Probate Court No. 1
Probate Court No. 2
Probate Court No. 3
Probate Court No. 4
Probate Court No. 5
Thank you for accepting your appointment as guardian. Please take the time to familiarize yourself with this hand-book which serves to outline your duties and responsibilities. As a guardian, you have a fiduciary duty to act on behalf of and in the best interests of the ward in all decisions relating to the ward. As a result, Texas law requires that guardians obtain legal representation to help facilitate and guide them through this ongoing process.
The purpose of this handbook is to serve as a reference guide, highlighting specific issues and requirements necessary to be effective in the role of guardian. We hope this information enhances your ability to serve in this capacity in a thoughtful and competent manner. Should you have additional questions or concerns, your attorney and our staff are available to pro-vide assistance.
Historical photographs featuring Harris County courthouses have been included in this handbook to emphasize our theme of “protecting and preserving what we cherish.” Beside each photograph is a brief explanation listing facts, background information, and points of interest obtained through Joel Draut, the photo archivist for the Julia Ideson Library. In addition, the recent photography of the renovated courthouse was obtained through Anthony Butts, a local photographer and graphic artist. We would like to express our gratitude toJoel Draut and Anthony Butts for their help in procuring these photographs.
Photographs, taken by Abigail Butts, of landmarks well-known to Houstonians are also featured throughout the hand-book including some prominent sculptures found throughout the city. We have included photographs highlighting many beautiful scenes cherished by the residents of Harris County.
Only four of the five courthouses presented in this handbook are pictured due to controversy regarding the appearance of the first courthouse. All of the courthouses mentioned resided on a block of land known as “Courthouse Square,” located in downtown Houston on Fannin between Congress and Preston.
This parcel of land was donated by two brothers, Augustus and John Allen, who were real estate promoters from NewYork. The deed memorializing the donation states that should anything other than a courthouse be erected on the property, the title to the land would then revert back to Allen family heirs.
The first of five courthouses to grace this donated plot took the form of a two-story log structure built in 1838. The build-ing was enlarged in 1841, eventually deteriorated, and was sold at auction in 1844. The second courthouse, completed in1851, consisted of a two-story brick building with four centrally located entrances on each side and a cupola. This court-house was used only nine years due to its limited capacity.New accommodations became necessary, and plans for a third courthouse were undertaken. Construction of Harris County’s third courthouse was complete in 1860, and its intended use was postponed due to the commencement of the Civil War.During the war, the two-story Greek Revival building was used as a hospital, artillery storage facility, and a cartridge factory, all of which were located on separate floors.
A fourth courthouse became necessary by 1883 due to rapid deterioration of the antebellum courthouse. The fourth court-house, a four-story Victorian Gothic style building, was also demolished due to deterioration and replaced with a fifth courthouse built in 1910. The 1910 courthouse, which stands today, was built in a Classical Revival style using indigenous materials. The historical authenticity and integrity of the building were compromised during a renovation that tookplace in the 1950s. The courthouse has recently been renovat-ed to its original splendor and is now home to our AppellateCourts. The renovation of the fifth courthouse inspires us toreflect upon the history of Harris County and take pride inthat history, thereby reinforcing the theme of the Guardian-ship Handbook—protecting and preserving what we cherish.
The stained glass skylight featured on the front cover is located in the dome of the 1910 Harris County Court-house, which underwent renovations and was officially completed in 2011. The skylight was designed to complement the architectural structure of the building.
The bond must be filed within twenty days (20) of appointment. An appointee cannot qualify as guardian and Letters ofGuardianship cannot be issued without the court’s approval of the bond. The date the bond is approved and the oath is signed is called the “qualification date.”
An Inventory, Appraisement, and List of Claims must be filed by your attorney on your behalf within thirty (30) days of the qualification date. The Inventory, Appraisement, and List ofClaims must be verified and list, describe, and declare the value of the ward’s property as of the qualification date.
One of the first steps in administering a loved one’s estate isto determine whether he or she had a Will. If your loved onehad been working on their estate planning, it is likely thatthey hired an attorney to help them. This attorney will be ableto assist in locating any estate planning documents. If you areunsure whether or not your loved one worked with an attor-ney, he or she may have files in their home or office that con-tain records of meetings and correspondence with a lawyer, ordrafts of estate planning documents. It is crucial to locate anyWills that your loved one may have left behind. If a Will ex-ists, it may be filed with the court for probate. If a Will is notlocated, the estate may require administration in absence of a Will.
convenient or possible to obtain court approval first, the expenditures were reasonable and proper based upon clear and convincing evidence, and the court would have granted the authority to make the expenditures had an application been filed in advance.
