Court appoints parents as co‑guardians for adult with autism; bond set at $50 each

The Fort Bend County probate court found that Kevin Joseph (referred to in the docket as K.J.) is totally incapacitated and appointed his parents, Minnie Joy and Joseph Thomas, as co‑guardians with full authority over the person. The court set bond at $50 for each guardian, discharged the attorney ad litem and ordered that the appointed guardians file annual reports to keep the court informed of the ward’s condition.

Testimony established that Kevin is diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder with self‑injurious behavior and sensory sensitivity and that he receives Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy locally. The court accepted a medical certificate from Dr. Masharani (on file) describing the ward’s incapacity and noted that alternatives — such as powers of attorney or supported decision‑making agreements — would not meet his needs.

Both parents said they had completed required guardian training and background checks and acknowledged the court‑supervision obligations, including filing an annual report describing the ward’s well‑being. “After listening to testimony, the court finds by clear and convincing evidence that Kevin Joseph is totally incapacitated,” the judge said, then appointed the parents as guardians of the person only and set a nominal bond of $50 for each guardian.