TX Families Testify at State Senate

North Texas families testified at a State Senate committee hearing in Austin hoping to change the Texas guardianship system.

Sharon Richardson's mother, Earnestine Starks, is living at a nursing home. The Mesquite woman lost guardianship last year after having several disputes with the facility's staff over her mother's care.

A Tarrant County judge revoked the guardianship in an ex-parte hearing. The legal maneuver lets a judge issue an order or verdict without all parties being present.

Richardson wants to change that law.

Richardson and other families struggling with guardianship removal also want to improve procedures. They say the system works against families, forcing them to hire their own attorneys if they want to challenge a judge's decision.

Some have spent thousands trying to appeal their cases. The Richardson family told us they don't have the money to hire a lawyer.

Health and Human Services Committee member Sen. Royce West (D-Dallas) told News 8 the testimony in Wednesday's hearing warrants additional inquiry, and he promised that the committee will look into it further.

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Legislative Panel Heard Guardianship Pleas