An investment plan must be filed within one-hundred and eighty (180) days of the qualification date, unless waived by the court.
The court will typically make such determination after thefiling of the sworn Inventory, Appraisement, and List ofClaims. As guardian, you are expected to be prudent and ex-ercise good judgment when investing and managing a ward’sestate. Several factors should be taken into considerationwhen making an investment decision involving the estate of award, including but not limited to: (1) costs of supporting theward; (2) the ward’s age, education, current income, ability toearn additional income, net worth, and liabilities; (3) the na-ture of the ward’s estate; and (4) any other resources reasona-bly available to the ward.
Only safe investment options should be considered. Some examples include government bonds and interest bearing time deposits that are insured by the Federal Deposit InsuranceCorporation (FDIC). The court will determine whether a guardian has prudently managed an estate by reviewing the investments collectively as opposed to individually.
Letters Testamentary
Letters Testamentary authorize the Executor to act and man-age affairs on behalf of the estate. The Executor will take Letters Testamentary to financial institutions, title companies, and insurance companies to demonstrate that they are the per-son authorized by the court to handle estate matters. Sometimes, a Will fails to name an Executor or the namedExecutor is unable or unwilling to serve. In such cases, the beneficiaries under the Will may collectively designate a per-son willing and able to serve as an Administrator. When a decedent’s Will is admitted to probate and an Administrator is appointed, the Administrator will receive Letters of Administration with Will Annexed.
Notice to Creditors
Within 30 days of appointment, the Independent Executor must publish a notice to all creditors in a publication circulated within the county where the Will is being probated. This notice gives all creditors to whom the estate owes money the opportunity to claim the debts owed to them. The notice should include the Independent Executor’s qualification date, address to which the claims should be presented, and the person to whom the claims should be addressed (usually the Independent Executor or an attorney). After publication, theExecutor will file with the court an affidavit of the publisher along with a copy of the notice.
Notice to Beneficiaries
Within 60 days of qualification, the Independent Executor must send notice to all beneficiaries listed in the Will by certified mail, return receipt requested. This notice must include: - The name and address of the beneficiary; - The decedent’s name; - That the decedent’s Will has been admitted to probate;
- That the beneficiary receiving the notice is named as a beneficiary in the Will; and
- The Independent Executor’s name and contact information. A copy of the Will and the Order admitting the will to probate must be attached to this notice. A beneficiary may this waive notice by filing a waiver with the court.
Affidavit of Notice to Beneficiaries
Within 90 days of appointment, the Independent Executor must file an Affidavit of Notice with the court stating that notice has been given to all beneficiaries. This Affidavit must include:
- The name and address of each beneficiary notified of the probate by certified mail;
- The name and address of each beneficiary who filed a waiver of notice;
- The name of each beneficiary whose identity or address could not be determined despite the Independent Executor’s efforts to find them; and
- Any other information necessary to explain the Independent Executor’s inability to give notice to any beneficiary.
This Affidavit may be filed independently, or alternatively, with the Inventory, Appraisement, and List of Claims.
Family Settlement Agreements Family Settlement Agreements are favored under law and enable those interested in an estate to resolve disputes and solve problems associated with the administration of estates.Issues commonly resolved within the context of Family Settlement Agreements include: excluded family members, poorly drafted Wills, failure to appoint Executor, undivided interests in property, ambiguous familial relationships, and the questionable testamentary capacity of testator.
Texas law provides a bill of rights to you asa person under a guardianship. Your guardian will explain these rights to you, which are listed below.
A person under guardianship retains all the rights, benefits, responsibilities, and privileges granted by the constitution and laws of this state and the United States, except where specifically limited by a court-ordered guardianship or where other-wise lawfully restricted.
