Stuart Guardianship Lawyer
Unfortunately, as many of us get older, there comes a time when we can no longer manage our affairs. Children lose parents to death or incapacitation. For both elders and children in these situations, guardianships provide protection. The term “guardianship” simply means a legal proceeding in which a person designated by the court to be a “guardian” exercises the legal rights of a “ward.” A ward is someone who has been determined by the court to be partially or totally incapacitated. At The Gufford Law Firm, P.A., our Stuart guardianship attorneys provide a broad range of services to clients who need to establish, challenge or defend a guardianship.
Port St. Lucie Elder Guardian Attorneys
There are three broad categories of guardians: family, professional and public. At The Gufford Law Firm, P.A., we can help you understand the differences between the types of guardians and help you determine which would be best for your family.
- Family guardians
- Professional guardian
- Public guardian
- Natural guardians
- Voluntary guardians
- Emergency guardians
We can also help you understand the differences between plenary guardians, limited guardians and preneed guardians for both minors and adults.
Who Determines If A Person Is Incapacitated?
Before the court can appoint an individual to become a guardian, they need to determine if the subject is truly incapacitated. According to Florida Statute 744.331, the court will appoint an attorney for the alleged incapacitated as well as a committee of three medical professionals, which includes at least one psychiatrist or other physician.
The professionals perform comprehensive tests on the person’s physical, mental and functional health. After analyzing the data, the committee will determine whether the subject is incapable of exercising certain rights or not. If they are, then the court will move forward with scheduling an incapacity hearing.
Who Can Serve As A Guardian?
Pursuant to Fla. Stat. 744.309, the following persons may be appointed as guardians:
- Residents
- Nonresidents
- Trust companies, state bank or savings associations, national banks or federal savings and loan associations
- Nonprofit corporate guardians
- Health care providers
The law prohibits some individuals from serving as guardians. Those individuals include:
- Convicted felons
- Incapacitated persons
- Persons who have committed acts of abuse in the past
- Persons who provide services to the ward
What Does A Guardian Do?
A guardian essentially does those things that the ward cannot do for himself or herself. A guardian typically takes control of the ward’s property and makes arrangements for the ward’s daily needs. An annual guardianship report is required under which the guardian advises the court of the overall financial condition of the ward’s property.
Contact The Gufford Law Firm, P.A.
If you, or someone you know, need a guardianship action prosecuted or defended, please contact The Gufford Law Firm, P.A., in Stuart, Florida. Our lawyers will sit down with you and determine the best approach to the often-difficult emotional and legal issues raised.