Texas Disability Law - Guardianship

Texas Law

• Provides a legal system for assigning a guardian for people who are incapacitated which can be tailored to provide only the specific assistance needed while preserving rights and independence.
• Requires an application for guardianship with a probate court clerk to begin the legal process.
• Provides for individuals to name a guardian in their will.
• Requires medical history for a child relinquished for adoption.
• Requires the Department of Aging and Disability Services to develop a permanency plan for each child in a State institution.
• Ensures the involvement of parents or guardians of children placed in various institutions.
• Requires that parents or guardians are informed of all available community based services and options.
• Allows a child under the care of the Department of Family and Protective Services to attend permanency hearings.

Texas Legal Citation

• Judicial Education on Guardianship and Disability Issues:
  Texas Government Code, Section 22.013
• Attorney Education on Guardianship and Disability Issues:
  Texas Government Code, Section 81.114
• Medical History for Adoptee:
  Texas Family Code, Chapter 161, Subchapter B
• Permanency Planning
  Texas Government Code, Section 531.1531
• Parent Involvement and Information
  Texas Government Code, Section 531.1521 and 531.1532
• Permanency Hearings
  Texas Family Code, Section 263.302

Contact

• Office of Court Administration, Texas Statutory Probate Courts
  (512) 854-9258
• Health and Human Services Commission Guardianship Alliance of Texas
  (512) 424-6599
  
• Department of Aging and Disability Services
  (512) 438-3011
  
• Texas Department of Protective and Regulatory Services
  (512) 834-3195
  

For More Information

• Legal Hotline for Older Texans
  (800) 622-2520; (512)477-3950
• Guardianship for Texans with Disabilities Advocacy, Inc.
  (800) 252-9108