Protect those who can't protect themselves. With dignity.
Whether you are planning for your children or helping an aging parent who can no longer manage important decisions, we help Houston families understand their options and pursue the legal protection their circumstances require.
Tell us what your family is facing. We can discuss the situation, identify the questions that matter, and explain possible next steps.
Loving someone is not always the same as having legal authority to act for them. Texas law sets rules for guardianship, and a family's wishes may not be enough on their own.
Discuss Your Situation ↗When an adult loses decision-making capacity, relatives may discover that they cannot automatically access records, make decisions, or manage affairs. Existing documents and the specific circumstances matter.
Start by reviewing legal authority and alternativesWhen a child with disabilities turns 18, parents generally no longer have the same automatic legal authority. Planning ahead can help families explore supported decision-making and any guardianship that may be appropriate.
Plan before the transition to adulthoodIf parents die or become unable to care for their children, a court may need to determine guardianship. A properly prepared designation can help document the parents' wishes.
Document your choice and coordinate your estate planFull guardianship is not the right answer in every situation. Less-restrictive options may be available, depending on the person's needs, capacity, and applicable law.
Explore alternatives before pursuing court actionGuardianship matters vary. We help families understand the available paths, prepare for required legal steps, and address continuing responsibilities.
Explore legal arrangements for a child's care and property interests if a parent cannot provide care.
Explore this service ↗Guidance for families considering court-supervised protection for an adult who may need help with personal or financial matters.
Explore this service ↗Prepare and address the filings and supporting requirements involved in a guardianship proceeding.
Explore this service ↗Legal support for appointed guardians navigating continuing court duties, reports, and accounting obligations.
Explore this service ↗Representation for disputes and other contested guardianship proceedings, subject to the firm's review and acceptance.
Explore this service ↗Explore powers of attorney, supported decision-making agreements, medical directives, and other options where appropriate.
Explore alternatives ↗Where appropriate, we consider alternatives to guardianship and discuss the legal requirements before recommending a court-supervised arrangement.
A clear process helps you understand what comes next. The scope, timeline, documents, and court requirements depend on your situation and the service involved.
We discuss your family, concerns, existing documents, and goals. You can ask questions and learn which issues may need attention.
We identify the possible legal path, required information, supporting documents, and anticipated steps. Fees and scope should be confirmed before work begins.
Where the firm accepts the matter, the next steps may include document preparation, filing, court representation, and guidance on continuing duties.
The goal is not simply to complete paperwork. It is to help families understand their responsibilities, consider available options, and make informed decisions about protection.
We consider whether alternatives may address the person's needs before recommending a guardianship filing.
We identify relevant documents and requirements so the family can prepare for the process as fully as possible.
Guardianship can involve continuing reporting, accounting, and compliance obligations. We help clients understand the duties that may follow.
Where relevant, guardianship discussions can be considered alongside wills, trusts, beneficiary arrangements, and broader estate planning.
440 Louisiana St., Suite 900, Houston, TX 77002 · By appointment
Phone: (346) 656-6858 · Email: [email protected]
These general answers explain common questions. The right answer for your family depends on the facts and applicable law.
Ask About Your Situation ↗A court may need to determine who should serve as guardian, applying Texas law and the child's best interests. A written designation may help communicate your wishes, but it does not remove every court requirement. Ask a Texas attorney how to coordinate your designation with your estate plan.
Possibly. Depending on the person's capacity and circumstances, options may include a valid power of attorney, medical directives, supported decision-making, or other arrangements. These options do not fit every situation, and existing documents should be reviewed carefully.
The timeline depends on the circumstances, required documentation and evaluations, court scheduling, and whether anyone contests the matter. The firm should assess your situation before discussing an estimated timeline. Urgent cases may require separate evaluation.
Guardianship of the person generally concerns certain personal care decisions. Guardianship of the estate generally concerns property and financial matters. A court determines the appropriate arrangement under the applicable legal standards.
No. Turning 18 changes a parent's automatic legal authority, but guardianship is not automatically required for every adult with a disability. Families can explore supported decision-making and other options, and should seek advice based on the person's individual needs and circumstances.
Responsibilities depend on the type of guardianship and the court's orders. They may include required reports, accountings, bond obligations, and other court-supervised duties. A prospective guardian should understand these responsibilities before accepting the role.
Fees depend on the scope and complexity of the matter, the court process, and whether the case is contested. Ask for a written explanation of the proposed scope, fee arrangement, and any anticipated additional costs before authorizing work.
Start with a confidential strategy session. Discuss your concerns, learn which options may apply, and understand the next steps for your family's guardianship questions.
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