Has anyone successfully applied in Texas for guardianship of their adult child with schizophrenia? If so, how difficult was the process and what evidence did you show that helped you get your petition granted? We’ve consulted with an attorney and are considering initiating the process, but it will cost a lot and I’m hesitant to spend the money with no guarantee of success. Our daughter is not violent and has never been hospitalized or arrested, but she’s completely incapable of managing any aspect of life. She is uncooperative as far as applying for disability benefits or doing anything at all. We’d like to be able to apply for benefits on her behalf and do other things to help her have some kind of life, which is why we want the guardianship. If anyone has experience with this in Texas, I’d love to hear about it.
If you haven’t already contacted your local NAMI that’s exactly where I would start oftentimes they will know exactly how this process works especially if you get in contact with your local Nami affiliate
Not Texas but I have been through it with my loved one.
I suggest conservatorship but don’t know if that is an option in your state. Power of attorney will also work but they must do that voluntary and it must be notarized.
The process starts with an attorney. You pay a retainer and they give you a form which one sometimes two doctors must fill out stating they are mentally unable to care for themselves. This is usually done when they are in the hospital involuntarily. I have no idea how you could get it completed any other way.
Next the court will assign them an attorney who will explain what is going on. You are trying to obtain guardianship which will remove their civil liberties. With this illness where they often, usually to some degree already suspect someone is against them this just does not go well at all. Expect lots of anxiety and stress here.
Next is court. Either their attorney agrees they need a guardian it’s obvious or their attorney will argue why they don’t.
Thank you both. We are on the fence about whether to try to do this or not. I appreciate your responses.