Brownsville, Texas, Guardianship and Probate Attorneys
As our parents age, we may see them "slipping," unable to manage their own financial or personal affairs. You may have an ailing parent, or an incapacitated or disabled adult child or sibling who can not care for herself or himself. You may be considering asking a family member or family friend to serve as a guardian or conservator for that disabled or incapacitated person.
If you would like skilled counsel on guardianships or conservatorships, please call Kantack Alcantara Law Office, P.C. in Brownsville and South Padre Island toll-free at 866-306-6122. We have been providing families with legal advice on guardianships, conservatorships and estate planning issues for more than 30 years. For a confidential consultation, contact us today.
In Guardianship, Less Is More
Because guardianship limits a person's rights, the court prefers that other alternatives be tried first, such as:
- Assistive services from community agencies, including case management
- Trusts
- Advance directives ("Living Wills") regarding end-of-life medical treatments
- Durable power of attorney for health care or property issues
- Shared checking accounts, so that a relative or trusted friend can help an elderly family member pay bills
- Asking a family member or outside agency to serve as a representative payee for Social Security payments
If the family decides to go forward with guardianship, the court will appoint a guardian, and take away only the rights which the elderly family member cannot properly address. The court, for example, may allow the family member to decide where he or she will reside, while letting the guardian decide if the person is capable of driving. A guardian may not profit from the role, because the funds continue to belong to the elderly person. The guardian is merely acting on behalf of the elderly family member, and must promote his or her best interests. The guardianship is evaluated annually by the court.
After a loved one has died, a court may need to designate an administrator or executor of the estate —someone who will have the responsibility to collect the assets of an estate, distribute assets and pay expenses after death. The role of an administrator or executor is essentially probate administration.
Contact Us Today
For seasoned counsel on wills, guardianships and estate planning, contact our Brownsville, Texas, law office for a confidential consultation with a skilled estate planning attorney. Call us toll-free at 866-306-6122. Our office is open from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, and evenings and weekends by appointment. If necessary, a lawyer will be glad to travel to your home or office in order to meet with you. We strive to offer clients competitive, reasonable rates and professional, focused estate planning counsel.
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Kantack Alcantara Law Office, P.C.
2111 Padre Blvd., Suite 4
South Padre Island, TX 78597
Phone: 956-525-4382 | Toll-Free: 866-306-6122 | Fax: 956-982-1875
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At the law office of Kantack Alcantara Law Office, P.C., in Brownsville, we represent clients throughout the Rio Grande Valley in south Texas, including South Padre Island, Port Isabel, Los Fresnos, San Benito, Laguna Vista, Bay View, Harlingen, McAllen, Pharr, Hidalgo, Edinburg, Raymondville, Rio Grande City, Mission, La Feria, Mercedes, Rancho Viejo and Weslaco; and in Cameron County, Willacy County, Hidalgo County and Starr County.