Guardianship attorneys · Coral Gables & Miami-Dade
Guardianship Administration for Florida Families
When a loved one can no longer manage their own affairs, or a minor receives money they cannot yet control, we help families establish and administer guardianships with care and attention to every court requirement.
✓ Board Certified Wills, Trusts & Estates attorney on our team✓ Adult & minor guardianships✓ Clear updates at every step
Talk with our guardianship team
Tell us a little about your situation and we will reach out to schedule your consultation.
Protecting someone who cannot protect themselves
A guardianship is a court proceeding that appoints a guardian to make personal or financial decisions for someone who is incapacitated, or to manage property for a minor. Florida courts treat guardianship seriously because it removes rights from the person, and they require less restrictive alternatives to be considered first.
Once a guardian is appointed, the work continues. Guardians must file inventories, annual accountings and annual plans and follow court rules. We guide families through each step and help guardians stay in good standing with the court.
Evaluate less restrictive alternatives
Petitions to determine incapacity and appoint a guardian
Guardianships of the property of minors
Initial inventories and guardianship plans
Annual accountings and annual plans
Restoration of rights and closing the guardianship
Guardianship services
Every family situation is different. We help you choose the right path and handle the court requirements along the way.
Adult Guardianships
We guide families through the incapacity process and the appointment of a guardian of the person, property or both.
Guardianships for Minors
We establish guardianships of the property when a minor inherits or receives a settlement that requires court oversight.
Alternatives to Guardianship
Durable powers of attorney, health care surrogates and trusts can sometimes avoid guardianship altogether.
Guardian Advocacy
For adults with developmental disabilities, a guardian advocacy can be a less restrictive option.
Annual Reporting
We prepare the annual accountings and plans the court requires and respond to auditor questions.
Settlements for Minors
We work with personal injury firms on court approval of minor settlements and the guardianships that follow.
Discover
Tell us about your loved one and what decisions need to be made.
Evaluate
We review alternatives and the right type of guardianship.
Administer
We handle the court process and ongoing reporting.
Is guardianship the right answer?
Not always. If your loved one signed a durable power of attorney and a health care surrogate designation while they still had capacity, those documents may allow the family to help without going to court. When guardianship is needed, we move carefully and keep you informed at each stage.
Frequently asked questions
Straight answers to the questions we hear most. For advice about your situation, schedule a consultation.
What does a guardian do?
A guardian of the person makes decisions about care, residence and medical treatment. A guardian of the property manages money and assets. The court defines the guardian’s powers in each case.
Who can serve as guardian?
Usually a family member or other qualified person. Guardians must complete required training and a background check, and some nonresidents may serve only if they are related to the person.
When does a minor need a guardianship of the property?
Generally when a minor is entitled to receive money or property above amounts set by Florida law, such as a large inheritance or settlement, and it is not already held in a trust or account for the minor.
Can a guardianship end?
Yes. A guardianship of a minor generally ends at age 18, and an adult whose capacity improves can seek restoration of rights.
