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James Beckwith

Navigating Guardianships and Conservatorships

Updated: Jul 28, 2023

Navigating Guardianships and Conservatorships: Understanding Florida's Legal Protections for Vulnerable Individuals.


Guardianships and conservatorships are essential legal tools designed to protect the interests and well-being of individuals who are unable to manage their own affairs. In Florida, these arrangements provide crucial support for minors, incapacitated adults, or individuals with disabilities. In this blog post, we will explore guardianships and conservatorships in Florida, understanding their purpose, process, and the role they play in safeguarding vulnerable individuals.


Guardianships in Florida: A guardianship is a legal relationship established by the court that grants a designated individual (the guardian) the authority to make decisions on behalf of another person (the ward) who is deemed incapacitated or unable to manage their personal and financial affairs. Types of guardianships in Florida include:

  1. Guardianship of the Person: This type of guardianship empowers the guardian to make decisions related to the ward's personal needs, such as medical care, living arrangements, and education.

  2. Guardianship of the Property: This allows the guardian to manage the ward's financial affairs, including handling assets, paying bills, and managing investments.

  3. Limited Guardianship: When a ward is only partially incapacitated and can manage some aspects of their life independently, a limited guardianship may be established to grant the guardian specific powers while preserving the ward's rights to the extent possible.

Conservatorships in Florida: While the term "conservatorship" is not commonly used in Florida, it is functionally similar to a guardianship of the property. A conservatorship typically involves the appointment of a responsible individual to manage the financial affairs of an incapacitated individual, similar to a guardian of the property.


The Guardianship Process: The process of establishing a guardianship in Florida is overseen by the court and involves several essential steps:

  1. Petition Filing: The person seeking to become the guardian must file a petition with the court, providing evidence of the individual's incapacity and the need for guardianship.

  2. Capacity Evaluation: The court will appoint an examining committee to assess the alleged incapacitated person's mental and functional capacity.

  3. Hearing: A hearing will be held to determine whether the individual is indeed incapacitated and whether guardianship is necessary.

  4. Guardian Appointment: If the court grants the petition, a guardian will be appointed to act in the best interests of the ward.

Guardianship Duties and Responsibilities: Guardians have a fiduciary duty to act in the best interests of the ward. They must make decisions that promote the ward's well-being, ensure their physical and emotional needs are met, and manage their assets responsibly.


Termination and Modification: Guardianships in Florida can be terminated or modified if the ward's condition improves or if there are changes in circumstances that warrant adjustment.


Guardianships and conservatorships play a vital role in protecting vulnerable individuals who are unable to manage their own affairs in Florida. These legal arrangements provide necessary support and guidance for minors, incapacitated adults, or individuals with disabilities. The establishment of a guardianship involves a thorough legal process, and guardians have significant responsibilities to fulfill their fiduciary duties diligently. If you are considering a guardianship or have questions about the process, consulting with an attorney at Beckwith Legal can provide valuable insights and help ensure the best interests of the ward are upheld.

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