San Antonio Guardianship Attorney
When a loved one can’t make decisions alone, we guide your family through guardianship of the person, guardianship of the estate, or temporary guardianship
Are you a parent or guardian worried about who will care for your loved one? Guardianship planning can feel daunting, and it’s natural to wonder what it will cost and whether it’s worth it.
Planning ahead is an act of care. At Hailey-Petty Law Firm, PLLC, our San Antonio team helps families understand Texas guardianship and choose a path that fits their loved one’s needs.
Or Schedule A Consultation (210) 570-2458
Guardianship Attorney Services
- Petition Preparation
- Court Representation
- Guardian Education
- Asset Management
- Mediation Services
- Ongoing Legal Counsel
Associate attorney Jessica Rojas Quesada focuses her work on estate planning, probate, and guardianship. Managing attorney Pamela Hailey-Petty leads the firm. In our San Antonio office, paralegal Christina Barbour supports our probate, guardianship, and estate planning cases, probate paralegal Cynthia George handles probate matters, and estate planning paralegal Fausto Soliz supports estate planning.
From the first petition to the court hearing, we explain what each step means. After a guardian is appointed, we stay available to answer questions and help with the filings the court expects over time.
Schedule A Consultation (210) 570-2458
A Package For Guardianship
Your loved one’s future matters, and so does knowing what to expect. Our Guardianship brings the legal work together under one plan, so you are not piecing it together on your own.
Our San Antonio office understands what families are carrying. We designed our services to be thorough and affordable, with flexible payment options. Taking a guardianship through court is billed hourly, as is probate work.
Let’s talk about your family’s situation and the next steps that make sense.
The Role of a Guardianship Attorney
The court process has many parts, and missing one can slow things down. A guardianship attorney can:
- File the paperwork: Prepare the petition and the supporting papers, including the medical information the court will review.
- Represent you in court: Speak for you at the hearing and explain to the judge why your loved one needs help.
- Manage the process: Keep each step on track, from the first filing to the court’s final order.
- Give legal advice: Answer your questions in plain terms along the way.
Guardianship Options Under Texas Law
Guardianship is a legal arrangement where a court appoints a guardian to make decisions for someone who can’t make them alone. Age, illness, or disability can all lead to that point. Texas law calls the person who receives this protection the ward.
There are two main roles. A guardian of the person handles daily life, such as housing, meals, and medical care. A guardian of the estate handles money and property, such as bank accounts, benefits, and bills. One person can serve in both roles, or a court can split them. A judge can also grant only the powers the ward truly needs, which is called a limited guardianship.
If something can’t wait, such as a medical decision or a risk of losing money, a court may appoint a temporary guardian for a short period. Before any filing, we talk through options that keep more control with your loved one, like a power of attorney (POA) or a supported decision-making agreement.
Two situations bring many San Antonio families to us. One is a teen with a disability who will soon turn 18. On that birthday, parents lose the legal right to make medical and financial choices for their child. Texas allows parents to begin the process before the child turns 18, so there is no gap in care.
The other is an aging parent who is showing signs of dementia or has had a stroke and has no power of attorney in place. The earlier you call, the more options your family is likely to have.
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Choose the Right Guardianship Attorney in San Antonio
When you look for a guardianship attorney in San Antonio, a few things matter. Look for regular experience with guardianship cases. Read client reviews. Choose someone who responds quickly and explains the process clearly. Ask about fees upfront. And look for an attorney who understands how hard this season can be.
At Hailey-Petty Law Firm, we start by teaching. You will understand your options before you sign anything, including options that avoid court. Our managing attorney, Pamela Hailey-Petty, has a background in economics, finance, and business. That context helps when a guardian of the estate will be handling investments, property, or a family business.
Our San Antonio office is open Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Central. Call (210) 570-2458 to schedule a consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a guardian of the estate do day to day?
A guardian of the estate manages the ward’s money and property. That can mean paying bills, collecting income or benefits, keeping records, and protecting assets. The guardian acts for the ward, not for themselves, and the court keeps an eye on how the money is handled.
Is a temporary guardianship different from a permanent one?
Yes. A temporary guardianship is meant for urgent situations and lasts only a short time. A permanent guardianship follows a full court process and stays in place until the court changes or ends it. Many families start with a temporary guardianship while the permanent case moves forward.
Who can serve as a guardian?
Often a family member or close friend serves as guardian, but the court decides who is suitable. The judge looks at the ward’s needs and the proposed guardian’s ability to meet them. We can help you think through who in your family is the right fit before you file.