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1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.