The difficulty here is a catch-22: if Terri had an honest guardian, that person would have applied for a divorce long ago and almost certainly been granted one. Unfortunately, because Terri hasn't divorced Michael, he's able to use his position as her guardian to prevent her from doing so; further, unless or until she gets a divorce, he can use his position as her husband to try to maintain his position as guardian.
Is there such a thing (since I know very little about law) of an "incompetent guardian"?
Seems like this could be proven, since Michael is living with another woman--thus committing adultery and thereby, not competent as Terri's guardian.
Surely there are ways and means to do this in the courts?? Have her lawyers tried this?
You're exactly right! It's a catch 22. Horrible position to be in. However, you'd think there would be some loophole or some obscure precedent somewhere lawyers could draw upon to obtain a divorce for Terri.
Show me a case of a divorce by proxy. I don't believe that such a legal animal exists. I don't think anyone can pursue a divorce on Terri's behalf. I welcome any evidence to the contrary.