Unless limited by a court or otherwise restricted by law, you have the following rights:
(1) to have a copy of the guardianship order and letters of guardianship and contact information for the probate court that issued the order and letters;
(2) to have a guardianship that encourages the development or maintenance of maximum self-reliance and independence in the ward with the eventual goal, if possible, of self-sufficiency;
(3) to be treated with respect, consideration, and recognition of the ward's dignity and individuality;
(4) to reside and receive support services in the most integrated setting, including home-based or other community-based settings, as required by Title II of theAmericans with Disabilities Act (42 U.S.C. Section 12131 et seq.);
(5) to consideration of the ward's current and previously stated personal preferences, desires, medical and psychiatric treatment preferences, religious beliefs, living arrangements, and other preferences and opinions;
(6) to financial self-determination for all public benefits after essential living expenses and health needs are met and to have access to a monthly personal allowance;
(7) to receive timely and appropriate health care and medical treatment that does not violate the ward's rights granted by the constitution and laws of this state and the United States;
(8) to exercise full control of all aspects of life not specifically granted by the court to the guardian;
(9) to control the ward's personal environment based on the ward's preferences;
(10) to complain or raise concerns regarding the guardian or guardianship to the court, including living arrangements, retaliation by the guardian, conflicts of interest between the guardian and service providers, or a violation of any rights under this section;
(11) to receive notice in the ward's native language, or preferred mode of communication, and in a manner accessible to the ward, of a court proceeding to continue, modify, or terminate the guardianship and the opportunity to appear before the court to express the ward's preferences and concerns regarding whether the guardianship should be continued, modified, or terminated;
(12) to have a court investigator or guardian ad litem appointed by the court to investigate a complaint received by the court from the ward or any person about the guardianship;
(13) to participate in social, religious, and recreational activities, training, employment, education, habilitation, and rehabilitation of the ward's choice in the most integrated setting;
(14) to self-determination in the substantial maintenance, disposition, and management of real and personal property after essential living expenses and health needs are met, including the right to receive notice and object about the substantial maintenance, disposition, or management of clothing, furniture, vehicles, and other personal effects;
(15) to personal privacy and confidentiality in personal matters, subject to state and federal law;
(16) to unimpeded, private, and uncensored communication and visitation with persons of the ward's choice, except that if the guardian determines that certain communication or visitation causes substantial harm to the ward: (A) the guardian may limit, supervise, or restrict communication or visitation, but only to the extent necessary to protect the ward from substantial harm; and (B) the ward may request a hearing to remove any restrictions on communication or visitation imposed by the guardian under Paragraph (A);
(17) to petition the court and retain counsel of the ward's choice who holds a certificate required by Subchapter E, Chapter 1054, to represent the ward's interest for capacity restoration, modification of the guardianship, the appointment of a different guardian, or for other appropriate relief under this subchapter, including a transition to a supported decision-making agreement,except as limited by Section 1054.006;
(18) to vote in a public election, marry, and retain a license to operate a motor vehicle, unless restricted by the court;
(19) to personal visits from the guardian or the guardian's designee at least once every three months, but more often, if necessary, unless the court orders otherwise;
(20) to be informed of the name, address, phone number, and purpose of DisabilityRights Texas, an organization whose mission is to protect the rights of, and advocate for, persons with disabilities, and to communicate and meet with representatives of that organization;
(21) to be informed of the name, address, phone number, and purpose of an independent living center, an area agency on aging, an aging and disability resource center, and the local mental health and intellectual and developmental disability center, and to communicate and meet with representatives from these agencies and organizations;
(22) to be informed of the name, address, phone number, and purpose of the JudicialBranch Certification Commission and the procedure for filing a complaint against a certified guardian;
(23) to contact the Department of Family and Protective Services to report abuse, neglect, exploitation, or violation of personal rights without fear of punishment, interference, coercion, or retaliation;
(24) to have the guardian, on appointment and on annual renewal of the guardianship, explain the rights delineated in this subsection in the ward's native language, or preferred mode of communication, and in a manner accessible to the ward;
(25) to make decisions related to sexual assault crisis services, including consenting to a forensic medical examination and treatment, authorizing the collection of forensic evidence, consenting to the release of evidence contained in an evidence collection kit and disclosure of related confidential information, and receiving counseling and other support services; and
(26) to have private communications with the ward's physicians or other medical professionals, unless the court, after a hearing requested by the ward's guardian, orders the private communications to be limited due to: (A) the risk of substantial harm to the ward; or (B) the communications being unduly burdensome to the physician or medical professional.
