Due Process in Guardianship Proceeding
It’s easy to observe that the subject of a guardianship (or conservatorship) petition has a right to “due process” during the court process. But what does that mean? Does it include anything a judge orders? Does it require a court hearing? How will you know if you have been afforded due process before a guardianship […]
When Does Your Family Member Need Guardianship?
Suppose you have a 17-year-old child with a developmental or cognitive disability. Do you need guardianship before they turn 18? Is it OK to wait, or to forego guardianship altogether? First: what is guardianship? While your children are minors, you have the authority to make medical and placement decisions for them (we’re ignoring the possibility […]
Disinherited Step-Grandson Lacks Standing to Challenge Codicil
Will challenges are far less common than most people think. One reason: few people have any basis on which to challenge a will, even if they feel aggrieved. In legal terms, most potential challengers simply lack any “standing” to contest a will. A recent Texas case illustrates the concept nicely. Lucy Lee’s will and codicils […]
Meaning of “Per Stirpes” Becomes Dispute in Texas Case
Perhaps you have seen the term in a will or trust: “per stirpes”. What does it mean, and what difference does it make? A recent Texas Court of Appeals case addresses the term — and also gives us an opportunity to tell an interesting family story. William Lewis Moody, Jr. For our purposes, the story […]
Unwritten Promise to Write a Will is Not Enough
FEBRUARY 20, 2017 VOLUME 24 NUMBER 8 Here’s a basic rule, applicable in every U.S. state: wills need to be in writing. But what about a promise to write a will, or to leave a particular item to a particular person? Unsurprisingly, those promises usually have to be in writing, too. Jim’s Story Take Jim […]
Guardians Control Care Decisions, But Authority Is Not Absolute
FEBRUARY 13, 2012 VOLUME 19 NUMBER 6 A Texas probate judge appointed Frederick and Lorraine Cooper (see note below) as guardian of their adult developmentally disabled daughter Cathy in 2003. Three years later, Cathy moved into a group home in Grapevine, Texas. After Cathy had lived there for about two years, the group home operator […]
Court Distinguishes Between Undue Influence, Incapacity
DECEMBER 28 , 2009 VOLUME 16, NUMBER 66 Contrary to public perceptions, will contests are actually rare. In fact, few wills are written in such a way that anyone would benefit from a contest — most wills leave property to the same people who would inherit if there was no will. When there is a […]
