: Getty ImagesThe former NBA star is believed to be in a serious condition in hospital
Khloé filed for divorce from Lamar in December 2013, after the basketball star suffered a relapse with his substance abuse problems and was reportedly unfaithful. They signed divorce papers a year and a half later in July 2015.
Despite Khloé and Lamar's turbulent past, the reality TV star has always defended their relationship.
On a recent episode of her family's show Keeping Up with the Kardashians, Khloé said: "Lamar and I loved each other deeply, and I don't believe in just acting like that relationship never existed. Things happened, but that doesn't just stop me from caring about him or loving him."
