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Annual Reporting Forms
 
Guardianship Court Information

Effective June 1, 2018, each guardianship in Texas must be registered through the Judicial Branch Certification Commission (JBCC). To register your guardianship online, please go to the following website, follow the instructions provided, and provide the requested information:

https://www.txcourts.gov/jbcc/register-a-guardianship/

For questions regarding the JBCC website, or for help with the registration process, please contact the JBCC at jbccguardianregistration@txcourts.gov.

 
Pro Se Policy

Under Texas law, individuals applying for letters testamentary, letters of administration, determination of heirship, and guardianship of the person and/or estate must be represented by a licensed attorney. The rule follows from the requirement that only a licensed attorney may represent the interests of third-party individuals or entities. Attorneys appearing guardianship matters must be guardianship certified through the State Bar of Texas, pursuant to Estates Code §1054.201.

 
Pro Se Frequently Asked Questions

What is a pro se?

If you are an appointed Guardian of the Person, you may file the Annual Report on the Condition and Well-being of the Ward each year without the assistance of an attorney; however, most everything else pertaining to guardianships must be handled by a licensed attorney that is guardianship certified by the State Bar of Texas This includes the Annual Accounts by a Guardian of the Estate, which will not be considered by the Court unless they are prepared, signed, and filed by a lawyer.

Can I still serve as an executor, administrator, or guardian even though I’m not a lawyer?

Yes. An individual need not be a lawyer to serve as an executor, administrator, or guardian, but as executor, administrator, or guardian (of the estate), you must be represented by counsel.

If I get the paperwork from a law library or the internet, can I fill it out and file it? Isn’t that what lawyers do?

Lawyers do much more than just fill out forms. Lawyers (1) determine what method of probate or guardianship is appropriate in a particular situation, (2) create or adapt any necessary paperwork, and (3) advise the client about the ongoing responsibilities of a fiduciary. Unless you are a lawyer, creating legal pleadings while acting as a fiduciary would constitute the unauthorized practice of law.