Department: Probate Courts
Department Head/Elected Official:
Regular or Supplemental RCA: Regular RCA
Type of Request: Position
Project ID (if applicable): N/A
Vendor/Entity Legal Name (if applicable): N/A
MWDBE Contracted Goal (if applicable): N/A
MWDBE Current Participation (if applicable): N/A
Justification for 0% MWDBE Participation Goal: N/A - Goal not applicable to request
Request Summary (Agenda Caption):
title
Request by Probate Court No. 4 for approval of two positions effective July 27, 2024.
...end
Background and Discussion:
Harris County Commissioners Court arranged for an independent study from National Center for State Courts. After an intense review of the processes, caseload and management of the 3rd largest county in the USA, it was determined that there is a demand for eight (8) Probate Courts in Harris County. The 5th probate court was created in October after approval from the state. In order to process the demands of new cases and ongoing guardianship cases, the need for additional personnel is required to serve the public in an efficient and timely manner.
Per the Texas Estates Code, Section 1201.002(a), the probate courts are required by the statute to examine the wellbeing of every ward in their jurisdiction annually.
In the 88th Legislative Session the statutory probate court's process of annual review and determination of the guardianship is substantially modified to add to TEC Sec 1201.053 a new subsection "(a-1)" which requires a report at least every three years from the court investigator, court visitor, court investigator or guardian ad litem (sec 1202.054). Additionally, pursuant to Subsection (a-2) of 1201.053, before preparing an additional report required under Subsection (a-1) of 1201.053, the court investigator or court visitor as appropriate shall meet with the ward in person. ...see code section attached.
Currently, as well as prior, to the new added subsection, that is an impossible task. Probate ...
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