Fort Worth Guardianship Attorney

Helping Clients Navigate Guardianship Options in Tarrant County

Unless and until a life-changing event occurs, most people believe children will outlive their parents and adults will adequately care for themselves and their finances until they pass away. Unfortunately, those assumptions sometimes do not hold true.

At the Law Offices of Mark M. Childress, we help caring adults assume guardianship over minor children who are left without parents or over adults who become incapacitated by age, illness, or injury. 

Call the Law Offices of Mark M. Childress today at (817) 497-8148 or contact us online to schedule a meeting with our guardianship attorney in Fort Worth!

Guardianship for Adults

According to a report by the Center for Retirement Research at Boston College, nearly 20% of all adult children will provide care for an aging parent. The Pew Research Center reports that 15% of middle-aged adults—the sandwich generation—are financially supporting their children and their parents.

Statistics show that many Americans provide for the care and finances of an older generation. Some situations require an adult child to do more than assist. They may see that their older loved one needs more significant support from guardians.

Signs you may need to consider guardianship in Fort Worth include the following:

• They are ignoring their hygiene.
• They are no longer taking care of their health.
• They are recklessly giving their money to others.
• They are under the undue influence of another person.
• They are putting themselves into dangerous situations.
• They are exhibiting other signs of dementia.

It is heartbreaking to see a parent become less able to care for themselves. Our guardianship attorneys can help Fort Worth families determine whether guardianship is best for their loved ones.

What Are the Different Types of Guardianship in Texas?

Texas law offers different types of guardianship and authorizes the court to customize the guardianship for the specific needs of the ward (person under guardianship). Guardianship will remove some or nearly all of the individual's rights.

There are four types of guardianship in Texas:

• Guardian of the Person. This guardian will decide where the ward lives, what medical treatment they receive, and where they can go, among other personal decisions.
• Guardian of the Estate. This guardian determines what to do with the ward’s property, how to invest their money, what bills to pay, and more financial decisions.
• Guardian of the Person and Estate. This guardian has broad authority to decide the ward’s property, finances, and personal care.
• Temporary/Emergency Guardianship. A temporary guardian can be named if a dangerous situation requires intervention before a full guardianship hearing. In Forth Worth, temporary guardianship typically lasts no more than 60 days.

Guardian of the person and guardian of the estate can be full or limited. Full guardians make all decisions within their scope of control. Limited guardians have authority only over specific decisions outlined in the court order.

Steps in the Guardianship Process 

Understanding the local guardianship process can help families feel more prepared if they need to step in for a loved one. The process in Tarrant County typically begins when a concerned party, such as a family member or close friend, files an application for guardianship in the appropriate probate court. After submission, the court appoints an attorney to represent the interests of the proposed ward and may order a professional evaluation to confirm incapacity or need. The court will also notify all interested parties—including potential heirs and close relatives—that a guardianship application has been filed.

Once the court receives these reports and notifications, a hearing is scheduled where evidence and testimony are reviewed. The judge must determine whether a guardianship is genuinely necessary or if less restrictive alternatives are available. Tarrant County judges place a strong emphasis on protecting the individual rights of the ward while balancing the goal of safety and financial security. At the end of the hearing, the court appoints a guardian if the evidence supports their qualification and establishes the scope of the guardian’s responsibilities. After the appointment, the guardian takes an oath, posts any required bonds, and begins their official duties under ongoing court supervision.

Individuals pursuing guardianship in Fort Worth benefit from working with professionals who understand the unique expectations, forms, and schedules of Tarrant County probate courts. Familiarity with these local procedures can lead to a smoother experience and help avoid unnecessary delays caused by errors or missed requirements.