Guardianship for Adults Attorneys in Houston Helping You Plan for Guardianship of an Adult

It’s heartbreaking when the people we love can no longer care for themselves. It’s often the turning point in our lives, knowing the people we love most may not be around much longer.

A guardian is appointed by the court to act on behalf of an adult who has a functional impairment related to decision-making and communication due to age or other conditions. They are no longer considered competent and able to make important decisions related to their health, home, finances, and more.

In other words, everyday needs are in jeopardy, and a guardian must step in. That’s where we can help. Our well-seasoned attorneys help you through the adult guardianship process, from filing and filling out the right forms to stepping into your very important role.

We not only help with setting up the conservator process, but we also work with clients every day in planning and protecting your loved one’s future. This includes setting up directives for you and other family members should you find yourselves in the same situation one day. Decisions in life and estate planning often come full circle.

From conflict to confusion to clarity, we’re here for it all, and we help you work through it with finesse. Our well-seasoned attorneys have experience in adult guardianship, probate, and estate planning, so we have all of your bases covered.

When it’s time to make big decisions for your family, pick up the phone and call The Hatchett Law Firm, PLLC. Book a free consultation today: 281-214-6541.

What is an Adult Guardianship?

In an adult guardianship, a legal guardian assumes legal responsibility for an adult with special needs or disabilities or an elderly parent or family member who can no longer care for or make decisions for themselves.

Health-related situations like Alzheimer’s, dementia, a stroke, or general cognitive decline, among others, could prevent someone from making clear decisions for themselves, physically, mentally, and financially.

Parents with a special needs child, for example, will need to plan for specific and unique arrangements to ensure their child is taken care of in adulthood when the parents can no longer serve as caregivers. This is especially true if the child cannot live on their own and will need support from an in-home caregiver or a long-term care facility.

A legal guardian of an adult will have authority, control, and responsibility for everyday decisions. This includes medical and financial decisions, education, basic care, support, and discipline.

When planning for a special needs child or stepping into a conservator role for a vulnerable adult, you should make The Hatchett Law Firm, PLLC part of the guardianship process to ensure all legal requirements are met. Our firm will be useful in helping you plan for guardianship needs as part of the estate planning process or if you need help assuming your responsibilities as a guardian.

What is a Contested Adult Guardianship?

Another emotionally charged situation is the contesting of an adult guardianship. It’s difficult to stand by and watch another person improperly care for and not follow through with their commitments to caring for an elderly parent or special needs adult.

Family members might disagree with a decision to appoint or keep a certain person in a guardianship role. When this happens, a person can contest a guardianship with the help of a guardianship lawyer or family law attorney.

Some of the most common situations in which a person might contest a guardianship include:

• Daily, basic living necessities, care, and support are not being met
• Emotional stability issues or mental or physical health issues become apparent
• Poor decision-making as it relates to healthcare or medical treatment is evident
• Neglect, as it relates to food, clothing, or shelter, has been observed
• In more serious cases, physical abuse or abuse of power related to money is present
• The proposed guardian is not following the guidelines of the guardianship appointment
• Mismanagement of finances or decisions related to the estate is suspected
• There is a lack of communication with other family members

There might be a solution for you, and it starts with The Hatchett Law Firm, PLLC.

If you need to contest a guardianship, it’s time to speak with our guardianship lawyers. We can help you file a petition to the court regarding guardianship rights. Book a free call with us today: 281-214-6541.

How Do I File for Adult Guardianship?

Guardianship cases can be difficult to navigate on your own. There are several procedures and court requirements to follow, among other things, to succeed and win the guardianship of your loved one.

The Hatchett Law Firm, PLLC can help you petition for guardianship as we have helped hundreds of other families through the appointment process. We’re no strangers to the criticality of this decision and will serve you with helpful counsel and representation in court.

We will help you:

• Fill out the appropriate legal forms to open up a guardianship case
• Notify other family members and possible agencies, including any spouses, children, parents, grandchildren (14 and above), health care facilities, and medical benefit providers
• Attend a hearing after filing the paperwork and notifying critical persons. The hearing will serve as the time and place for the judge to grant or deny you guardianship rights. We will help you with what to expect throughout the process.
• File additional follow-up forms after the hearing.

We can help you understand guardianship laws in Texas, your rights, and how to proceed with filing for guardianship for adults, as well as preparing for the next steps once a decision has been made.

If we can help you start planning for an adult guardianship, talk with one of our guardianship for adults lawyers today: 281-214-6541.

Why Book a Free Consultation with our Guardianship for Adults Lawyers?

If you’re ready and prepared to act in your loved one’s best interests and protect and care for them, our attorneys can set you up for success in the guardianship process. This starts with filing and extends to helping you step into the role with confidence as you assume this incredibly important position.

The Hatchett Law Firm, PLLC will help you understand your legal responsibilities, inside and out, manage any internal or external conflicts with people or entities involved, and help you litigate any potential guardianship disputes.

If and when you need help planning for situations like this for your future, our estate planners can walk you through the power and benefits of powers of attorney, advance care directives, living wills, trusts, and more to ensure a seamless transition for you or your family members when the time comes.

We pride ourselves on our compassionate approach, and we focus on providing comfort and peace, both in planning and in navigating tough decisions.

Whatever your scenario related to guardianship, we’re with you every step of the way. Book a free consultation with our guardianship lawyers and start working through your guardianship petition or contested guardianship issues: 281-214-6541.