How Long Does It Take to Complete an Uncontested Guardianship? by Whitney L. Thompson

How Long Does It Take to Complete an Uncontested Guardianship? by Whitney L. Thompson

Understanding the timeline for a Texas uncontested guardianship is an important step for Houston-area families who are planning to protect a loved one who can no longer manage personal or financial decisions. While every case is different, most uncontested guardianship matters in Houston move through the probate courts in a structured and predictable way when properly prepared.

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In Texas, an uncontested guardianship generally takes between 30 and 90 days from the filing of the Application for Guardianship to the issuance of Letters of Guardianship. This process begins with careful preparation, including obtaining a valid Physician’s Certificate of Medical Examination from a licensed Texas physician. Many families work with doctors at the Texas Medical Center or clinics in Bellaire, Katy, Sugar Land, or The Woodlands to complete the required medical evaluation within the 120-day window.

Filing takes place at the Civil Courthouse at 201 Caroline Street in downtown Houston, where four specialized probate courts handle guardianship cases for Harris County residents. Whether the proposed ward lives in Pearland, Missouri City, Pasadena, Montrose, River Oaks, or the Heights, all filings are routed through this central location. After filing, the court issues citations and enforces strict notice requirements to family members, ensuring due process for all interested parties.

Texas law requires the appointment of an attorney ad litem in every adult guardianship case. The attorney ad litem meets with the proposed ward, reviews medical records, and submits a report to the court. In some cases, a court investigator is also assigned to evaluate the circumstances and recommend whether guardianship is necessary and whether less restrictive alternatives exist. These steps protect the rights of the proposed ward and are a standard part of the Houston probate court process.

Before the court hearing can occur, the proposed guardian must complete Judicial Branch Certification Commission registration, submit to a criminal background check, and finish required guardianship training. These steps are mandatory before the court will issue Letters of Guardianship. Delays often occur when JBCC requirements or PCME documentation are incomplete.

At the guardianship hearing, the judge reviews evidence, testimony, and reports to determine whether guardianship meets the clear and convincing evidence standard and serves as the least restrictive option. If approved, the court signs an order appointing the guardian, followed by the oath of guardian and any required bond.

Whitney L. Thompson, an uncontested guardianship lawyer in Houston, works with families throughout the region to guide them through each phase of this process. Through The Law Office of Whitney L. Thompson, clients receive support with probate filings, court procedures, and compliance with Texas guardianship law. Her background includes work in probate and estate matters and experience developed through the Thurgood Marshall School of Law’s wills, probate, and guardianship clinic.

Careful planning, accurate documentation, and familiarity with Houston probate courts can help families move forward with clarity and confidence when pursuing an uncontested guardianship.

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