Legal Guardianship in Texas

Legal guardianship in Texas defines the responsibilities of those who have the care and custody of people who cannot care for themselves. Important decisions about health care, money, and day-to-day living can be handled by a legally appointed guardian with the authority and concern to make them.

I'm family law attorney John Mead. I help clients establish legal guardianship for people who lack the capacity to make decisions for themselves. Contact me to schedule your free initial consultation. I have been helping families care for loved ones through guardianship for more than 30 years.

What is Guardianship

Guardianship is the legal process that gives another person authority to make decisions on behalf of a child or another adult. The process of naming a guardian for a child can be accomplished in a will. For an adult, the process is much different. The courts do not easily grant guardianship of adults: people seeking guardianship of an elder, mentally ill, or developmentally disabled adult must prove that the person has diminished capacity or incapacity.

Guardianship of Adults

Adults for whom guardianship may be helpful or necessary include persons with serious and ongoing mental illness, those with serious developmental disabilities such as mental retardation, those with a degenerative illness such as Alzheimers or dementia, or even a progressive decline in thinking found in old age.

A guardian has the authority to make decisions concerning medication, hospitalization, placement in a care facility, and financial management.

Guardianship of Children

It's a wise precaution for parents to select an individual or a couple who will take legal guardianship of minor child should it become necessary. Planning ahead can help children cope with an unexpected tragedy by ensuring that a caring person will be there to watch out for their best interests. I can guide you through the process of establishing guardianship for a child, or becoming appointed the guardian of a grandchild, niece or nephew, or another child.

Contact the Law Offices of John Mead

At The Law Offices of John Mead, I help parents safeguard their families by drafting wills, setting up trusts, naming guardians, and other estate planning matters. Contact me for prompt and professional legal help.