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Guardianship Applications and Personal Service

A guardianship is a legal arrangement where someone is appointed to act on behalf of someone who cannot act on their own.

This is a significant legal proceeding as it can eliminate a person’s ability to make their own decisions. This is why guardianship should only be pursued as a last resort when less restrictive alternatives, such as a power of attorney or supported decision-making, are not feasible or appropriate.

The significance of this type of proceeding is also why it is critical that all parties be notified of the proceeding. This notice requirement can raise a number of questions.

For example, if a party enters an appearance in a guardianship proceeding, do they still have to be personally served with a new application that is filed in the same case? Texas law requires service when a guardianship application is filed, but is this necessary when the party has already entered an appearance? The court addresses this in Guardianship of Gafford, 01-17-00634-CV (Tex. App.–Houston [1st Dist.] 2019).

Facts & Procedural History

Bobby lost the ability to care for himself due to his advanced age. Bobby’s granddaughter was appointed as his temporary guardian.

Bobby’s wife entered an appearance in the guardianship proceeding. The granddaughter had the court restrain the wife from accessing Bobby’s financial accounts, his car, entering his home, or contacting him.

Before her own application to be appointed as guardian was heard by the court, the granddaughter filed another application asking the court to appoint her mother, Bobby’s daughter-in-law, as the permanent guardian of Bobby’s person.

Bobby’s wife was not served with citation for the second guardianship application; however, there was an affidavit from the granddaughter’s attorney testifying that the mother had agreed to a “Waiver of Service” and that it was “attached” to the affidavit. The waiver was not attached to the affidavit and the court could not find it.

The court appointed the daughter-in-law and this appeal ensued.

What is Guardianship in Texas?

The term “guardianship” refers to a legal arrangement in which one person, known as the guardian, is appointed by a court to make decisions and act on behalf of another individual, known as the ward.

Guardianship is typically established when a person is unable to make decisions or care for themselves due to a physical or mental incapacity.

The purpose of guardianship is to protect the well-being and interests of individuals who are deemed incapacitated and unable to manage their own affairs. The guardian is given the authority and responsibility to make decisions regarding the ward’s personal care, finances, and other important matters. This may include decisions about medical treatment, housing, education, and managing the ward’s assets.

In Texas, the process of establishing guardianship involves filing a petition with the appropriate court, typically the probate court in the county where the ward resides. The court will then evaluate the evidence presented to determine if guardianship is necessary and who would be the most appropriate guardian. The court’s decision is based on the best interests of the ward.

Citation in Guardianship Cases

The Texas Estates Code requires personal service on certain persons who are interested in the guardianship proceeding when the application is filed. This can be accomplished by way of a private process server or having the sheriff personally serve the person.

The persons who have to be served include:

  • a proposed ward who is 12 years of age or older.
  • the proposed ward’s parents, if the whereabouts of the parents are known or can be reasonably ascertained.
  • any court-appointed conservator or person having control of the care and welfare of the proposed ward.
  • the proposed ward’s spouse, if the whereabouts of the spouse are known or can be reasonably ascertained.
  • the person named in the application to be appointed guardian, if that person is not the applicant.

The citation requirement can be waived by these persons. A waiver of service has to be filed with the clerk to be valid.

Omitting Waiver of Citation is Fatal

This brings us back to the present case. In the present case, even though the wife had entered an appearance in the granddaughter’s application, the granddaughter had to serve the wife with respect to the daughter-in-law’s application. Because she did not do so, and no waiver of citation was filed with the clerk, the appeals court concluded that the trial court did not have the authority to appoint the daughter-in-law as Bobby’s guardian.

The Takeaway

The waiver of citation in a guardianship case should be obtained and filed with the clerk in cases like this. That the party entered an appearance in the underlying guardianship proceeding doesn’t matter. A new guardianship application triggers the requirement to either obtain a waiver of citation or personally serve the interested party.

Do you need help with a probate matter in Houston or the surrounding area?  We are Houston probate attorneys.  We help clients navigate the probate process.   Call today for a free confidential consultation, 281-219-9090.  

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Disclaimer 

The content of this website is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. The information presented may not apply to your situation and should not be acted upon without consulting a qualified probate attorney. We encourage you to seek the advice of a competent attorney with any legal questions you may have.

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