Guardianship
Sarasota Attorneys Assist with Guardianship of an Incapacitated Person
If a person appears to be incapacitated, and does not have a Living Will, Durable Power of Attorney or trust designating someone to make decisions on his or her behalf, a concerned person may petition the court to become guardian. Any adult who is capable of carrying out guardianship duties may petition the court.
The petition must present facts supporting the allegations that the person is incapacitated. Essentially, people are incapacitated when they are unable to manage their own property or to take care of their own health and safety needs.
The court has several steps to take before declaring someone incapacitated. There are physical and mental exams that must be conducted as well as a financial assessment. The party alleged to be incapacitated must have legal representation and will be declared incapacitated only if a three member committee agrees the person is incapacitated after they have reviewed the reports of the examiners.
At our Wills, Trusts, Probate and Elder Law Firm, PLLC in Sarasota, Florida, we represent those who need to pursue Guardianship over an allegedly incapacitated person as well as those who are fighting having a guardian appointed. Contact us for a free 30 minute consultation to discuss the specific facts of your situation and we will help you decide how to proceed.
IMPORTANT FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ON GUARDIANSHIP
Guardianships are governed by Chapter 744 of the Florida Statutes. Also known as the “Florida Guardianship Law”.
WHAT IS A GUARDIANSHIP?
WHAT IS A GUARDIAN?
WHO IS INCAPACITATED?
HOW IS A PERSON DETERMINED TO BE INCAPACITATED?
The court then appoints a committee of three members, usually two physicians, and another person who by knowledge, skill, training or education can form an expert opinion. One of the three members of the committee must have knowledge of the type of incapacity alleged in the petition and each member of the committee must submit a report of his/her findings to the court.
The examination of the incapacitated person normally includes 1) a physical examination, 2) a mental health examination and 3) a functional assessment.
The court also appoints an attorney to represent the person alleged to be incapacitated; however, the alleged incapacitated person may substitute his or her own attorney for the attorney appointed by the court. If the majority of the examining committee concludes that the alleged incapacitated person is not incapacitated in any respect, the judge is required to dismiss the petition. If the examining committee finds the person is unable to exercise certain rights, however, the court schedules a hearing to determine whether the person is totally or partially incapacitated. If a person is found to be incapacitated in any respect, a guardian is appointed at the end of the incapacity hearing unless there are lesser restrictive alternatives to guardianship which adequately address the person’s incapacity.
WHO MAY SERVE AS GUARDIAN?
The court may not appoint a guardian in some circumstances in which a conflict of interest may occur.
WHAT DOES A GUARDIAN DO?
The guardian of the ward’s person may exercise those rights that have been removed from the ward and delegated to the guardian, such as providing medical, mental and personal care services and determining the place and kind of residential setting best suited for the ward. The guardian of the person must also present to the court every year a detailed plan for the ward’s care along with a physician’s report.
If the court finds the ward partially incapacitated, it will appoint a limited guardian to perform only those rights which the ward is incapable of exercising.
IS A GUARDIAN ACCOUNTABLE?
The clerk of the court reviews all annual reports of guardians of the person and property and presents them to the court for approval. A guardian who does not properly carry out his or her responsibilities may be removed by the court.
IS GUARDIANSHIP PERMANENT?
A guardian may be held accountable and removed as guardian if the guardian fails to carry out his or her duties or otherwise becomes ineligible to act as guardian. A guardian may also resign by providing notice to the court.
IS GUARDIANSHIP THE ONLY MEANS OF HELPING AN INCAPACITATED PERSON?
If a person creates an advance health care directive, a durable power of attorney or trust while competent, he or she may not require a guardian in the event of incapacity.
WHAT ABOUT GUARDIANS FOR MINORS?
Please contact us to discuss any specific situation or needs you may have to see how we may be able to assist in reaching a resolution. We offer a free thirty (30) minute consultation to see if we can help.