in Re Verna Francis Coley Thetford

A guardianship is a court-sanctioned infringement of an incapacitated person's right to control her own property, liberty, and life in order "to promote and protect [her] well-being". 1 A guardian can provide essential care for the ward. But tragically, wards are also vulnerable to neglect, abuse, and exploitation. 2 There are more than 51,000 open guardianships in Texas, 3 8% more than there were five years ago. 4 And the number is growing, as the number of Texans over age 65 is expected to double by 2030, to six million. 5 Guardianship proceedings must ensure the appointment of guardians…