Guardianship

For Incapacitated Adults

Protecting Your Loved One’s Future with Guardianship Solutions

Ensure peace of mind with our proven guardianship services by guiding families through every step to ensure proper care and safeguard the rights and well-being of your loved one.

“Why does it still feel like I’m unprepared to protect my loved ones as they enter adulthood?”

Parents of special needs children often face this question as their child turns 18, an age that marks legal adulthood but doesn’t erase the need for ongoing care and protection. 

Sudden Onset of Guardianship Needs

Others find themselves suddenly confronted with a similar reality when a spouse, sibling, or parent becomes disabled or incapacitated and can no longer make decisions for themselves.

The Risks of Delay

Each day without a guardianship plan brings uncertainty. Without legal authority, families risk being unable to make essential medical, financial, or personal decisions on behalf of their loved one. In moments of crisis, this can mean the court, or even the state, intervening to make those decisions instead. The thought of losing control over who provides care or manages important affairs can be overwhelming.

Emotional & Practical Consequences

Ignoring the issue doesn’t make it go away; it only increases the stress. The constant worry about “what if” erodes peace of mind and makes it difficult to focus on what truly matters: caring for your loved one today. Families often try to piece together advice or rely on generic guidance, only to find that it doesn’t fit their unique situation.

Our guardianship services are designed for families like yours

Those navigating the transition to adulthood for a special needs child or managing the care of an incapacitated loved one. We provide tailored legal solutions that help you secure the authority you need, minimize court intervention, and ensure decisions about health, finances, and daily care remain in trusted hands.

With the right plan in place, you can replace

Fear with confidence and regain peace of mind knowing your loved one’s future is protected.

Benefits

Secure Guardianship with Ease

Instead of fearing state intervention, you will ensure your loved one is protected by a legally appointed guardian, so you have peace of mind knowing their future is safeguarded.

Our Guardianship Planning Process simplifies legal complexities, making sure your wishes are honored without court battles.

Eliminate Family Disputes

Instead of worrying about disagreements over guardianship, you will have a clear, legally binding plan that specifies who will care for your loved ones, so you can rest assured every decision is respected and followed.

Our Comprehensive Family Agreement Framework facilitates open discussions and agreements, preventing future disputes.

Plan with Confidence

Instead of feeling uncertain about the legal process, you will access expert guidance that demystifies guardianship, so you can confidently manage all responsibilities with ease.

Our Guidance and Support System provides clear insights and assistance, ensuring a seamless experience.

A clear path to guardianship security

Guardianship Consultation & Family Assessment

What Happens: We gather detailed information about your family dynamics, preferences, and the specific needs of your loved one through a structured consultation. This allows us to understand the type of guardianship needed and any unique circumstances affecting your family.
Your Role: Provide insights into family relationships, medical or financial concerns, and any special care requirements.
Our Role: Conduct a thorough consultation, ask the right questions, and document all relevant details.
Outcome: A comprehensive understanding of your situation and the guardianship path that best fits your family’s needs.

Personalized Guardianship Plan Creation

What Happens: We design a tailored guardianship plan that meets Texas legal requirements while reflecting your family’s wishes—defining who will serve as guardian and outlining their roles and responsibilities.
Your Role: Review the proposed plan and provide feedback or any necessary adjustments.
Our Role: Draft the guardianship structure with precision to ensure compliance with legal standards.
Outcome: A clear, personalized guardianship plan that balances legal compliance with your family’s unique needs.

Legal Documentation and Finalization

What Happens: All required petitions, applications, and supporting documents are finalized, executed, and notarized as needed to prepare for court filing.
Your Role: Attend a signing appointment and supply any supporting documentation (medical certifications, financial records, etc.).
Our Role: Prepare, review, and oversee the execution of all legal documents.
Outcome: Complete and accurate guardianship documentation ready for court submission.

Court Filing, Hearing, and Establishment of Guardianship

What Happens: We file the application for guardianship with the court, coordinate all procedural steps, and represent you during the guardianship hearing. We ensure the court receives the necessary evidence to establish guardianship efficiently.
Your Role: Attend the hearing (in person or virtually, as required) and provide testimony or documentation supporting the guardianship request.
Our Role: File all court documents, communicate with court-appointed attorneys or investigators, and guide you through the hearing until guardianship is officially established.
Outcome: A legally established guardianship that empowers you to make decisions and care for your loved one.

Annual Account and Report Assistance

What Happens: Guardianship requires ongoing court compliance through annual accountings and reports detailing the ward’s well-being and financial management. We assist in drafting and filing these documents accurately and on time.
Your Role: Provide updated information on the ward’s care, living arrangements, and financial activities each year.
Our Role: Prepare and review the annual account and report, ensuring compliance with court requirements and timely filing.
Outcome: Continued guardianship compliance with minimized risk of court issues or delays.

Ongoing Support and Review

What Happens: We offer continuous support to ensure your guardianship plan evolves with your family’s circumstances. Whether there are changes in health, finances, or family structure, we’re here to help you adjust accordingly.
Your Role: Notify us of any significant changes in the ward’s condition or your family situation.
Our Role: Conduct regular reviews, update documents, and provide ongoing guidance to maintain compliance and relevance.
Outcome: Sustained peace of mind and a guardianship plan that grows with your loved one’s need.

Choose your path to legal peace of mind

We offer a range of estate planning solutions to meet your specific needs, ensuring your loved ones are protected and your wishes are honored.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is a guardianship necessary?
Guardianship becomes necessary when an adult or young adult (often one who has just turned 18) cannot make informed decisions about their personal, medical, or financial matters. This may result from intellectual or developmental disabilities, brain injuries, dementia, or other incapacitating conditions.
Who will manage finances for my incapacitated family member?
We help establish a clear financial management plan as part of your guardianship arrangement. This ensures that the right person is appointed to handle finances responsibly. You’ll have confidence knowing their needs are met without court intervention.
How can I prevent family disputes over guardianship decisions?
Our guardianship plans clearly outline your wishes and legal appointments, reducing ambiguity and potential conflict. By formalizing your decisions, we help prevent disputes and ensure a smooth transition. Your family will have clear guidance, minimizing the chance of disagreements.
Who can serve as a guardian?

Generally, a parent, family member, or trusted friend may serve as guardian. The court will consider who is best suited to act in the ward’s best interest. Professional or public guardians may be appointed if no suitable family member is available.

What happens when my child with special needs turns 18?
At age 18, your child becomes a legal adult—even if they cannot make independent decisions. Without a guardianship in place, you lose the legal authority to make medical, educational, or financial decisions for them. Filing for adult guardianship before or soon after they turn 18 ensures continuity of care and protection.
What are the guardian’s ongoing responsibilities?

Guardians must:
• Act in the ward’s best interest.
• File annual reports and accountings with the court.
• Keep accurate financial and care records.
• Seek court approval for major financial or medical decisions.

Can guardianship be avoided or limited?
Yes. Alternatives such as Supported Decision-Making Agreements, Medical Power of Attorney, or Joint Bank Accounts can sometimes reduce or eliminate the need for full guardianship. We assess each case to determine whether limited guardianship or alternatives may be appropriate.
What happens if I can no longer serve as guardian?
If you are unable to continue serving, the court can appoint a successor guardian. Our firm helps with this transition to ensure continuous protection for your loved one.