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Guardianship Attorney in St. Petersburg & Lakewood Ranch
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Establishing guardianship, either of a minor or an incapacitated adult, in the state of Florida can be a difficult, time-consuming process. Often, guardianship proceedings require the assistance of a skilled attorney who can help you ensure that you follow the proper steps for a successful outcome.
At Finley Williams Law, PA, our founding attorney, Melissa Finley Williams, is committed to providing clients with the caring, compassionate, and personalized legal services they deserve. With a background in psychology, she offers an empathetic approach to each and every case as she skillfully helps you navigate the legal guardianship process. Whether you need help pursuing guardianship of a minor child, an incapacitated adult, or a disabled individual, our firm can help you understand your options and create a solid plan of legal action tailored to your goals.
How Does Guardianship Work in Florida?
The process of filing for guardianship in Florida involves filing several documents, including a Petition to Determine Incapacity, a Petition for Appointment of Guardian, and/or an Application for Appointment as Guardian. The documents you will need to file will depend upon your specific goals, for instance, whether you wish for the court to appoint a guardian, or you wish for the court to appoint you as the guardian of another person.
In order to qualify to serve as a guardian under Florida law, you must meet certain criteria. First and foremost, you must be at least 18 years of age or older and you must be a Florida resident.
- You are a relative of the ward by direct descent
- You are an adoptive parent or child of the ward
- You are a direct lineal relative of the ward (spouse, sibling, aunt/uncle, etc.)
- You are the spouse of a qualified guardian
- You have never been convicted of a felony
If you meet the above criteria, you may begin the process of petitioning for guardianship. This process can be complicated, and properly filing the necessary paperwork is crucial. Having a St. Petersburg guardianship attorney who can help you ensure that you take all the necessary steps can be invaluable. Our attorney has helped numerous individuals navigate the guardianship process. We use this experience to help you, even as we provide you with the personalized representation you need.
What Responsibilities Does a Legal Guardian Have?
Once appointed by a court, a legal guardian is essentially responsible for making sure all of the ward’s needs are met.
- Making health care and medical decisions
- Paying bills and managing finances
- Arranging for housing and transportation
- Managing day-to-day tasks and activities
- Ensuring an adequate education if the ward is a minor
Additionally, appointed guardians are required to attend an educational course, usually about eight hours in length, specifically for guardians. He or she will also be required to submit to background checks, both criminal and credit checks, and show proof of completion with the court.
Contact Finley Williams Law, PA Today
If you are considering starting the process of petitioning for guardianship, reach out to our St. Petersburg or Lakewood Ranch guardianship attorney today. We can help you throughout the entire legal process, offering honest counsel, personalized guidance, and unwavering representation from start to finish.
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