Court

So while the driving thing was going on, I had been to visit my mother two times. Time line wise, we are in Spring, April-May of 08. A family member moved in to try and divert my mom's new found sweepstakes habits. This was good for about a week, and then it became very apparent to me that the stress level in the home was 10x that of what it was before this family member moved in, due to external issues.

My mom, was unaware of the stress, but it was obvious to me. At this same time someone made a report to social services about the concern and well being for my mother's safety, not only physically but also financially.

I'm skipping over quite a bit of personal family drama, but the end result was that two social workers came to visit my mother, and felt that she was in deed need of assistance. This started the ball rolling for court. After the social workers concluded their study of my mom's situation, there was a court hearing regarding well being.

I was at this hearing. I'll have to say it was one of the hardest things I've ever had to do. It wasn't so hard sitting there, but emotionally, to hear your mother beg for her independence, and then be denied that independence for reasons she can no longer comprehend, and then act out very irrationally regarding the verdict was very hard to witness. If it wasn't for another family member who went with me I'm not sure I would have made it out of that courtroom with my sanity.

The judge ruled that my mother be declared incompetent, and that the court appoint a guardian or guardian team.

My mom didn't understand the word 'incompetent' but when I explained it to her, she said that was just stupid, because she's 'fine'.
The social workers recommended that I be appointed guardian of my mother. I actually asked my mother's lawyer to appoint an independent guardian team though, for many reasons. I wanted to be involved, but having my mom's well being resting 100% on my shoulders when I didn't live near her was not in her best interest. There were also complications with other family members. I wanted what was best for my mom.

The court decided to appoint a financial guardian, and a health guardian. There is also a social worker assigned to the case. My mother was so outraged at this, she pretty much told everyone off in the courtroom. Not a good day.


When we finally did get her home (which was a feat within itself)I tried to explain to her what happened, but she really didn't understand. Putting myself in her shoes, I could totally understand why she was so angry. I'd be angry too if someone told me that I couldn't drive anymore or handle my finances anymore when I thought I was totally ok. I tried to divert, puzzles, let's go for a drive, let's go out to Dad's grave, (that worked for an hour) let's go out to eat. . .

Nothing worked. She was so upset, she was devastated. I think she cried for 3 days straight.