Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Kidd Family Freed

It’s an emotional and long awaited homecoming for an elderly Richardson couple whose battle with the state for their freedom triggered a FOX 4 Investigation. Michael and Eugenia Kidd say the State of Texas has held them captive in a nursing home for months. But after a court ruling today the Kidds are finally saying “home sweet home.”

They were all smiles as they walked up to the door of their house. It has been almost a year since the Kidds have been home. “It’s a relief, I can tell you that,” said Michael Kidd. Within minutes Michael was at his piano, one of his greatest sources of joy. But Michael admits, he’s a bit rusty.

FOX 4 reported how the Kidds were sent to the Countryside Nursing Home against their will. The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services argued the Richardson couple was incapacitated and unable to care for themselves after Michael broke his hip and required surgery. Eugenia suffers from memory loss.

This morning, the Kidds appeared in Collin County probate court before Judge Weldon Copelend. Only this time, they had two attorneys on their side arguing that they should be allowed to go home. A new psychiatric evaluation shows Michael has the ability to make decisions for himself and his wife Eugenia doesn’t need guardianship.

“Our position is that the guardianship of the person should be lifted in regards to both Mr. and Mrs. Kidd,” attorney Ad Litem, Melinda Hartnett explained to the judge. The state’s attorney didn’t oppose and Judge Copeland was quick to rule in their favor this time. “We expected them to be able to go home and the doctor’s report was pretty clear that is what should happen and I think everyone realized that,” said the Kidds’ pro bono attorney, Tim Taylor.

Full Article and Source:
Kidds Leave Facility, Return Home

See Also:
Closer to Freedom

Elderly Couple Won't Lose House

Elderly Couple Forced Into State Custody

10 comments:

AntiShyster said...

Best news I heard all week.

Hope more honest lawyers will begin to stand up against the crooked lawyers and judges who grab people into guardianships too quickly.

Betty said...

I would imagine the battle has really just begun. They have their freedom - the most precious thing stolen from them - and now they have to try to get their assets back.

Sue said...

I say the State of Texas is owes Michael and Eugenia Kidd a whole bunch of money, not only for the damages, their financial losses, but FOR THE PAIN AND SUFFERING.

Anyone care to put a price tag on the grief and fear?:
$ ___________________.00

All those in the guardianship racket, hand it over to the rightful owners, the Kidd's, cause this was a fraudulent guardianship for self-serving profit, the Kidd's won - YOU LOSE!

Thank you to Fox 4 news for exposing the guardianship racket and thanks to all the citizens who took action - May God Bless YOU!

Anonymous said...

Congratulations, Kidd family. The worst is over.

Anonymous said...

I am glad they got a pro-bono attorney to help them.

Very good luck for them.

jerri said...

i am standing and applauding those in the rescue team thank you all for a job well done

Norma said...

The power of publicity!

Anonymous said...

Right on, Sue. I wish you were the judge!

Anonymous said...

I am filled with emotion watching Michael and Eugenia Kidd coming into their own home after one year of being kept out against their will locked up in a nursing facility.

I also hope Sue is right and a court of law will set the stage for the Kidd's to be FULLY COMPENSATED for their losses with further action taken against the guardianship gang who put profits above people they must be punished.

I don't know how anyone can give them back the time they lost or the sadness in their hearts, only God can do that.

SHAME ON YOU State of Texas! and all of you who where involved in this fraudulent action.

Anonymous said...

The publicity got the judge's attention. Thank you Fox.