Legal Guardianship in Abilene & the Big Country
Protecting Loved Ones with Guidance from Attorney Sydney Key
When a loved one can’t manage daily care or finances, legal guardianship may be the safeguard that keeps them safe while respecting their dignity and rights. I’m Sydney Key, an estate planning and probate attorney serving Abilene, Sweetwater, San Angelo, and communities across the Big Country. I work with families throughout West Texas to determine whether guardianship is the right step, guide them through the court process, and explore alternatives that may avoid the need for a full guardianship.
What Guardianship Means in Texas
Guardianship is a court-supervised legal relationship where a trusted adult (the guardian) is authorized to make certain decisions for another person (the ward). In Texas, guardianship can be tailored to fit the specific needs of your family member:
Guardian of the Person – Makes decisions about health care, living arrangements, and daily needs.
Guardian of the Estate – Manages money, property, and financial affairs.
Limited Guardianship – Grants only the powers that are absolutely necessary, preserving independence where possible.
Emergency Guardianship – Temporary appointment when immediate action is needed.
Common Situations for Big Country Families
- An Abilene high school student with special needs is about to turn 18 and still requires support.
- A parent in San Angelo with dementia can’t safely manage their medical care or finances.
- Children in Sweetwater need a guardian after the loss or incapacity of their parents.
- A loved one in Brownwood, Clyde, or Snyder is at risk of exploitation or unsafe living conditions.
Each situation is unique. My role is to evaluate your loved one’s capacity, risks, and long-term needs so we can recommend the least-restrictive solution available.
Alternatives to Guardianship (Often Faster & Cheaper)
Texas courts require us to consider options that may avoid guardianship entirely. Some tools Sydney helps families across the Big Country put in place include:
- Durable Power of Attorney (DPOA)
- Medical Power of Attorney
- Supported Decision-Making Agreements (SDMAs)
- Representative Payee arrangements for Social Security
- Trusts for managing funds
- Advance health care directives
These documents often provide the needed protection without the costs and ongoing oversight of a guardianship.
What to Expect in the Texas Guardianship Process
Families from Taylor County, Tom Green County, and surrounding areas often ask: “How long does it take?” and “What will it cost?” The process generally includes:
1. Consultation & evaluation of capacity
2. Filing a guardianship application in your county court (Abilene and surrounding Big Country courts)
3. Appointment of attorneys and investigators by the court
4. Notifying family members and gathering records
5. Court hearing before a local judge
6. Guardian qualification and issuance of letters of guardianship
7. Annual reporting to the court
Timelines: A straightforward case may take a few weeks; complex or contested matters may take months.
Costs: Fees depend on county, complexity, and whether there are disputes. Sydney will provide you with an upfront estimate during your first meeting.
Why Families in Abilene & West Texas Choose Sydney Key
Experience in probate and guardianship courts across the Big Country
Compassionate, family-centered approach that puts your loved one first
Commitment to least-restrictive solutions whenever possible
Clear communication so you know what to expect at every stage
Frequently Asked Questions (Abilene Families Ask…)
Do we automatically need guardianship when my child turns 18?
Not always. Many Abilene families use Supported Decision-Making Agreements or Powers of Attorney instead.
Where do we file?
Most cases are handled in your county’s probate court - for Abilene residents, that’s Taylor County Court.
What if relatives disagree?
The judge in your county will resolve disputes. Early legal guidance often prevents family conflicts.
How do I prepare for a case review?
Bring recent medical or school records, any Powers of Attorney, financial summaries, and benefit information.
Start With a Local Consultation
If you live in Abilene, Sweetwater, San Angelo, Brownwood, or anywhere in the Big Country, you don’t have to navigate guardianship alone. Let’s find the best path forward for your family.
