Private Professional Guardian (TX)
Mediator
Arbitrator
It is important to realise that two conflicting statements can both be equally true depending on the level from which you observe the same situation.
― David Icke, The Biggest Secret: The book that will change the World
About
I became a Texas Certified Private Professional Guardian after serving as a caregiver for my late wife who needed help because of chronic and life-threatening illness. The amount of time, energy, vigilance and advocacy required to manage her care showed me firsthand how many “cracks” the person needing help can fall through in the absence of dedicated, knowledgeable and fully-engaged help. The gift of that experience also made me realize that a vulnerable elderly, disabled or incapacitated person without that help can feel afraid, alone and abandoned and, worse, often fall prey to abuse and neglect.
As an attorney for over 30 years, I have advocated for the rights of those injured by the negligent and abusive conduct of others. While Associate Executive Director and General Counsel of the Los Angeles County Bar Association, I managed programs to help victims of domestic violence and those who lacked the resources to obtain needed legal services, as well as mediated disputes to help neighbors, family members, and businesses avoid having to go to court.
I am a member of the Texas Guardianship Association, the National Guardianship Association, and the State Bar of California.
Services
Private Professional Guardianship
Guardianship is a legal process designed to protect vulnerable incapacitated persons from abuse, neglect (including self-neglect), and exploitation. Guardianship provides for the person’s care and management of his or her money while preserving, to the largest extent possible, that person’s independence and right to make decisions affecting his or her life.
Guardianships are created for a variety of different reasons. People become incapacitated due to disease, injury, or developmental disability. No matter what the cause, the decision to seek guardianship is often painful and difficult for the alleged incapacitated person and his or her family members. [Texas Guardianship Association]
Mediation
Mediation is an informal conflict resolution process of facilitated decision-making in which the parties are empowered to resolve issues in ways that uniquely meet their needs and desires. As a trained mediator, I provide a neutral, fair, confidential and safe process for the parties to reach an agreement on their terms.
Arbitration
Arbitration is a more formal and structured conflict resolution process in which the parties in conflict present their argument and evidence to a neutral arbitrator who makes a decision by applying the law and rules of arbitration to the evidence presented. I'm a member (independent contractor) of the National Center for Dispute Settlement panel of neutrals.
For current rates and availability, please provide a description in the contact form that includes the nature of your matter, the types of services you seek and your preferred timeframe for a free initial telephone consultation.
Resources
If you wish to know more about guardians and guardianship, as well as other available services, the resources below may be helpful:
National Guardianship Association
Texas Guardianship Association
Texas Code of Ethics and Minimum Standards for Guardianship Services
Texas Department of Family and Protective Services
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By Phone: 1-800-252-5400
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Online: Texas Abuse Hotline
Texas Department of Health and Human Services
Contact
If you or someone you know needs a guardian or mediation or arbitration services, and want to discuss the situation, please complete the simple form below, and I will respond as soon as possible:
