Can we expect reform of Guardianship Law in Florida?

Recently we reported on a story published in the Sarasota Herald-Tribune regarding the exploitation of the elderly by the guardians appointed to protect them.  (See the story here: http://extra.heraldtribune.com/kindness-strangers/ )

The Ledger recently expanded on the Herald-Tribune’s story by calling for reform in Guardianship Law in Florida: 

• “There are, sadly, all too many ways to exploit the elderly — from complex investment scamsto simple theft.
• Stopping such abuse was a major reason guardianship laws were created — to protect a vulnerable population.
• But the Herald-Tribune’s recent series exposed the reality that guardianships themselves sometimes become a form of abuse, draining elders of their crucial financial assets in their twilight years.
• Although such cases don’t represent the majority of guardianships, there are enough troubling examples to reveal a system in need of some reforms.”

See the full story from The Ledger here: http://www.theledger.com/article/20141227/EDIT01/141229482

West Palm Beach guardianship attorneys have seen guardianship situations turn for the worst.

How can guardianship in Florida change for the better?   

• Last month state Rep. Kathleen C. Passidomo, a Naples politician, filed a bill that would address some key complaints about guardianships.
• For example, it would toughen notification requirements for elderly personswho have been appointed a guardian.  This would reduce the chance of an elderly person and his or her family being “in the dark” about a legal proceeding that involved them.
• It also would add a section specifying that “a guardian may not abuse, neglect, or exploit theward.” The “ward” being the protected elder.
• “Exploitation” would be defined to include wasting the ward’s assets.
• The legislation directs that a guardian should “Consider the expressed desires of the ward … when making decisions that affect the ward”; allow continued contact with family members; and “Notify the court if the guardian believes that the ward has regained capacity.”

Find out more on Guardianship in Florida. See http://www.pankauskilawfirm.com/ for videos and information on Guardianship Law, Court-Appointed Guardians, and Power of Attorney.