Ford Motor Company, Petitioner v. Richard H. Garcia, Respondent

Summary

The Texas Supreme Court held that the trial court abused its discretion by awarding the full $28,260.00 fee to a guardian ad litem who failed to provide sufficient evidence of the time spent or the necessity of many invoiced tasks. The Court clarified that compensation for a guardian ad litem under Rule 173 is limited to reasonable hourly fees for necessary services performed by the appointed guardian, and that evidence must detail the persons, services, time, and necessity of any additional staff. Accordingly, the Court reversed the appellate court’s affirmation and remanded for a reassessment of the fee award consistent with Rule 173.