Guardianship is a legal arrangement where a court appoints you as the guardian of an adult who cannot manage their personal, medical, or financial affairs. In Texas, guardianship becomes necessary when an individual reaches age 18 and is unable to make informed decisions due to intellectual disability, developmental delay, mental illness, or another incapacity. Without guardianship, you may lack legal authority to make medical decisions, manage finances, or consent to treatment—even as a parent.
Texas recognizes several levels of guardianship, from limited guardianship (which grants authority only in specific areas) to full guardianship (which grants broader decision-making power). The right approach depends entirely on your loved one’s capabilities and needs. Some individuals can manage certain decisions independently but need support in other areas. A limited guardianship preserves their autonomy while protecting them where needed. This nuanced approach is central to how we structure guardianship plans—we don’t apply a one-size-fits-all solution.
Guardianship solutions tailored to your life, family, and goals.
We handle the complete process of establishing guardianship when an adult is unable to make personal, medical, or financial decisions. This includes preparing the petition, gathering required documentation, obtaining physician evaluations, and representing you at the court hearing.
If your loved one can make decisions in some areas but needs protection in others, limited guardianship may be appropriate. We help you determine which decisions require guardianship authority and structure the arrangement to preserve your family member’s independence where possible.
Circumstances change. If your guardianship arrangement needs modification—such as expanding or limiting authority—we guide you through the legal process to update your guardianship as needed.
A critical question many parents face: who will be the guardian after you’re gone? We help you plan for successor guardians and ensure continuity of care and legal authority for your loved one throughout their lifetime.
Adults with special needs often require ongoing medical care. We ensure your guardianship includes proper authority to make medical decisions, consent to treatment, and access medical records when necessary.
Guardianship often includes conservatorship authority—the legal right to manage your loved one’s finances, assets, and benefits. We ensure your guardianship structure protects their financial interests while complying with Texas law.
We begin by understanding your family’s situation, your loved one’s needs and capabilities, and your long-term goals for their care. We discuss whether full or limited guardianship is appropriate, explore alternatives that may better preserve your loved one’s autonomy, and outline what the legal process will look like from start to finish.
Texas courts require medical evidence of incapacity before appointing a guardian. We guide you through gathering the necessary physician evaluations, records, and supporting documentation. We make sure everything is properly prepared and presented to meet the court’s requirements.
We prepare and file the guardianship petition with the appropriate Texas court, notify all required parties — including the proposed ward — and handle all procedural requirements on your behalf. You’ll know exactly what to expect at each stage and won’t be navigating the court system alone.
We represent you at the guardianship hearing, present the evidence of incapacity, and advocate for the arrangement that best serves your loved one’s needs. Most uncontested guardianship hearings are straightforward when properly prepared.
Once appointed, you’ll receive Letters of Guardianship authorizing you to act on your loved one’s behalf. We walk you through your ongoing responsibilities — including annual reporting requirements to the court — and remain available as circumstances change or modifications are needed.
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I knew from my experience working with attorneys for over 30 years that with a blended family my husband and I needed professional estate planning. Ms. Goodson provided us with excellent options and did a very thorough explanation of the pros and cons of each of them. She offered non-judgmental opinions and legal information about the equitable division of our blended families small estate. We chose to go with the more expensive trust option because it would be a simpler and less expensive probate for our children who almost all live out of state. She and her assistant made extra efforts to accommodate our schedule and the entire process was quickly completed. We highly recommend The Goodson Firm. P.C. for your estate planning and probate legal services.
Leigh Goodson is a professional attorney. She is available to clients and is responsive in urgent and standard matters. Her expertise has been very helpful. Highly recommend, The Goodson Firm.
Leigh Goodson is the attorney I trust to take care of my clients, friends, and family. She knows the law and works with her clients to make sure their priorities are addressed appropriately.
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Locations in Tyler, Dallas, Plano, The Woodlands, & Bee Cave, Texas
