How can I appoint a guardian for a family member in Texas?

Texas allows courts to appoint guardians for those under age 18, and those who cannot care for themselves because of age or illness. Texas appoints two different types of guardians: one for the person and one for the estate.

As you can probably guess, the guardian of the person ensures the health and well-being of her ward, including making medical decisions and helping with personal care. A guardian of the estate oversees the assets and accounts of his ward, helping her pay bills and manage financial matters.

In many cases, the guardian of the estate is the same family member who serves as the guardian of the person.

The only way you can assume legal guardianship under Texas law is to request it and have the court grant it to you. If the person is over age 18, you will need to show the court why they require special supervision. This will likely require presenting the ward’s medical records or interviewing an expert witness to explain his special needs. We have the resources and experience to help you navigate this process and learn answers to more questions like “How can I appoint a guardian for a family member in Texas?” We want to get your loved one the care he needs.