A Guardian of an Estate is appointed by the court to handle the ward’s estate or everything the ward owns or has a right to receive, including but not limited to: personal property, real property, money, bank accounts, furniture, cars, clothes, and legal claims resulting from personal injury or other wrong do-ing. Under Texas law, the Guardian of the Estate with full authority has the rights, restrictions, and duties set out below:
The guardian must take possession of and protect all of the ward’s property, manage all property, collect all debts, rentals, or claims that favor the ward, enforce all obligations that favor the ward, and bring and defend suits by or against the ward. In addition, the guardian is entitled access to the ward’s digital assets.
Guardians serve as fiduciaries and must take care of the ward’s estate even more carefully than he would his own. A Guardian of an Estate must be conservative, thrifty, and cautious when handling the assets of the ward. They should always act in good faith and be mindful of the interests of others who may have a stake in or claim to the assets under management.
Guardians must separate the ward’s property from their own property. All funds in a guardianship estate must be placed in separate, insured accounts in the name of the guardianship estate, i.e.: Mike Smith, Guardian of the Estate of Sally Smith, an Incapacitated Person.
Within one month after receiving Letters of Guardianship, the guardian must publish a notice in a newspaper printed in the county where the Letters of Guardianship were issued calling on any person who has a claim against the estate to present the claim within the permitted period. Within four months after receiving Letters of Guardianship, the guardian must send notice of the guardianship to creditors secured by real estate and other known creditors.
If the court ordered an allowance, no further court approval is necessary before spending funds for purposes that were approved by court order. Never spend any guardianship funds beyond the allowance without first obtaining, through an attorney, a written order of the court authorizing such expenditures. If a Guardian of the Estate makes expenditures
for purposes not approved by the court, they may be subject to removal and held personally liable for any deficiencies. It is also the responsibility of the guardian that all required notices and documents are filed timely with the court.
Insurance must be obtained and maintained to cover all property of the ward whenever the estate has the ability to pay the premiums. All cash deposits must be within the limits of FDIC/NCUA coverage, or no more than $250,000.00 per depository. A guardian (of the estate or of the person) may also create an ABLE account established in accordance with the Texas Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Program. More information on ABLE accounts is available at https://www.texasable.org/.
With respect to non-cash assets, such as real property or personal effects, the guardian has a duty to protect, preserve, and insure all non-cash assets of the estate. The attorney, on the guardian’s behalf, must obtain a written order of the court before attempting to sell, transfer, lease for more than a year, abandon, or otherwise dispose of any non-cash assets of the estate. All personal property of the ward in the State of Texas should remain in Texas unless prior court approval is obtained.
The guardian of the estate must file a verified initial account of the estate no later than 60 days after the first anniversary date of becoming the guardian. Thereafter, the guardian of the estate files a verified annual account to reflect any changes in the estate assets occurring since the last annual account. The Annual Account is available at Harris County Clerk's Office Probate Courts Forms. This annual accounting continues until the estate is closed. If the ward has negligible or fixed income, the court may waive the filing of annual accounts.
Parents are obligated to support minor children with their own funds and they may not use assets of the guardian-ship estate without court order. If a parent satisfies the court by clear and convincing evidence that they are unable to support their child or children without unreasonable hardship, they may be allowed to expend funds of the estate for the use and benefit of the minor child. Such expenditures require prior court approval.
The Guardian of the Person is obligated to care for the ward’s physical, emotional, and educational needs. Under Texas law, a Guardian of the Person with full authority has the right to have possession of the ward and establish the ward’s residence. The guardian also accepts the duty to provide care, supervision, and protection for the ward as well as to provide them with food, clothing, medical care, and shelter. What is more, the guardian holds the power to consent to medical, psychiatric, and surgical treatment other than the inpatient psychiatric commitment of the ward. The guardian may establish a trust and direct that the income of the ward be placed in the trust for the purpose of obtaining eligibility for medical assistance.
In addition, the guardian has the authority to personally transport the ward or to direct the ward’s transport by emergency medical services to an inpatient mental health facility for a preliminary exam. The guardian must pro-vide written notice immediately to the court of the filing of an Application for an Order of Protective Custody. If a guardian must place a ward in a more restrictive care facility, they again must provide notice of the placement to the court beforehand.
