This column first appeared in the SA Express News on January 18, 2016. Temporary Guardianship is a court-based procedure used when there is immediate danger to an individual or immediate risk to that person’s finances. The Texas Estates Code says that a Temporary Guardianship expires 60 days after it is created, unless one of these things happens first: a) a permanent Guardian is appointed, b) a contest is heard and accepted by the court, or c) nine months pass without action

While you are healthy, you may choose someone to become your Guardian should you ever need a Guardian in the future. This gives you control over your own future guardianship. A “Declaration of Guardian” may be made by a competent adult. It must be written, signed, and witnessed by two people. The person chosen as Guardian cannot also act as witness. The Declaration must be notarized. You may also “disqualify” any person from ever being your guardian under any circumstances. T