A limited guardian, as defined by F.S. 744.102(9)(a), essentially means a guardian who may exercise the legal rights and powers specifically designated by court order when the individual (ward) lacks capacity to do some, but not all, of the tasks necessary to care for his or her self or property.    

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A plenary guardian, as defined by F.S. 744.102(9)(b), means that the guardian appointed by the court may exercise all delegable legal rights and powers of the ward after the court has found that the ward lacks the capacity to perform all of the tasks necessary to care for his or her person or property.

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A person may be found to be legally incapacitated if they are judicially determined to lack the capacity to manage at least some of the property or to meet at least some of the essential health and safety requirements of such person.  F.S. 744.102(12).

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A. Examining Committee

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The court will appoint an examining committee composed of three professionals, usually a psychiatrist, psychologist, and a third professional to interview the person and file a report with the court. See F.S. 744.331(3).  The court will also appoint an attorney to represent the person alleged to be incapacitated.  The court requires that partial or total incapacity must be established by clear and convincing evidence. F.S. 744.331.

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B. Appointment of Guardian

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The court will review the examining committee reports, listen to testimony, and make a determination as to the Ward's capacity.  If a the court determines a guardian is needed, any resident of Florida who is an adult can serve as a guardian.  A non-resident of the state may serve if he or she is a close family member.  F.S. 744.309.  It is important to note that the court gives consideration to the wishes expressed by the incapacitated person in a written declaration of pre-need guardian or at the hearing.  Institutions, such as a public guardian may be appointed, but a bank trust department can only be appointed as guardian of the property and not guardian of the person.

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It is important to note that the court, if it deems necessary,  may appoint an emergency temporary guardian for the person or property or both of an alleged incapacitated person. In this situation, the court must specifically find that there appears to be imminent danger that the physical or mental health or safety of the alleged incapacitated person will be seriously impaired or that the person’s property is in danger of being wasted, misappropriated, or lost unless immediate action is taken.  In this situation, the powers and duties of the emergency temporary guardian must be specifically enumerated by court order. The court shall appoint counsel to represent the alleged incapacitated person during any such summary proceedings.  The authority of an emergency temporary guardian expires 90 days after the date of appointment and may be extended for an additional 90 days upon a showing that the emergency conditions still exist.  If a guardian is appointed, the emergency temporary guardianship is canceled. 

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The requirements for execution of a Declaration of Pre-Need Guardian is that it must be signed by the declarant in the presence of two attesting witnesses.  In a proceeding for incapacity, production of a Declaration of Pre-Need Guardian constitutes a rebuttable presumption that the person named as pre-need guardian or alternative is qualified to serve.  Please note, the court is not bound to appoint the person named if they are found to be unqualified or if the court determines that appointing the preneed guardian would not be in the best interests of the alleged incapacitated person.  F.S. 744.3045(4),(6), 744.312(4).

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C. Guardianships of Minors 

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A "minor" is a person under 18 years of age whose disabilities of age have not been removed by marriage or otherwise.  F.S. 744.102(13).  During minority, the mother and father are the natural guardians of their own children, including children who are adopted. F.S. 744.301(1)

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D. Minor's Claims

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The settlement of claims on behalf of minors is governed by F.S. 744.301, 744.3025 and 744.387.  The statutes make a distinction between settlement of claims under or above a $15,000 threshold.  (Note: Prior to April 29, 2002, the threshold was $5,000.)  Court approval is not required for settlements of $15,000 or less – the natural guardian is authorized to settle such claims.  However, court approval is required for settlements over $15,000.  A legal guardianship will also be required.  F.S. 744.387(2).  Appointment of a guardian ad litem to represent the minor’s interest is required if the gross settlement amount is $50,000 or more.  If the amount is between $15-50,000, a guardian ad litem may need to be appointed.

 

Note: Failure to obtain court approval under F.S. 744.387(3)(a) of a pre-suit structured settlement exceeding $15,000 could result in the settlement being disaffirmed by the minor on reaching majority or within a reasonable time thereafter.

 

 

E. Is Guardianship the Only Means of Helping an Incapacitated Person?

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No.  Certainly there are better alternatives to a guardianship.  As stated in the Florida Bar publication on guardianship, "Florida law requires the use of less restrictive alternatives to protect persons incapable of caring for themselves and managing their financial affairs whenever possible." Therefore, if a person appoints a health care surrogate, creates a durable power of attorney, and a revocable living trust while competent, he or she may not require a guardian in the event of incapacity.

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F. Conclusion

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The attorneys at the Guardianship division of Orlando City Law, P.A. provide planning to help avoid guardianship for loved ones; however, a if guardianship is necessary we will assist your family in establishing the guardianship as fast as possible.  Our guardianship services are available throughout Florida. For more information or a good faith estimate of the legal fees and costs, please contact Billy J. Brown, Esq,  at 407-910-5420 or e-mail us at Billy@orlandocitylaw.com.

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Disclaimer

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The information herein is of a general nature and is not intended to answer legal questions. Don't rely on information presented herein to address your individual legal concerns. If you have a legal question about your individual facts and circumstances, you should consult an attorney that is experienced in Florida guardianship law. Your receipt of information from this website or blog does not create an attorney-client relationship and the legal privileges inherent therein.