Southlake Guardianship Attorney

Seek Guardianship of a Loved One in Southlake, TX?

At the Law Office Of Mark M. Childress, we understand that the decision to pursue guardianship is never an easy one. Whether you are seeking guardianship for a minor child, an incapacitated adult, or a loved one with special needs, our experienced guardianship attorneys in Southlake are here to guide you through every step of the process.

We offer a wide range of guardianship services, including:

• Minor Guardianship: If you are seeking guardianship of a minor child, we can help you navigate the complex legal requirements involved in obtaining and maintaining guardianship.
• Adult Guardianship: If you are seeking guardianship of an incapacitated adult, we can help you understand the legal options available to you and guide you through the guardianship process.
• Special Needs Guardianship: If you have a loved one with special needs, we can help you establish a guardianship arrangement that meets their unique needs and offers them the highest level of care and protection.

Call (817) 497-8148 or contact us online today to discuss your case with our Southlake guardianship lawyer.

Texas Guardianship Laws

Guardianship is a legal arrangement in which a person (the guardian) is appointed by a court to make decisions and provide care for another individual (the ward) who is unable to make these decisions for themselves due to various reasons, such as incapacity or disability. The purpose of guardianship is to protect the well-being and interests of individuals who are unable to do so themselves.

In Texas, any adult who is qualified and suitable can potentially serve as a guardian. This includes family members, friends, or even professional guardians. However, the court will prioritize appointing family members or close friends as guardians, assuming they are willing and capable of fulfilling the role.

There are two main types of guardianship: guardianship of a person and guardianship of an estate. Guardianship of a person grants authority to the guardian to make decisions about the ward's personal care, medical treatment, and living arrangements, while guardianship of an estate empowers the guardian to manage the ward's financial affairs and assets.

Texas also has specific provisions for guardianship of minors when their parents are unable or unfit to care for them. This is often referred to as "guardianship of the person" for minors.

The process of appointing a guardian typically involves the following steps:

• Filing a guardianship application with the appropriate court.
• Providing notice to interested parties, including the potential ward and their family.
• A hearing where the court evaluates the need for guardianship, the qualifications of the proposed guardian, and the best interests of the ward.
• If the court approves the guardianship, the guardian is issued legal authority and responsibilities.

Guardians have various duties, including acting in the best interests of the ward, managing the ward's finances responsibly, making medical and personal decisions on the ward's behalf, and regularly reporting to the court about the ward's well-being.

Guardianships are subject to ongoing court oversight. This means that the guardian must provide regular reports to the court about the ward's condition, finances, and living situation. The court can also investigate complaints or concerns about the guardian's actions.

Lastly, guardianship in Texas can be terminated if the ward regains capacity, passes away, or if the court determines that guardianship is no longer necessary or in the ward's best interests.

Benefits of Guardianship

Guardianship can provide several benefits, primarily focusing on ensuring the well-being and protection of individuals who are unable to make decisions for themselves due to age, illness, disability, or other incapacitating factors. Here are some of the main advantages:

• Protection of Rights: Guardianship protects the legal and financial rights of individuals who are incapable of making decisions for themselves. This ensures that their interests are safeguarded and that they are not taken advantage of or subjected to undue influence.
• Decision-Making Assistance: Guardians can make decisions on behalf of the person under guardianship regarding healthcare, finances, living arrangements, and other important matters. This ensures that necessary decisions are made in the individual's best interest.
• Financial Management: Guardianship allows for the management of the individual's financial affairs, including paying bills, managing assets, and ensuring that resources are used appropriately for the individual's care and benefit.
• Access to Services: Guardianship can facilitate access to necessary services and support systems for the individual, such as medical care, therapy, housing assistance, and social services.
• Advocacy and Representation: Guardians act as advocates for the individual, representing their interests in legal and administrative proceedings. This can be particularly important in situations where the individual's rights may be at risk or where disputes arise regarding their care or assets.
• Peace of Mind for Family: For family members, guardianship can provide peace of mind knowing that their loved one is being cared for and that their affairs are being managed responsibly.
• Continuity of Care: Guardianship helps ensure continuity of care for individuals who may require ongoing assistance and support, especially in cases where family members or caregivers are unable to provide consistent care.

The Legal Process to Obtain Guardianship in Texas

In Texas, obtaining guardianship involves a legal process aimed at safeguarding individuals who are incapacitated and incapable of making decisions for themselves. Here is an outline of the process:

1. Filing a Guardianship Application: The initial step is to submit an application for guardianship to the relevant court. In Texas, this is commonly done in the county where the proposed ward resides. The application must detail the proposed ward's incapacity and the rationale behind the need for guardianship.
2. Notification of Interested Parties: After filing the application, the court will arrange a hearing and inform all concerned parties, including the proposed ward, close relatives, and any other relevant individuals or organizations involved in the guardianship proceedings.
3. Appointment of Attorney Ad Litem and Guardian Ad Litem: In Texas, the court will designate an attorney ad litem to advocate for the proposed ward's interests and a guardian ad litem to examine and report on the proposed ward's condition and the necessity of guardianship.
4. Assessment and Evaluation: The guardian ad litem will evaluate the proposed ward's capacity and circumstances to determine the appropriateness of guardianship. This assessment may include reviewing medical records, interviewing the proposed ward and other pertinent parties, and evaluating the proposed ward's decision-making abilities.
5. Guardianship Hearing: During the guardianship hearing, the court will review evidence presented by the involved parties, including the findings of the guardian ad litem. The proposed ward retains the right to attend the hearing and challenge the guardianship if desired.
6. Appointment of Guardian: If the court deems guardianship necessary and in the proposed ward's best interest, it will appoint a guardian. The guardian can be an individual, such as a family member or friend, or a professional guardian appointed by the court.
7. Issuance of Letters of Guardianship: Upon appointment, the guardian will receive letters of guardianship from the court, granting them the legal authority to make decisions on behalf of the incapacitated individual.
8. Ongoing Court Supervision: In Texas, guardianships are subject to continuous court oversight to ensure that the guardian fulfills their duties and acts in the ward's best interest. Guardians must submit regular reports to the court outlining their actions and decisions.

Why Choose Us?

At the Law Office Of Mark M. Childress, we are dedicated to providing our clients with the highest level of legal representation and support. We understand that guardianship can be a complex and emotionally challenging process, and we are committed to providing compassionate and effective guidance to every client we serve.

Our team has extensive experience in all areas of guardianship law, and we are committed to staying up-to-date on the latest legal developments and trends. We work closely with our clients to develop customized guardianship solutions that meet their unique needs and goals, and we are always available to answer any questions or concerns they may have.

If you are considering guardianship for a loved one, we encourage you to contact us today at (817) 497-8148 to schedule an initial consultation.