If Karen did just choose to not talk to the kids, then I agree, she shouldn't be guardian. These children lost their father too early in life. I'm sure they were scared to death something was very wrong with Karen, or that they might lose her too. It's cruel to just leave them without a word and not respond to them, IMO.
If a doctor advised Karen not to talk to the kids due to her blood pressure, perhaps she is too old to care for them, and TJ should remain guardian.
I wonder if Michael's siblings just lied to Karen and said the kids were fine, or knew where she was, or hid the kids' attempts to contact Karen from her.
Still, if a doctor ordered me to go away with no word to my child beforehand or during, I'd laugh and ignore him. Who does that? How could anyone be that callous?
Even if Michael's siblings hid that the kids were upset and trying to contact her (in addition to the sane siblings, attorneys, LE) why would she not call them just to touch bases once during all that time.
We all know this family is dysfunctional and Karen's had her hand in that. Just staying married to Joe shows that, IMO.
I hope all the info regarding what really happened here comes out and appropriate decisions are made re: the kids.
IF they reinstate Karen as guardian, I hope it's only as a coguardian with TJ, given all that's happened. And I hope Joe is kicked out of that house.
MOO