For Your Parents' Sake ....

Are your parents getting forgetful? Are they unable to care for themselves or manage their own finances? Have they been diagnosed with Alzheimer's or Dementia? If so, then it may be time for you to consider Guardianship.

A guardian is a court-appointed individual who is responsible for making personal and financial decisions for an incapacitated individual who can no longer take care of their personal well-being or manage their financial affairs. The person who is given a guardian is often called a Ward. The guardian decides everything from where the ward lives to what medical procedures will be administered. A guardianship is generally necessary when there is no power of attorney in place or some other provision to allow an agent to make decisions for the incapacitated person.

Once a guardianship is put in place, the ward loses all of their personal rights including the right to drive, vote, marry, and enter into a contract. Guardianships can also be somewhat invasive. Each year the guardian must supply an updated report to the court detailing the ward's current status. The court also sends an investigator out each year to meet with the ward and evaluate his/her conditions.

The guardianship process can be somewhat costly, depending on the circumstances. There are filing fees due to the court and doctor's fees for the evaluation of the ward. If there is enough money in the estate to cover the costs, the Judge will order the costs to be paid by the Ward's estate. The individual seeking to be appointed as guardian will also need to hire an attorney to act on his or her behalf throughout the guardianship process.

The primary goal of a guardianship is to make sure an incapacitated person is properly cared for. If you are in a situation where a loved one is in need of assistance, you should start the process right away. It can be anywhere from two to six months to finalize a guardianship, barring any complications.

For more information on guardianships or viable alternatives, feel free to give me a call. I'd be more than happy to answer any questions you may have and guide you through the process of ensuring your loved one's safety and security.

The Gilkes Law Firm
5601 Bridge Street, Ste. 300
Fort Worth, Texas 76112
(P) 817-714-7705
(F) 817-719-9145
(E) nadia@gilkeslawfirm.com

Welcome to The Gilkes Law Firm

As 2010 begins, you are likely in the process of making resolutions and plans for your personal and professional life. As you plot your course for 2010, I hope you'll consider how The Gilkes Law Firm may be of assistance to you. Allow me to take a moment to introduce myself and share several services you may find useful.

The Gilkes Law Firm was founded by Nadia T. Gilkes, an alumni of Texas Wesleyan University School of Law. Ms. Gilkes has a passion for helping those in crisis and has spent many hours working with victims of domestic violence and individuals suffering from terminal illnesses.

The Gilkes Law Firm focuses primarily on:

- Probate Law - estate administration, guardianships, mental health commitments, and attorney/guardian ad litem representation;

- Estate Planning - will drafting, power of attorney, guardianship declaration, and living wills

- Family Law - uncontested divorce, child custody, paternity, child support enforcement or modification, and attorney ad litem representation;

- Small Claims Litigation - plaintiff or defendant representation available for Justice of the Peace and Small Claims cases.

- Property Tax Litigation - appeal your property tax and get a reduction on your yearly taxes based on comparable homes in your area.

The counties served include Tarrant, Parker, Wise, Denton, Collin, Dallas, Ellis, Bexar, Travis and Harris.

To receive these newsletters in your inbox, join our mailing list at www.gilkeslawfirm.com.

Be sure to add The Gilkes Law Firm to your contact lists on Facebook, Twitter, Windows Live, and Yahoo Instant Messenger.

Contact Information

The Gilkes Law Firm is conveniently located just east of downtown Fort Worth. The office is on the third floor of the Western Insurance building off of I-30 (next to the Channel 11 tower).

The Gilkes Law Firm
5601 Bridge Street, Suite 300
Fort Worth, Texas 76112

(P) 817-714-7705
(F) 817-719-9145
(E) info@gilkeslawfirm.com
(W) www.gilkeslawfirm.com
(W) www.fighttxpropertytax.com

Consultations are done by appointment only.

Parting Remarks

Thank you for your interest in The Gilkes Law Firm. I appreciate you taking the time to read this newsletter. Feel free to forward this link to friends and family members who might benefit from my services.

I hope that 2010 brings you serenity and prosperity in your personal and professional lives.

Sincerely,


Nadia T. Gilkes

Attorney at Law and Owner of The Gilkes Law Firm


Schedule your FREE consultation today!

817-714-7705

Or visit www.gilkeslawfirm.com