Who is Qualified to Become a Guardian in Florida?

What is a guardian? Am I qualified to become a guardian in Florida? What is the Florida guardianship process? Is it complicated? When do I need assistance from a guardianship lawyer? How do I get a probate court to appoint me as the guardian of my mother? How do I get appointed as the guardian of my father who has dementia?

Qualifications of a Florida Guardian

A guardian is a court-appointed decision-maker for a minor or someone who is mentally or physically disabled. Florida has non-professional guardians, professional guardians, and public guardians.Non-professional guardians are usually family members or friends. Professional guardians are paid to be guardians. Public guardians may be able to serve incapacitated adults of limited financial means. A guardian must be at least 18 years old and capable of carrying out certain duties. Guardians do not have to be relatives of the ward. They can be unrelated. If you have been convicted of a felony, you do not qualify to serve as a guardian. Before you file for a Florida guardianship and request that you be appointed guardian, you should consider the duties of a Florida guardian and the guardianship process. Do you have time to be someone’s guardian in Florida? Are you capable of carrying out the responsibilities that come with being a guardian? The Florida guardianship process can become complicated, especially if the guardianship is being contested. Guardianships can sometimes involve litigation.Therefore, it is best to consult with a Palm Beach guardianship attorney. For a FREE consultation with Pankauski Hauser’s managing partner, John Pankauski, call 561-541-0900 Ext.101.