GUARDIANSHIP
WHEN TO SEEK GUARDIANSHIP
Knowing when to seek a guardianship can prove difficult. The right time is not always obvious because a proposed disabled person may appear lucid one day and confused the next. Everyone understands a disabled persons desire for prolonged freedom and independence. But without help some people may incur significant risks to their health, safety, and financial stability.
Not always, but in many cases a phased approach to guardianship is best. At Minot Law, we advocate an approach that preserves the disabled person’s freedoms to the extent he or she continues to function well in those areas. Most always a guardianship will prove helpful in the area finances. But no matter the form and extent of the guardianship, the court will require periodic updates. At those times the court will review the disabled persons situation and determine whether he or she needs additional help from the guardian.
When a guardianship of a loved one is the only safe option, consider seeking the advice and counsel of an experienced Florida attorney. A good lawyer can help in your appointment as a guardian for your loved one. Or conversely, he can assist in your efforts to remove an ineffective guardian. Guardianship attorneys can even help terminate an unnecessary guardianship.
Contact Minot Law at (321) 349-3004 if you need assistance with a guardianship matter.
GUARDIANSHIP
COMMON QUESTIONS
GUARDIANSHIP FOR A LOVED ONE
When adults come to a place where they can't provide safe and effective care for themselves another person must step in to help. That person can obtain the authority they need by applying for guardianship.
IS YOUR LOVED ONE UNABLE TO MANAGE THEIR AFFAIRS?
When adults come to a place where they can't provide safe and effective care for themselves another person must step in to help. That person can obtain the authority they need by applying for guardianship.
Many people needing help no longer effectively perform daily tasks such as shopping for food, making meals, bathing, dressing themselves, cleaning the house, driving a vehicle, protecting and defending themselves, keeping accurate records, accounting for their money or paying bills. Because of these difficulties they become susceptible to fraud and inheritance scams.
GUARDIANSHIP PROCEEDINGS
Guardianship proceedings are a process where judges appoint responsible people to act on behalf of disabled adults. Florida courts typically appoint guardians according to the following order of priority:
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Spouse
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Adult child
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Parent
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Sibling
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Any other interested person, and the public guardian
WHO PAYS FOR GUARDIANSHIP?
Guardianship attorneys and the guardian they represent are entitled to reasonable compensation for their services, payable from the disabled persons estate. Judges review fee petitions and all objections before approving the requests. Once approved, a guardian may pay his or her attorneys and themselves from the bank accounts of the disabled person.
YOUR STEPS
If your loved one has become physically or mentally incapacitated for any reason, even if only temporarily, a guardianship may be the right step for your family. Our guardianship attorney will analyze the facts and circumstances of your case to advise you if it's time for a guardianship.
YOU DESERVE AN EXPERIENCED ATTORNEY
WHY CHOOSE MINOT LAW
As a skilled litigation lawyer, Mike Minot represents clients in matters involving real estate, inheritance, and guardianship matters. Whatever your need, Mike Minot is the civil litigator you want on your side to first provide an accurate assessment of your case and then battle for the outcome you desire. With more than three decades of valuable experience Michael is prepared for any scenario. You will recognize his devotion and ability from your first meeting.