Being appointed guardian is the beginning of a long-term commitment to the court as well as to your loved one. Texas courts actively supervise guardianships, and that supervision runs on paperwork: oaths, bonds, inventories, annual reports and annual accounts. For guardians in New Braunfels and across Comal County, staying on top of these duties is the best way to protect your loved one and keep your own authority in good standing. A guardianship lawyer can set up a calendar, prepare filings and help you respond if the court has questions.
Your Ongoing Duties in Plain Terms
Every guardian, whether of the person, the estate or both, owes the ward duties of loyalty, care and honesty. In practice, that means:
- acting in the ward’s best interest, not your own or the family’s,
- encouraging the ward’s independence and involving them in decisions where possible,
- respecting every right the court order lets the ward keep,
- keeping the court informed, on time and accurately,
- asking the court before taking actions that require approval.
Texas law includes a bill of rights for wards, and the court expects guardians to know and honor it.
Filing Calendar at a Glance
The exact due dates in your case come from your order and the date you qualified, so your calendar may differ. As a general picture:
| When | Guardian of the person | Guardian of the estate |
|---|---|---|
| Right after the hearing | Oath and bond | Oath and bond |
| After qualifying | Letters of guardianship issued | Letters of guardianship issued |
| Generally within 30 days of qualifying | — | Inventory, appraisement and list of claims |
| Early in the case | Notify interested parties as required | Budget or allowance request, open guardianship account |
| Each year | Annual report on the ward’s well-being | Annual account |
| Each year, after approval | Renewal of letters | Renewal of letters |
| When the guardianship ends | Final report | Final account and delivery of property |
We help guardians build these dates into a simple reminder system as soon as the case is granted.
The Guardian of the Person’s Annual Report
The annual report tells the court how the ward is doing. It typically covers:
- where the ward lives and the type of setting,
- how often the guardian has seen the ward, and the ward’s general condition,
- the ward’s medical care, hospitalizations and medications,
- activities, services and programs the ward participates in,
- whether the guardian recommends continuing, modifying or ending the guardianship,
- whether the ward could benefit from regaining some rights.
The report is usually sworn and filed with the court. Be specific and honest. A report that says “doing fine” with no detail may prompt questions. For more on the role, see our guardian of the person page.
The Guardian of the Estate’s Inventory and Accounts
Inventory
Shortly after qualifying, generally within 30 days, a guardian of the estate files a sworn inventory listing everything the ward owns and its value. This becomes the baseline for every account that follows.
Annual account
Each year, the guardian of the estate files an account showing:
- the starting balance of each asset,
- every dollar received, such as pensions, Social Security, rent or interest,
- every dollar spent, with receipts or statements to support it,
- changes in property, such as a sale approved by the court,
- the ending balance, matched to bank and investment statements.
The court or its staff reviews the account. Mismatches between the account and statements, missing receipts, or spending beyond the approved allowance are common reasons an account is sent back. Our guardian of the estate page explains spending rules and court approvals.
Keeping Good Records All Year
The easiest annual account is the one you build month by month. Practical habits:
- Use the guardianship account for every transaction. Avoid cash.
- Save receipts in one folder, paper or digital, labeled by month.
- Keep a simple log of visits, doctor appointments and major events for the person report.
- Download bank statements monthly.
- Write down the reason for any unusual expense right away.
- Flag anything that might need court approval before you spend.
Letters of Guardianship and Renewal
Your letters prove your authority to banks, doctors and agencies. In Texas, letters are generally renewed periodically after the court approves the required reports and accounts. If your filings are late, renewal can be delayed, and third parties may refuse to recognize letters that appear out of date. Keep certified copies of your current letters on hand.
When Things Change
Guardianships are not frozen in place. You may need to go back to court when:
- the ward needs to move to a different care setting or out of the county,
- the ward’s condition improves and some rights could be restored,
- the ward’s condition worsens and more authority is needed,
- the ward receives an inheritance or settlement,
- you need to sell property or make a major financial decision,
- you can no longer serve.
The ward, or any interested person, can ask the court to modify the guardianship or restore capacity, and the ward can start that process with an informal letter to the judge. See our page on restoration of capacity.
What Happens When Duties Are Not Met
Courts take missed filings and misuse of funds seriously. Possible consequences include:
- court notices requiring you to file or appear,
- a show-cause hearing,
- removal as guardian and appointment of a successor,
- a claim on the bond for losses,
- personal liability for money that was misused.
Our page on removing a guardian explains how removal works. If you are behind, the fix is usually to get help and catch up promptly, before the court acts on its own.
Guardian Duties for New Braunfels and Comal County Families
In Comal County, guardianships are supervised through the county court system, and the court that appointed you is the one that receives your reports. If your ward lives on the Guadalupe County side of New Braunfels, your filings go to Guadalupe County. Many local guardians are also working full time, commuting toward San Antonio or Austin, or raising children of their own. Building a simple routine in the first month can keep reporting from becoming a source of stress later.
If you have questions about the overall structure of the case, our guardianship process page is a helpful starting point.
Talk With a New Braunfels Guardianship Lawyer
Whether you were just appointed or you are already a few years in and behind on filings, our team can help you get organized and stay in good standing with the Comal County court. New Braunfels Family Law offers a free consultation by phone, video or in person, and we speak Spanish. Call (830) 302-4071.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I file my annual report late?
The court can send notices, require you to appear, and in serious cases remove you as guardian or hold you in contempt. Late filings can also delay renewal of your letters. If you are behind, it is better to contact a lawyer and catch up quickly than to wait.
Do I need a lawyer to prepare annual accounts?
Many Texas courts expect guardians to work with an attorney on guardianship filings, and accounts can be technical. Even when a guardian of the person prepares a simple report, legal review helps avoid rejected filings.
Does the guardian of the person have to file an accounting?
No. A guardian of the person files an annual report about the ward’s well-being. The financial inventory and annual accounts are the job of the guardian of the estate. If one person holds both roles, they file both.
What if the ward dies?
The guardian should notify the court and generally must file a final report or final account to close the guardianship. A guardian of the estate then delivers the remaining property to the ward’s estate representative or heirs as the court directs.
Can I resign as guardian?
Yes, but only with court permission. You generally must file an application to resign, bring your reports and accounts up to date, and the court appoints a successor before you are discharged.
Last reviewed November 13, 2026. General information only, not legal advice.