Decatur Texas Probate Law Blog

It can be a difficult time for every family member when it becomes apparent that an older loved one can no longer handle his or her affairs. The concern may start small when a parent or other elderly family seems forgetful but can grow when he or she refuses help taking care of daily needs, appears unable to manage financial matters or otherwise seems in need of continual help. In some cases, the situation may mean that an elderly loved one needs a guardian.

If a Texas resident feels that it may be in his or her loved one's best interests to have a guardian, it is important that the person understands what a guardian does. Guardianships are not to be taken lightly and come with a great deal of responsibility for the person taking on the role. Because it is so important, the appointment also requires court approval.

Though parents who have children with disabilities or special needs may not love them any differently than they would their able-bodied children, they do have different details to consider. For instance, when a child with special needs turns 18, it may not be feasible for him or her to head out into the world and make sound decisions. As a result, parents may need to consider guardianships.

While not all children with disabilities or special needs require a guardian later in life, many of them do. If a Texas parent believes that his or her child will need assistance handling financial affairs and other matters, then seeking guardianship of that child even when he or she reaches adulthood may be necessary. It is important to remember that parents no longer have the automatic right to make such decisions for their children once they reach the legal age of adulthood.

Any Texas parent has concerns as their children get older. For parents who have children with Down syndrome or similar conditions, their concerns may have a sharper edge than others. In many cases, children with such conditions do not reach milestones on the same schedule as other children, and some parents may even consider guardianships as their kids reach their later teen years.

Though parents of children with special needs have a great love for those children, they understand that certain aspects of life will be more challenging in many cases. For instance, when these children hit puberty, their bodies may change on schedule, but they could have a more difficult time understanding why the changes are happening and who it is appropriate to talk to about these changes. They may also need more assistance when it comes to handling certain changes.

Many people are lucky enough to see their parents reach their elderly years. While numerous Texas residents are undoubtedly happy to still have their parents around, they can still have concerns about how well their parents are getting on. In some cases, serious issues could put those parents in situations in which they may need guardianships.

The idea of acting as a guardian over a parent may seem unnatural to some people. After all, the parent has taken care of the child for most of his or her life. However, older people can find themselves in vulnerable positions in which they may no longer have the ability to properly handle their own livelihood or make sound financial decisions. Depending on the details, a parent could be in need of guardianship of the person or guardianship of the property.