Help Crystal Secure Guardianship for Braden

Dearest Friends, Family, and Community Members,

It is with a humble heart that I reach out to ask for your support for my dear friend, Crystal Griffin-Brown. Crystal’s family is originally a neighbor to my family in our hometown of Yorktown, Texas. Crystal lives in Central Texas, not far from me. She’s a dedicated single mother of three children: Braden, Rylee, and Macee.

Crystal's son, Braden, was born prematurely on November 10, 2006, with a diagnosis of ‘failure to thrive,’ and medical professionals gave little hope that he would reach his first birthday. They said he would never walk. Wonders of wonders, and thanks to Crystal’s tireless care and persistence, Braden has defied the odds, continuing to grow and learn despite his complex medical needs. They will celebrate Braden's miraculous 18th birthday in a few short days.

However, this milestone brings new challenges. In Texas, parents like Crystal NEED guardianship to retain the legal authority to communicate with medical professionals, obtain medications, and access critical medical records once a child turns 18. Without this legal authority, Crystal will lose access to Braden’s healthcare at midnight on his 18th birthday, leaving her unable to advocate for his needs and ensure his care. Braden, who is non-verbal, relies on Crystal’s advocacy now more than ever.

The legal process to establish guardianship is expensive - with typical fees starting around $2,500 and quickly increasing to cover attorney fees, medical exams, filing fees, bonds, court costs, and more. Sadly, aside from his court-ordered child support, Braden’s biological father has not contributed toward any of the children’s additional financial needs since 2021 and has not maintained any consistent contact or care for any of their children in almost four years. The family court system has not enforced his parental responsibilities, leaving the best interest of the children and the full financial burden of securing Braden’s guardianship solely on Crystal, with periodic re-establishment required by the state.

HERE IS WHERE YOU COME IN:

1. Let’s all wish Braden a Happy 18th Birthday with a note here or on Crystal’s social media.

2. Please donate to help Crystal secure Braden’s legal guardianship. Every single dollar helps!

3. Share this campaign with your friends and family, just as I am.

All donations to this GoFundMe will help Crystal cover the costs of establishing Braden’s guardianship, including attorney fees, court costs, medical exams, and necessary travel. Any additional funds raised will go toward future guardianship expenses as required by the State of Texas. If you prefer NOT to use electronic fund transfers, donations can also be made via cash or check. Please make checks payable to "The Braden Lee Brown Third Party Special Needs Trust" to ensure funds go directly toward Braden’s care and future guardianship needs.

Typical Guardianship Costs in Texas

Medical Exam: Required for the guardianship application; costs depend on the provider.

Attorney Fees: These can range from $1,500 to $3,500.

Court Costs: Include filing fees, service fees, and fees for letters of guardianship.

Guardian ad Litem: Appointed by the court to protect Braden’s interests, with fees ranging from $350 to several thousand dollars.

Bond: This may be required if a guardian of the estate is appointed.

Certified Copies & Service Fees: Required for official documentation.

Publication of Notices: Required as part of the legal process.

Understanding Guardianship in Texas

Under Texas Family and Probate Law, guardianship is a legal process that grants an individual the authority to care for a person who cannot manage their own affairs due to a disability or incapacity. For parents like Crystal, guardianship allows her to continue making medical and personal decisions for her adult son, Braden, who relies on her for medical advocacy and care.

The Guardianship Process: Time and Cost

The process to establish guardianship in Texas is extensive and costly. It involves:

Application and Medical Examination: Before filing, a medical exam is required to document the need for guardianship. This alone can vary in cost based on the provider.

Attorney Representation and Fees: Guardianship cases require specialized legal expertise, with attorney fees generally starting at $1,500 to $3,500.

Court Costs and Fees: These include filing fees, service fees, and fees for official documents, which quickly add up.

Attorney ad Litem Costs: The court appoints an attorney ad litem to represent the best interests of the person under guardianship. Their fees can range significantly based on the case's complexity.

Bond and Certified Copies: The guardian may be required to post a bond and obtain certified copies, adding to the financial burden.

These costs are often prohibitive, especially for single parents like Crystal who shoulder the financial responsibility alone.

Renewal and Compliance Requirements

Texas law requires that guardianship be re-evaluated periodically (every 16 months) to ensure that the guardian is fulfilling their duties. This means that, in addition to the initial costs, Crystal must prepare for ongoing expenses to renew Braden’s guardianship. Compliance includes regular reporting and sometimes additional court reviews, each with its own set of costs.

Why Your Support Matters

With Crystal’s knowledge of the guardianship process and her background in Texas Family and Probate Law, she emphasizes the need for public awareness of the rights and responsibilities involved. By supporting this campaign, you’re not only helping secure Braden’s current and future care but also contributing to a greater understanding of the guardianship system and its importance for vulnerable Texans.

THANK YOU!

Rita Wagenschein Rosas for the benefit of:

Crystal, Braden, Rylee, and Macee Brown