Florida Guardianship Procedures

Created by FindLaw's team of legal writers and editors | Last reviewed March 20, 2018

This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw’s team of legal writers and attorneys and in accordance with our editorial standards.

The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area.

Sometimes we are faced with the difficult situation of having a family member or loved one become unable to make day-to-day decisions for themselves. When this happens, it may become necessary to have a guardian make decisions for that person. The process of determining a guardian can be complicated. This is a brief overview of Florida guardianship procedures, in order to give you a better idea of what is involved in a Florida guardianship proceeding.

What Does Guardianship Mean?

Under Florida law, guardianship refers to the management of the affairs of someone who is unable to manage his or her own affairs. Generally, a court orders guardianship on behalf of someone who is called a "ward" of the court. A guardian then assumes the rights of the ward to make decisions about many aspects of the ward's daily life. A guardian is obligated by ethical and statutory rules to make decisions in the ward's best interest.

Florida Guardianship Overview

Below you will find key information about Florida's guardianship procedures.

Statute

 Florida Title XLIII: Domestic Relations Chapter 744 (Guardianship)

Qualifications

A person is qualified to serve as a guardian in Florida if he or she:

 

Filing
  • Is over the age of 18 years of age; and
  • Is a Florida resident; or

Is a non resident who is:

  • Related by direct descent to the ward;
  • A legally adopted child or adoptive parent of the ward;
  • A spouse, brother, sister, uncle, aunt, niece, or nephew of the ward, or someone elated by lineal consanguinity to any such person; or
  • The spouse of a person otherwise qualified above; and
  • Has never been convicted of a felony.

A person seeking guardianship can file three documents:

  1. Petition to Determine Incapacity: Establishes that the ward needs a guardian;
  2. Petition for Appointment of Guardian: Asks the court to appoint a guardian;
  3. Application for Appointment as Guardian: Asks the court to appoint you as the guardian.
  • After you file a Petition to Determine Incapacity, the court can appoint three individuals to serve as members of an examining committee. One member must be a psychiatrist or other physician.
  • The other members must be medical professionals who can advise the court in the form of an expert medical opinion. One of three members of the committee should have expertise in the type of incapacity the ward is suffering from, but cannot be the ward's attending or family physician.
  • Each of the committee members then meets independently with the ward to evaluate his or her abilities. Each member will make a written report that they file with the court.

    The court may appoint an attorney to represent the allegedly incapacitated person. Or the person may substitute their own attorney to represent them throughout the proceeding, if they so choose.

Requirements of Guardian Appointment
  • If the court appoints a family member to serve as guardian, that family member will be required to attend an eight-hour educational course for guardians.
  • He or she must also submit to criminal and credit background checks, and he or she must file proof of completion with the court. Non-Florida residents may complete the educational course by listening to audiotapes.
  • Cost: The approximate cost to open a guardianship will vary depending on the specific circumstances of each case, including court costs, the examining committee fees, the court appointed attorney's fees, and your attorney's fees, should you choose to hire one.
  • The cost can range from approximately $5,000.00 to $7,500.00 or more. After guardianship is determined, the fees and costs can range from $300.00 to over $2,500.00 per year.

Note: State laws are always subject to change through the passage of new legislation, rulings in the higher courts (including federal decisions), ballot initiatives, and other means. While we strive to provide the most current information available, please consult an attorney or conduct your own legal research to verify the state law(s) you are researching.

Florida Codes and Legal Research Options

Related Resources

Learn More About Florida Guardianship Procedures from an Attorney

Guardianship can be a complicated legal process. If you're interested in learning more about Florida guardianship procedures, or would like help with the process, it's a good idea to contact a local family law attorney who can help explain Florida's guardianship laws and how they may impact your case.

Was this helpful?

Can I Solve This on My Own or Do I Need an Attorney?

  • Family law matters are often complex and require a lawyer
  • Lawyers can protect your rights and seek the best outcome

Get tailored family law advice and ask a lawyer questions. Many attorneys offer free consultations.

 

If you need an attorney, find one right now.

Helpful Links

Popular Directory Searches