When a person becomes unable to make decisions for themselves or manage their own affairs, a guardianship or conservatorship may be established in Texas probate court. Both guardianship and conservatorship are legal processes that allow a court to appoint someone to make decisions and take actions on behalf of another person, known as the ward. However, there are important differences between the two.
What is Guardianship?
Guardianship refers to the process of appointing someone to make decisions about a person’s personal care and welfare. This includes decisions about medical treatment, living arrangements, and other daily needs. A guardianship is typically established for someone who is incapacitated or otherwise unable to make decisions for themselves, such as a person with dementia or a developmental disability.
What is Conservatorship?
Conservatorship, on the other hand, relates to the management of a person’s financial affairs. This includes decisions about managing assets, paying bills, and making investments. A conservatorship may be established for someone who is unable to manage their own financial affairs due to incapacity or other reasons.
Establishing Guardianship and Conservatorship in Texas
In Texas, the probate court has jurisdiction over guardianship and conservatorship cases. To establish either, a petition must be filed with the court. The petition must include specific information about the proposed ward, including their current living arrangements, medical condition, and any other relevant information.
The Court Process
Once the petition is filed, the court will appoint an attorney ad litem to represent the proposed ward. The attorney ad litem will conduct an investigation and make a recommendation to the court about whether the guardianship or conservatorship is necessary. The court will also appoint a guardian ad litem, who will investigate and make recommendations about who should be appointed as the ward’s guardian or conservator.
If the court determines that a guardianship or conservatorship is necessary, it will hold a hearing to appoint a guardian or conservator. The court will consider several factors when making its decision, including the ward’s preferences, the proposed guardian or conservator’s qualifications, and any objections or concerns raised by interested parties.
Ward’s Rights and Responsibilities of Guardian/Conservator
It’s important to note that the ward’s rights are protected throughout the process. The ward has the right to be present at the hearing, to be represented by an attorney, and to object to the appointment of a guardian or conservator. Once a guardian or conservator is appointed, they have a legal duty to act in the best interests of the ward. They must make decisions that are in the ward’s best interests and must provide regular reports to the court about their actions and the ward’s condition.
Alternatives to Guardianship and Conservatorship
Both guardianship and conservatorship are serious matters and should be considered only as a last resort. Whenever possible, it is better for people to plan ahead and make arrangements for their care and financial management through the use of powers of attorney, living trusts, and other legal tools.
Conclusion
It’s also important to note that guardianship and conservatorship are not permanent arrangements. The court can modify or terminate the arrangement if the ward’s condition changes or if the guardian or conservator is no longer able to fulfill their duties.
In conclusion, guardianship and conservatorship are legal processes that allow a court to appoint someone to make decisions and take actions on behalf of another person, known as the ward. Guardianship is the process of appointing someone to make decisions about a person’s personal care and welfare, while Conservatorship relates to the management of a person’s financial affairs. Both are serious matters and should be considered only as a last resort.
Do you need to hire an Experienced Probate Attorney to help?
There are many benefits to having an experienced probate attorney on your side during the guardianship or conservatorship process. An attorney can help you navigate the complex legal system, ensure that your rights are protected, and represent you in court if necessary.
An experienced probate attorney will also be familiar with the local probate court rules and procedures. This knowledge can be invaluable in getting your case resolved quickly and efficiently. In addition, an attorney can help you gather the necessary evidence and documents to support your case.
If you are considering hiring a probate attorney, be sure to ask for referrals from friends or family members who have used an attorney in the past. You can also contact your local bar association for recommendations.
Call us today for a FREE attorney consultation at (361) 502-4240.
Related questions
Do you need an attorney to file for guardianship in Texas?
It is not mandatory to have an attorney to file for guardianship in Texas, however it is recommended as the legal process can be complex, and an attorney can help guide you through the process and ensure that all necessary paperwork is filed correctly. Additionally, having an attorney can help protect the rights of the proposed ward and ensure that the court’s decision is in their best interest. An attorney can also represent the proposed ward in court and provide legal advice throughout the process.
How long does guardianship process take in Texas?
The length of time it takes to establish guardianship in Texas can vary depending on several factors such as the complexity of the case and the workload of the probate court where the case is filed. Typically, the process can take several months from the time the petition is filed until a guardian is appointed.
The process begins when a petition for guardianship is filed with the probate court. After the petition is filed, the court will appoint an attorney ad litem and a guardian ad litem to investigate the case and make recommendations to the court. This process can take several weeks or even months.
Once the investigation is complete, a hearing will be held to determine if guardianship is necessary and to appoint a guardian. This hearing can take several weeks or months to schedule, depending on the court’s calendar.
If the court determines that a guardianship is necessary, it will appoint a guardian. The guardian will then have to file an acceptance of appointment and take an oath. This process can take a few days.
In total, the process can take several months, but it can be longer or shorter depending on the court’s schedule and the complexity of the case.
It’s important to note that the ward’s rights are protected throughout the process, and the court can modify or terminate the arrangement if the ward’s condition changes or if the guardian is no longer able to fulfill their duties.
Does guardianship override power of attorney in Texas?
In Texas, a guardianship can override a power of attorney. A power of attorney is a legal document that allows someone to make decisions and take actions on behalf of another person, similar to a guardianship. However, a power of attorney is typically established while the person is still able to make decisions for themselves and is considered a voluntary arrangement. On the other hand, a guardianship is established when a person is unable to make decisions for themselves, and it is a court-ordered arrangement.
When a person becomes incapacitated and is unable to make decisions for themselves, a guardianship can be established in Texas probate court. This can override any power of attorney that was previously established. The court will appoint a guardian to make decisions on behalf of the ward, and the guardian will have the legal authority to make decisions regarding the ward’s personal care and welfare. This means that any power of attorney that was previously established will no longer be valid, and the decisions made by the court-appointed guardian will take precedence.
It’s important to note that both Guardianship and power of attorney are legal tools that allow someone to make decisions on behalf of another person, but they have different requirements, procedures, and implications. It’s recommended to consult with an attorney before making a decision to establish any legal document.
