Wendy Williams, diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia, thought legal guardianship would only oversee her finances. She consented to have Sabrina Morrissey manage her affairs, believing it would protect her money. However, under this guardianship, she lost autonomy over personal decisions, including living arrangements, spending, and even voting. Her healthcare advocate noted that Williams felt overwhelmed and betrayed by the court process, believing it was meant to support her. The restrictions placed on her life made Williams realize the severe implications of the guardianship she endorsed in a moment of vulnerability.
"She wanted to make sure nobody's in her money and she would be fine. She kind of felt like, 'Hey, I have the court.'"
"A lot of people would be like, 'Well, I would question [the guardianship] more. But when everything is happening so quickly...you're just trying to kind of save yourself.'"
"You have no rights. Somebody in prison has more rights than a person put under a guardianship."
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