Seeking Appointment as Guardian?
If your elderly parent needs supervision and protection, or your disabled child is reaching adulthood, the Law Office of Stephen E. Dubner can assist in establishing guardianship over that family member's finances or personal care.
Steve Dubner is an experienced guardianship lawyer serving clients in Denton County, Texas, and the DFW Metroplex. We can intervene quickly in urgent circumstances or sit down with you to discuss arrangements to oversee the affairs of a loved one. Call 940-239-7568 or 214-257-8818 for a free consultation.
Lake Dallas, Texas, Guardianship Attorney
Guardianship is a legal proceeding in which a probate judge appoints a family member or other individual to make decisions on behalf of an incapacitated person. There are two types of guardianships: Guardianship of the Person (oversight of personal and medical care) and Guardianship of the Estate (control of finances). The court may place both responsibilities with one guardian.
There are two common scenarios in which guardianship is warranted:
• Mom or Dad is in failing health or diminished mental capacity, unable to manage their own care, and perhaps being exploited by a family member or caregiver.
• A child with developmental disabilities is approaching or has reached age 18, and lacks the mental capacity to manage money or live on their own without supervision.
If you suspect abuse or financial exploitation of an elder, Mr. Dubner can help immediately. He can secure a court hearing on short notice to obtain temporary guardianship or a restraining order to protect your loved one's assets.
A formal hearing will follow to determine if guardianship should continue. The court will appoint a guardian ad litem to represent the interests of the ward. Steve Dubner prepares documentation from doctors and other professionals who concur that the person should be under guardianship for their own best interests.
Contested Guardianship
The spouse or partner, a sibling, a family friend, or the ward may object to the guardianship. They may disagree it is a necessary step, or they may feel that the appointee is not fit or acting in the person's best interests. Mr. Dubner represents any of these parties in contested proceedings. He also has substantial experience in complex estate administration issues related to guardianship, such as the management of special needs trusts.
There is much we can do right away to protect your loved one — from themselves or from those who would take advantage of them. Contact our Lake Dallas office for a free initial consultation, including emergency intervention.
