You may already be familiar with the concept of a legal guardian as it applies to the care of minor children. But did you know that a guardianship can benefit people of all ages? If you take care of an elderly parent or other incapacitated family member, consider talking to a lawyer in Houston about the potential to be legally appointed to make decisions with a guardianship appointment .
There are two primary types of guardianships available. One is over the ward’s estate, and the other is over the ward’s person. A guardianship over an incapacitated person’s “person” allows an individual to make decisions regarding medical care, education, and residency. A guardianship over a person’s estate allows the individual to make financial decisions. These include buying or selling property, paying bills, and allocating money in a way that is in the best interests of the incapacitated person. In some cases, a guardianship is sought because another individual has power of attorney, but is not making decisions that benefit the incapacitated person. A legal guardian’s authority supersedes the authority of the agent with the power of attorney.
