BSPE Legal Marketing Podcast

Does Guardianship Override Parental Rights? - Whitney L. Thompson

Whitney L. Thompson Season 3 Episode 224

From The Law Office of Whitney L. Thompson, PLLCDoes Guardianship Override Parental Rights? explores the delicate balance between guardianship and parental authority under Texas law. This episode unpacks when and how courts may assign guardianship, what that means for parents, and why these arrangements are designed to prioritize the safety and well-being of minors, incapacitated adults, and elderly individuals.

We discuss the distinctions between parental rights, conservatorship, and guardianship, highlighting how the Texas Estates Code and Texas Family Code govern these roles differently. Listeners will hear how courts weigh less restrictive alternatives like supported decision-making agreements and power of attorney before granting guardianship, and why the process is always tailored to the ward’s best interests.

The episode also examines real-world implications for families—covering situations where guardianship may limit parental decision-making in areas such as medical care, finances, and living arrangements. We explore temporary versus permanent guardianships, legal recourses available to parents, and how Texas courts ensure parental involvement whenever possible through visitation and notice requirements.

Finally, we spotlight the compassionate advocacy of Houston guardianship lawyer Whitney L. Thompson, who provides guidance on navigating disputes, establishing cooperative relationships between parents and guardians, and ensuring wards are protected with dignity and respect. Families in Houston and across Texas will find this discussion both informative and reassuring as they confront the complex intersection of guardianship and parental rights.


The Law Office of Whitney L. Thompson, PLLC

4201 Farm to Market 1960 Rd W Suite 360, Houston, TX 77068, United States

(281) 214-0173

https://www.google.com/maps?cid=9428708165305469162