Houston Estate Planning Attorney Whitney L. Thompson Discusses Special Needs Guardianship in Texas

Harris, Texas -

Houston estate planning attorney Whitney L. Thompson (https://www.wthompsonlaw.com/special-needs-guardianship-a-short-guide-for-parents/) releases a new article explaining special needs guardianship in Texas. The lawyer mentions that when a child becomes an adult, they gain the right to make decisions about their life. However, in some cases, obtaining special needs guardianship for a person’s well-being may be necessary.

“The first thing to decide is whether the person in question needs a guardian. It’s important to understand that a diagnosis of mental illness or cognitive disability does not automatically mean that someone needs another person to make decisions for them. There are two types of guardianship: guardianship of the person and guardianship of the estate,” the Houston estate planning attorney says.

The lawyer explains that when someone needs help making decisions about their living situation, their health, and their personal matters, guardianship may be a great way to help them. Guardianship of the estate pertains to financial and legal matters, such as paying bills or hiring an attorney.

Attorney Whitney L. Thompson says that most courts consider special needs guardianship as a last resort attempt to find alternatives that grant the individual some power to make their own decisions about their life. A court may also allow a guardian to make certain decisions in a limited guardianship.

In the article, the lawyer also lists the alternatives to guardianship. These alternatives include creating a special needs trust, appointing a durable power of attorney, appointing a financial representative, and hiring assisted living services.

According to the guardianship lawyer, “Obtaining guardianship through the courts begins with a petition. The petition includes information about the person such as a description of their disability, their relationship to the proposed guardian, and the reasons that the courts should grant the guardianship.”

Lastly, the lawyer emphasizes the importance of having a skilled estate planning attorney when dealing with matters involving guardianship and estate planning. Having an experienced estate attorney may be able to help an individual understand their rights and help them prepare for the future of their loved ones.

About The Law Office of Whitney Thompson, PLLC

Attorney Whitney Thompson is an experienced family law attorney who helps clients deal with family law matters such as divorce or legal separation. Attorney Thompson also deals with guardianship, probate, and estate planning matters. As an experienced divorce lawyer, attorney Thompson and her legal team have helped families have a smoother divorce process and plan for their future more thoroughly. To schedule a consultation, call (281) 214-0173.