Finally, the guardian must inform those relatives who have elected in writing to receive notice when the ward: 1) dies; 2) is admitted to a care facility for three (3) days or more; 3) has a change of residence; 4) is staying somewhere other than the ward’s residence for a week or more.
It is not unusual for a court to appoint a guardian of the person for the ward, but not appoint a guardian of the estate. When the ward does not own significant assets, it may not be necessary to appoint a guardian of the estate.
Most guardians of the person will want to apply to the Social Security Administration to become the ward’s representative payee. A representative payee manages benefit payments for social security beneficiaries who are incapable of managing their Social Security or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments. Social Security law and regulations require payees to use the payments they receive for the current needs of the beneficiary and in their best interests. Representative Payee - Social Security Administration.
If a guardian of the estate has not been appointed, the guardian of the person may file an application with the court requesting permission to access, manage, and spend the ward’s funds in an amount not to exceed $20,000 per year for the ward’s benefit. The expenditures will be included in the annual report. If there is no longer a need to manage those funds, the guardian will file a sworn affidavit of fulfillment.
Letters of Guardianship are good for one year and four months after the date of issuance and demonstrate authority to act as guardian. The residential placement facility, school, day program, and the ward’s doctors should have a copy of the Letters of Guardianship for their records. Letters of Guardianship must be renewed and reissued each year after the Annual Report is approved. Carefully read the order of appointment as guardian, as some of the rights of the ward may have been retained by the ward.
Texas law requires the Guardian of the Person to file a sworn or affirmed report each year that covers a twelve (12) month reporting period, with the reporting period beginning on the qualification date. The Annual Report on Location, Condition, and Well Being of Ward is available at Harris County Clerk's Office Probate Courts Forms. The form requires an original signature of the guardian, but does not need to be notarized. The guardian must contact the court if the guardian or the ward moves to a new address. Failure to file the Annual Report will result in a ShowCause Order being issued, requiring the guardian to appear in court and explain why the guardian should not be removed. The guardian may file in person, mail, or e-file the Annual Report with the required filing fee. Be aware that the filing fees must be paid online at the time of e-filing, or by either a money order or cashier’s check if in person or by mail. In the event that the Guardian of the Person is unable to pay the required filing fee, the court may waive this fee. However, if the Annual Report is not filed on time and an Order to Show Cause has been issued, filing fees will not be waived.
• What is the name of the medication and what does it do? • When/how is it taken? With water/food ? Empty stomach? • How long should it be taken? Are there refills? • Does this medication contain anything that could cause an allergic reaction? • Will this medication interact with any other medications that are currently being taken? • Will this medication affect day-to-day activities? • What should be done if there are adverse side effects? • Is a generic version of this product available? • What is the best way to store medication?
• Ask specific questions regarding location. • Ask about the cost. Do they have a daily or monthly rate? • If private pay, can Medicare or Medicaid be applied? • What services are included? (number of meals per day, snacks, laundry, housekeeping, activities, transportation) • What is the capacity of residents for this facility? • How long has the facility been in business? • Do they provide references? • Who furnishes the room? • Are short-term stays okay (respite care and cost)? • Who provides respite for the service providers? • Is the facility licensed by the State of Texas?
• Unanswered call bells
• Incorrect use of restraints (both physical and chemical)
• Excessive use of restraints
• Overly sedated residents
• Residents not taken to the bathroom regularly
• Frequent urinary tract infections
• Urine and other body odors
• Unsatisfactory mouth care (odors)
• Men unshaven
• Hair not combed
• Fingernails/Toenails long and dirty
• Not having residents out of bed and dressed
• Eyeglasses and teeth locked away
• Skin breakdown on buttocks, in skin folds, and creases
• Not offering water to residents (dehydration)
• Dry mouth, eyes sunken, very dry skin, speech problems
• Unexplained confusion or drowsiness
• No assistance with feeding, leading to poor nutrition
• Reddened areas that do not disappear
• Poor staff training
• Inadequate supervision of staff
• Threats, rough handling, scolding
It is the guardian’s responsibility to make decisions based on the ward’s needs. Medical decisions can be hard to make as the well-being and comfort of the ward, and even the ward’s life, depend on making the right choices. Doctors often use vague language when explaining the risks and benefits associated with the treatment options. It is the responsibility of the doctor to inform the guardian of treatment options in a clear manner so that the guardian can make an informed decision.Below are some questions the guardian might consider asking a doctor caring for the ward:
• What is the name of the procedure/What does it mean? • What is the expected outcome of the procedure? • What are the other possible outcomes of the procedure? • Why is it being done now instead of later? • Who will perform the procedure? Does the procedure re-quire a specialist and does the person performing the pro-cedure have the appropriate expertise? • Have there been consultations with other doctors? Who? • How much does the ward’s disability interfere with per- forming the procedure? Has the doctor planned for this? • What care is required after the procedure? • How long is recovery? Will there be discomfort?
