30 Bills in 37 Years: Guardianship Reforms Stall Despite Decades of Fraud

Reports of fraud and abuse by court-appointed guardians inspired over 30 bills to be introduced in Congress over the past 37 years. Most never made it out of committee. In most states, when a judge declares someone incapacitated and appoints a guardian over them, they lose almost all their rights. They can no longer handle their finances, choose where they live, or sometimes even what they eat. Medical, work, and even intimate relationship decisions are off-limits to the ward. Critics of guardianship say convicted criminals have more rights than a ward. One guardianship expert said reform isn’t happening despite all the legislation because adult guardianship is not a priority....