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DARS was dissolved in 2016, and its services are now handled through the Texas Workforce Commission and the Texas Health and Human Services Commission. Using "DARS State of Texas" is not outdated; it remains a term many families, doctors, schools, and even old court papers still employ. That confusion often shows up at the worst
DARS State of Texas: A Guide for Guardianship Families Read More »
A hospital calls late in the day. Your mother fell, she's confused, and the doctor says she may need urgent decisions made tonight. One nurse mentions a DNR. Another says DNAR. A sibling asks whether signing one means “giving up.” Someone else says you may need guardianship because your mother can't speak for herself. That
DNAR vs DNR: A Texas Guardian’s Guide to End-of-Life Orders Read More »
When families first call about guardianship, the story often starts the same way. A parent forgot to pay the mortgage, gave money to someone they barely know, wandered from home, or began refusing needed medical care. Everyone in the family feels the danger. No one feels ready for court. That's a painful place to be.
What Judges Really Look for in a Texas Guardianship Case? Read More »
Your mother's hospital doctor is asking who can consent to treatment. Your brother thinks he should take over her bank account. Your mother insists she's fine, even though unpaid bills are piling up and she's wandered from home twice. Families usually reach this point slowly, then all at once. No one starts this process because
When You Need a Guardianship Attorney (and When You Don’t) Read More »
You can technically file a guardianship petition yourself in Texas, but a lawyer-free guardianship is not realistic. The proposed ward must have their own attorney, and the court process requires a doctor's incapacity evaluation, personal service, notice to interested persons, an attorney ad litem, and a hearing before any appointment. Maybe you're reading this because
Can You Handle Guardianship Without a Lawyer in Texas? Read More »
When a loved one can't safely make medical, financial, or day-to-day decisions, waiting for legal authority feels unbearable. Families often call a Texas guardianship lawyer because they assume the biggest problem will be getting a hearing date. In many cases, that's not the actual bottleneck. Most delays happen earlier. A missing signature, the wrong court,
Why Guardianship Cases Get Delayed and How to Avoid It Read More »
You drive across town to see your mother in a care facility. You bring her favorite sweater, a card from the grandkids, and a short list of questions about her care. Then the front desk tells you that you're not allowed to visit because her guardian said no. That moment leaves many families stunned. You
Can a Guardian Restrict Visitors or Family Access in Texas? Read More »
A lot of families reach this question in the same painful way. A parent falls at home. An adult child with disabilities starts needing more support than the family can safely provide. Siblings disagree about whether a loved one should stay in their house, move in with family, or enter assisted living. What starts as
Can a Guardian Control Where Someone Lives in Texas? Read More »
A family member can contest your guardianship case in Texas, but they cannot veto it on their own. The judge makes the final decision based on legal qualifications, evidence of incapacity, whether guardianship is necessary, and whether you are a suitable person to serve. If you're reading this, you're probably already in a hard spot.
Can a Family Member Block You from Becoming a Guardian in Texas? Read More »
A hospital doctor says your mother has dementia. By that evening, the nurse wants to know who can discuss discharge planning. The next morning, you find unpaid bills, a confused voicemail from the bank, and a sibling who disputes every decision. Families usually reach my office at this stage, when the diagnosis has triggered a
How to Handle a Sudden Dementia Diagnosis in Texas (Legal Steps) Read More »