A Guardian of the Person is not liable to a third person solely because the person has been appointed as Guardian of thePerson. A Guardian of the Person can be liable for breach of their fiduciary duties during the time they were guardian even after the guardianship is terminated.
The court may remove a Guardian of the Personwho does any of the following:
(1) Neglects to qualify by filing a Bond and Oath in the time required bylaw;
(2) Fails to return, not later than the 30th day after the date the guardian qualifies, an inventory of the guardianship estate property and a list of claims that have come to the guardian’s knowledge, unless that deadline is extended by court order;
(3) If required, fails to give a new bond within the period prescribed;
(4) Is absent from the state for a consecutive period of three or more months withoutt he court's permission, or removes from the state;
(5) Cannot be served with notices or other processes because the guardian’s whereabouts are unknown, the guardian is eluding service;
(6) Has misapplied, embezzled, or removed from the state, or is about to misapply, embezzle, or remove from the state, any of the property entrusted to the guardian's care;
(7) Has engaged in conduct with respect to the ward that would be considered to be abuse, neglect, or exploitation;
(8) Has neglected to educate or maintain the ward as liberally as the means of the ward and the condition of the ward’s estate permit;
(9) Fails to return any account or report that is required by law to be made;
(10) Fails to obey a proper order of the court that has jurisdiction with respect to the performance of the guardian’s duties;
(11) Proved to have been guilty of gross misconduct or mismanagement in the performance of the guardian’s duties;
(12) Becomes incapacitated, is sentenced to the penitentiary, or from any other cause, becomes incapable of properly performing the duties of the guardian's trust;
(13) Interferes with the ward's progress or participation in programs in the community;
A guardian should consider the ward’s thoughts and feelings when making decisions. When discussing the situation with the ward, a guardian should: • Talk with the ward;
• Listen carefully to what the ward is saying and trying to communicate;
• Remember that an incapacitated ward is an adult and should be given the respect that an adult deserves; • Avoid talking about the ward with others as though theward is not present.
It is the duty and responsibility of the guardian to make a final decision that is appropriate and in the best interest of theward, even if the ward disagrees with the decision.
Harris County Probate Courts 1-4
201 Caroline Street6th and 7th Floors Houston, Texas 77002
Probate Court No. 1
Honorable Jerry Simoneaux
Office: 832-927-1401
Fax: 832-927-1400
Probate Court No. 2
Honorable Pamela Medina
Office: 832-927-1402
Fax: 832-927-1432
Probate Court No. 3
Honorable Jason Cox
Office: 832-927-1403
Fax: 832-927-0010
Probate Court No. 4
Honorable James Horwitz
Office: 832-927-1404
Fax: 832-927-1499
Harris County Probate Court No. 5 1115 Congress, Suite 558 Houston, Texas 77002
Probate Court No. 5 Honorable Kathleen S. Stone
Office: 832-927-1405
Probate Department
P.O. Box 1525
Houston, Texas 77251-1525
(713) 274-8585
http://www.cclerk.hctx.net
Harris County Civil Courthouse
201 Caroline, 8th Fl./Probate Dept.
Houston, Texas 77002
205 W. 14th, Ste. 600
Austin, TX 78701
(512) 475-4368
Oversees the certification, registration, and licensing of guardians, court reporters, court reporter firms, process servers, and licensed court interpreters.
701 W. 51st Street
Austin, TX 78751
(512) 438-4800
Report Abuse Hotline:
1 (800) 252-5400 to report abuse, neglect, exploitation, or violation of personal rights.
1500 McGowen, Suite 100
Houston, TX 77004
(713) 974-7691 (Voice)
(713) 974-7695 (Fax)
(866) 362-2851 (Video Phone)
Information on regional offices available atwww.dfps.state.tx.us/