Fort Lauderdale Guardianship

Protecting Broward County Families

Guardianship places decisions about a person’s health, money, and safety in the hands of someone the court trusts. It exists for people who can no longer make those choices on their own. Florida governs the process under Fla. Stat. Chapter 744, with a judge overseeing the case from start to finish. Our Fort Lauderdale guardianship attorneys guide Broward County families through every stage with patience and plain answers.

Fort Lauderdale and Broward County

Guardianship in Fort Lauderdale and Broward County

Broward County is home to a large population of retirees and seasonal residents, and Florida leads the nation in the share of residents age 65 and older. That mix means many local families face a hard moment: an aging parent’s memory fades, or a sudden stroke leaves a loved one unable to manage daily life.

Fort Lauderdale families also often manage care from a distance, since adult children may live in another state while a parent stays in South Florida. Guardianship gives someone the clear legal authority to step in. These cases are heard in the Seventeenth Judicial Circuit Court in and for Broward County.

Fort Lauderdale Guardianship

Why Families Choose Guardianship

Without a court order, a bank or hospital may refuse to let you act for a loved one. Guardianship removes that barrier. It lets a guardian handle medical care, pay bills, and shield a vulnerable person’s savings from fraud, which matters in an area where scams targeting seniors are common.

Fort Lauderdale and Broward County

Your Emergency Is Our Emergency

Certain cases demand fast action. A parent may be neglecting their own safety or losing money they cannot spare. We respond with urgency and can ask the court for emergency authority so your loved one is protected without delay.

How the Guardianship Process Works

How the Guardianship Process Works

Broward cases generally move through four stages:-

A petition is filed explaining why a guardian is needed.

An examining committee reviews the person’s capacity and reports to the court.

A judge weighs the evidence at a hearing.

The court issues an order that defines the guardian’s duties.

When no one contests the case, it often wraps up in about 90 days.

Guardianship Options

Types of Guardianship in Florida

Florida law offers several forms so the court can match the help to the need:

  • Guardian of the Person:
    handles health care, housing, and daily welfare.
  • Guardian of Property:
    manages income, bills, and assets.
  • Minor guardianship:
    protects a child, and is required when a minor receives $15,000 or more.
  • Emergency Temporary Guardian:
    covers urgent danger, lasts 90 days, and can extend another 90 days if needed.

We can help you sort out which form fits your loved one.

How We Can Help

How a Fort Lauderdale Guardianship Attorney Can Help

We prepare and file petitions correctly, represent your family at each hearing, and coordinate with medical providers so care arrives fast. We also explain the different guardianship types so your family chooses with confidence.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

This is common in Broward County. You can still petition for guardianship, and Florida law allows non-resident relatives to serve as guardian in many cases. We help out-of-state families manage the process from afar.

Costs include court filing fees, the examining committee, and attorney fees. The total depends on whether the case is contested. We explain all costs up front so there are no surprises.

A guardian of the person handles health and daily care. A guardian of property manages money and assets. One person can serve in both roles, or the court can split them between two people.

A court-appointed examining committee evaluates the person and reports on their ability to make decisions. A judge then reviews that report before ruling.

Yes. An emergency temporary guardianship can be put in place quickly when danger is immediate. It lasts 90 days and can be extended once if the risk continues.

Urgent Situations

Contact Robinson and Casey Today

If guardianship may be the right step for your loved one in Fort Lauderdale, reach out. Our attorneys are ready to provide steady, caring support.

Schedule a Consultation or call (561) 849-4149.