Court Opinion

ID: 9775973
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-29 19:14:31.099679+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T07:32:32.358045
License: Public Domain

ON MOTION FOR REHEARING
The probate court authorized the temporary guardian, Laurance L. Priddy, to execute the covenant not to execute. This covenant was signed by John W. Howie, the boy’s father; YMCA; and Laurance L. Priddy, as Temporary Guardian of the Estate of Johnny Howie, a minor. They covenanted “. . . that they shall not, nor shall anyone for them or on their behalf, levy or issue execution, garnishment or any other process, . . . Nowhere does Johnny Howie so covenant, nor does anyone covenant that Johnny Howie will not levy or issue execution, garnishment or any other process. The covenant attempted to bind only the temporary guardian. The petition on which this case was tried was filed November 20, 1975, two weeks after the child had reached his majority. Even if he were bound during his minority, which is not necessary for us to decide, he certainly is not bound now that he is an adult.
On March 15,1974, in the district court, a proceeding was had in the nature of a motion to compel the minor to answer interrogatories. In connection therewith, the guardian stipulated that “ ‘The only rights, if any, of . Johnny Howie, individually or through a representative, to enforce collection of or to receive payment from anyone of any part of the recovery and awards made in the January 30, 1973, judgment ... are whatever rights are stated in said “Covenant Not to Execute”, as limited by the provisions of said “Covenant Not to Execute”.’ ”
The above stipulation was not authorized by the probate court and was an attempt to limit the child’s rights.
Generally, a guardian may not waive legal rights on behalf of his ward, surrender or impair rights vested in the ward or impose any legal burden thereon. 39 Am. Jur.2d Guardian and Ward § 102, p. 86 (1968). There are exceptions to this rule which are not applicable to this case.
It is well-settled that a temporary guardian has only that power specifically granted him by the court. Tex.Prob.Code Ann. §§ 131, 133 (1956).
Under the facts and the applicable law the temporary guardian was not authorized to enter any such attempted stipulation; therefore, it is not binding upon the child.
Motion for rehearing overruled.