Modern advances in medicine have now increased the average life expectancy for every citizen. With our extended longevity also comes an increase in likelihood that many of us will live long enough to see our parents experience Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and other mentally incapacitating forms of dementia often associated with old age.
This can be a difficult time for both parent and child. In many cases, elderly parents may appear in complete control of their faculties in some aspects of their life, yet forgo other important responsibilities. Imagine visiting your elderly father who manages to maintain his prized rose garden yet routinely experiences water or electricity outages due to failure to pay the utility bills.
In Texas, obtaining legal guardianship of an elderly parent can help you look after your loved one’s best interests. Guardianships are established through a court order and can enable you to make choices regarding your loved one’ s finances, healthcare and other important decisions.
Generally, the first step towards obtaining a guardianship begins with a petition to the court. This is why it is extremely beneficial to have legal representation during this process. In some cases, a petitioner can be denied guardianship due to certain criminal convictions. Additionally, a petitioner who owes money or is otherwise indebted to the proposed ward may also be denied guardianship.
In some cases, a potential ward may not be receptive to the idea of having his or her life decisions placed in the trust of others. In those cases, it may be necessary to petition the court for an order to assess the mental capacity of the proposed ward. Again, the use of an attorney experienced in elder guardianships can prove most helpful during this process.
Our law firm has been handling these types of cases throughout the Houston metro area for over 20 years. We understand how important the bonds are between parents and their children. Our firm stands ready to bring our considerable knowledge, experience and compassion to your case and advocate strongly on behalf of your loved ones. To learn more, please visit our family law wepage.
Source: Law Office of Nancy H. Boler, “Houston Attorney For Guardianship Of Elderly” Sep. 16, 2014
