Protecting Loved Ones When They Can't Protect Themselves
When a child, elderly parent, or incapacitated adult cannot make important decisions on their own, guargianship provides a legal framework to protect their well-being, finances, and future. At Barrister Law Firm, our experienced Orlando guardianship attorneys guide families through this sensitive process with clarity, compassion, and efficiency.
Guardianship matters often arise during stressful and emotional moments, whether due to illness, disability, or unexpected life changes. Our role is to help families understand their options, comply with Florida law, and move forward with confidence, knowing their loved one's rights and best interests are being protected at every stage of the process.
What is Guardianship?
Guardianship is a court-supervised legal relationship where one person (the guardian) is appointed to make decisions on behalf of another (the ward) who is unable to manage personal, medical, or financial affairs due to age, disability, or incapacity.
Guardianships are governed by Florida law and require strict compliance with court procedures, reporting requirements, and ongoing oversight.
The Florida Guardianship Process
- Filing a Petition with the court.
- Determination of Incapacity (when required).
- Appointment of a Guardian.
- Court Oversight and Reporting.
Guardianship in Florida is a structured legal process designed to protect individuals who are unable to manage their personal or financial affairs. It typically begins with filing a petition with the court and, when required, a formal determination of incapacity. Once guardian is appointed, the court maintains ongoing oversight to ensure the guardian acts in the ward's best interests and complies with all legal obligations.
Duties and Responsibilities of a Guardian
Managing Finances and Assets
Providing for Daily Care and Living Arrangements
Making Medical and Healthcare Decisions
Overseeing income, expenses, property, and financial accounts in accordance with court approval.
Making Medical and Healthcare Decisions
Providing for Daily Care and Living Arrangements
Making Medical and Healthcare Decisions
Coordinating medical care and treatment when the ward is unable to make informed decisions.
Providing for Daily Care and Living Arrangements
Providing for Daily Care and Living Arrangements
Filing Required Reports and Accountings with the Court
Ensuring the ward's housing, safety, and daily needs are properly met.
Filing Required Reports and Accountings with the Court
Filing Required Reports and Accountings with the Court
Filing Required Reports and Accountings with the Court
Submitting periodic financial reports and care plans as required by Florida law.
Advocating for the Ward's Rights and Well-being
Filing Required Reports and Accountings with the Court
Complying with Court Supervision and Legal Standards
Protecting the ward's personal dignity, safety, and legal rights in all decisions and actions.
Complying with Court Supervision and Legal Standards
Filing Required Reports and Accountings with the Court
Complying with Court Supervision and Legal Standards
Following Florida guardianship laws, deadlines, and judicial instructions throughout the duration of the guardianship.
Alternatives to Guardianship
Power of Attorney
Healthcare Surrogate Designations
Healthcare Surrogate Designations
Allows a trusted individual to manage financial or legal metters on another person's behalf without court supervision, as long as the individual has legal capacity at the time the document is executed.
Healthcare Surrogate Designations
Healthcare Surrogate Designations
Healthcare Surrogate Designations
Authorizes a designated person to make medical and healthcare decisions if an individual becomes unable to communicate or make informed choices.
Trusts and Estate Planning Tools
Healthcare Surrogate Designations
Trusts and Estate Planning Tools
Provide structured management assets and long-term planning solutions that may reduce or eliminate the need for guardianship, particularly for minors or individuals with ongoing care needs. When appropriate, these tools can be created through thoughtful estate planning to protect assets while minimizing court involvement.
Trusted and Detail-Oriented Guardianship Representation
At Barrister Law Firm, we handle guardianship matters with professionalism and care, recognizing the serious responsibility these cases involved. Because guardianship affects vulnerable individuals and deeply personal decisions, our approach is thoughtful, precise, and guided by Florida law. We prioritize clear communication, reponsive service, and thorough representation, that way our clients feel informed, supported, and confident throughout every stage of the guardianship process.