Report: Bobby Brown files for guardianship over Bobbi Kristina's estate

Bobby Brown has filed for guardianship over his daughter Bobbi Kristina's estate as the 22-year-old remains hospitalized following a Jan. 31 medical emergency, WXIA reported.

[Here's what that means, legally speaking, explains estate/probate attorney Steve Worrall of The Manely Firm in Marietta.]

[UPDATE: Full coverage of Bobbi Kristina Brown story]

Credit: Jennifer Brett

Credit: Jennifer Brett

The report could not be verified as Fulton County Probate Court officials said such documents are confidential. However, a statement issued by Bobbi Kristina's grandmother, Cissy Houston, through her attorney, referenced the matter:

"This is a family matter involving sensitive information. We hope to resolve this in a manner that is respectful of Bobbi Kristina's sensitive health information. The Houston family has always looked out for the best interest of Bobbi Kristina Brown. The family has done so all of her life and will continue to do so. We trust that others have the same objective."

Whitney Houston's will, on file at Fulton County Probate Court, states that Bobbi Kristina is her sole heir and her aunt Pat Houston is executor. The Houston family has not publicly commented much since Bobbi Kristina's medical plight began, but messages posted on the late Houston's official Facebook page have reenforced Pat Houston's legal status. They've been signed, "Patricia Houston, President, The Whitney Houston Estate."

Brown recently announced during a concert that his daughter was "awake." A subsequent statement issued through his lawyer said "there has been improvement" in her condition but notes she has a long journey to recovery "and the quality of her life will not be known for years to come."

In February, he issued a statement through his lawyer to dispute reports that family members were preparing to say goodbye and in a brief exchange with Access Hollywood said, "She's good. We're praying."

Bobbi Kristina's grandmother, Cissy Houston, recently told a New York radio station that there had been no change in her condition and there was "not a great deal of hope."