In Houston, like elsewhere in the United States, the increase in life expectancy has resulted in a great number of elderly people. This state of affairs has created an explosive demand for guardianship arrangements over the last two decades or so. Some elderly people lack the capacity to make welfare or financial decisions of their own, and others, while retaining their mental faculties, simply cannot execute critical tasks themselves or cannot communicate their wishes to others.
While, in the past, relatives and friends would be informally assigned to care for the elderly, horrific reports of abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation necessitated the formation of a legal guardianship system in Texas. The lawyers at Romano & Sumner have seen many such cases and help bring justice to family members.
As Houston guardianship lawyers, it is our mission to navigate the guardianship system on behalf of prospective guardians or their wards. We are intimately familiar with the Houston guardianship process, and we are firmly committed to securing the best possible outcome for our clients.
Our dedicated and skilled trust and estates attorneys will work with you to help you understand the rights and responsibilities of guardians. Whether you seek to be declared a guardian or you find yourself in the distressing position of needing to contest an existing guardianship arrangement, we stand ready to assist you with every weapon in our legal arsenal.
Situated roughly between George Bush Intercontinental Airport in the north and the Port of Houston in the south, the Houston metro area impresses with its southern charm, bustling cityscape, and ethnic diversity. It is also fair to say that the city of Houston is the capital of America’s energy industry, as well as its space program.
With about two million people living inside city limits in Harris County and Fort Bend County, Houston’s municipal population alone exceeds the entire state population of neighboring New Mexico. Add in Woodlands, Sugar Land, and Houston’s various suburbs, and the size of the economy of a hypothetical Republic of Houston would exceed the size of the economies of all but 26 of the world’s nations.
Along with its massive size, however, comes both the benefits and the burdens of city life. Although Houston is a relatively young city with an average age in the early 30s, over 40,000 Houston households are made up of a single elderly person who is living alone, and many more households include an elderly person living with relatives or friends.
Guardianship arrangements can be legally solemnized under Texas law through the Houston probate court system. The guardianship arrangement involves at least four actors:
In addition, the proposed guardian should also retain an experienced guardianship lawyer, although this is not a requirement.
A proposed ward might be:
Texas guardianship law has established a formal procedure for appointing a guardian:
A guardianship (or some aspect of it) can be contested either at the original hearing or at some other point. The ward’s attorney ad litem or some other interested party may initiate proceedings. A guardianship contest is a contested proceeding that requires significant legal expertise, so it is crucial to work with a nearby attorney to to ensure optimal results.
If you need to set up a guardianship, contest an existing guardianship, or simply ask questions, reach out to the attorneys at Romano & Sumner at your first available opportunity.
We offer an initial consultation free of charge, during which you will have the opportunity to explain your concerns and ask questions. We will carefully listen to your concerns and help you explore your legal options. Please contact our Houston guardianship lawyers online or by calling to get the ball rolling today.
Romano & Sumner, PLLC
