Guardianship issues arise in many different situations, such as caring for a minor child, an elderly individual, or a disabled adult. A guardianship could be appropriate when a special needs minor reaches majority or if a vulnerable individual can no longer manage their assets. If you seek to become a guardian in Sugar Land, do not hesitate to retain the services of a skilled attorney to help you through the legal process. A Sugar Land guardianship lawyer can provide legal advice and representation to help you achieve the best outcome for your situation.

When hiring a guardianship attorney, selecting someone with extensive experience in Texas’ guardianship laws is essential. At Stepp & Sullivan, our attorneys have years of experience helping families and individuals navigate guardianship issues and achieve their long-term goals. When we take your case, you can trust us to work with you to support the best interests of your vulnerable loved one and work to establish the best possible arrangement on your behalf. 

Types of Guardianships in Texas

There are several different types of guardianships that a judge may establish in Texas. There are also varying levels of guardianship that may be appointed based on the potential ward’s unique needs. For instance, the court may establish a partial guardianship for a ward that requires less care than an individual needing a full guardianship. A few types of guardianships established in Sugar Land include the following: 

• Guardianship of a minor: A minor may require a guardian if their parents can no longer care for them. In these cases, the court will appoint a legal guardian, typically another family member, to care for the child’s needs.
• Guardianship of an adult individual: If a disabled or elderly adult can no longer meet their own needs, a guardian may be appointed to ensure the individual’s safety.
• Guardianship of an estate: This type of guardianship places the guardian in control of the ward’s money and assets. 
• Guardianship of an individual and their estate: Sometimes, people who cannot care for themselves cannot make sound financial decisions regarding their assets. When this occurs, the court may appoint a guardian to care for the person and their estate.

While there is no one-size-fits-all solution to guardianship in Texas, a skilled Sugar Land guardianship attorney can work with you to determine which type is the best fit for your loved one’s needs. 

What are the Duties of a Guardian in Texas?

A guardianship is more than a legal title, and those appointed as someone else’s guardians should take their role and responsibilities seriously. If a guardian fails to carry out their duties, they could harm their ward and lose their guardianship. A new guardian may be appointed to care for the ward when this occurs. A few vital duties a guardian must carry out include the following:

• Taking charge of the ward
• Providing care, supervision, and protection for the ward’s health and safety
• Providing for the ward’s basic necessities
• The power to consent to surgeries or other medical treatments regarding the ward’s health
• Determining and providing the ward’s living arrangements

Depending on the ward’s needs, the court may assign additional duties to ensure they are cared for properly. A skilled guardianship attorney can help you understand your rights and responsibilities if you are appointed someone’s legal guardian in Sugar Land, Texas, or elsewhere in the United States. 

Alternatives to Guardianship in Sugar Land

While guardianships can benefit vulnerable individuals, they are not the best solution for every situation. A few alternatives to guardianship that may fit your loved one’s needs include the following: 

• Supported decision making: When a person can care for themselves but requires help making important decisions, this arrangement can appoint an individual to assist in decision-making while retaining their independence.
• Powers of attorney: An adult of sound mind can appoint an individual to act in their stead to make medical or financial decisions if they become incapacitated in the future. This arrangement is known as power of attorney. 
• Trusts: In a trust arrangement, a trustee is appointed to manage assets on behalf of a beneficiary. Trusts can be a good option for individuals who can care for themselves but need assistance making financial decisions.

This is not an exhaustive list, and many other guardianship alternatives are available in Texas. Your attorney can help you determine the best option for your loved one’s circumstances.

Speak to a Talented Sugar Land Guardianship Lawyer at Stepp & Sullivan

The first-class Sugar Land guardianship attorneys at Stepp & Sullivan understand how complex and emotionally-charged pursuing guardianship can be. With years of experience and our individualized legal approach, we will fight tirelessly for your goals and your loved one’s needs. We have a proven track record of successfully helping our clients pursue guardianship and are ready to apply our experience and skills to your unique case. To learn more about how we can help you, give our guardianship lawyers in Sugar Land a call at (713) 336-7200 or complete our online contact form today.