Guardianship

St. Petersburg Guardianship Lawyers

Establishing Elderly Conservatorship

There may come a time where your elderly loved one can no long take care of his or herself. When that happens, a guardian must be appointed by the court. Guardians are responsible for making sure their ward is taken care of.

Guardianship responsibilities may include:

  • Picking up groceries
  • Making sure they eat
  • Making sure they take necessary medications
  • Managing their finances
  • Arranging their living situation
  • Arranging transport to and from appointments
  • Making sure they remain in good health

Florida Guardians do not necessarily do all of these tasks themselves – many people hire a caretaker or find a nursing facility to help them with the workload.

Courts take guardianship appointment very seriously. It is critical that the person given this power can be trusted to act with integrity and the highest ethical standards. This is why family members of the elderly often petition for guardianship themselves.

If you are seeking guardianship of a loved one, contact the elder law attorneys of HKH Elder Law in St. Petersburg today. We can help you navigate Florida guardianship laws.

How to File for Guardianship in Florida

Establishing guardianship is a complex process. This is to protect the elderly person, who will lose some of their rights when guardianship is established. Filing for guardianship can be both expensive and time consuming, so as to discourage people who might not have the ward’s best interests at heart from applying.

In Florida, you must meet the following qualifications to be named a guardian:

  • Over 18 years old
  • A resident of Florida (you do not have to be a resident if you are directly related to the ward and have not been convicted of a felony)
  • You have a familial or friendly relationship with the ward

If you are an eligible guardian, you will then have to file a petition the court to determine the ward’s incapacity, another one to request an appointment of a guardian, and a final one to have yourself appointed as guardian. The court will appoint an attorney to represent the allegedly incapacitated person. Limiting someone’s rights is no small task, and the courts do everything in their power to make sure that this is the best decision for all parties involved.

How Long Does It Take To Become a Guardian?

Establishing guardianship of an elderly person in Florida can take many months depending on the circumstances surrounding the individual. This process is intended to be pretty difficult to ensure that the appointed guardian has the elderly family member or friend's best interest at heart.

Do You Have to Be a Family Member to Be a Guardian?

No, you do not have to be a family member to be a guardian in Florida. Although, many guardians do end up being family members.

Contact Experienced Guardianship Attorneys in St. Petersburg Today

At HKH Elder Law, we have helped numerous people establish guardianships in the state of Florida. We are thoroughly familiar with the guardianship process, and can walk you through it step by step. When filing for guardianship, it is important that all of your information is accurately represented. We can assist you with the filling process and make sure that everything is in order. Contact us for a legal guardianship attorney in the St. Petersburg area.

Call (727) 240-2350 to schedule a consultation at HKH Elder Law today. Our guardianship attorneys in St. Petersburg are prepared to help you take care of your loved ones, so give us a call today. 


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Guardianship - What To Expect

    "HKH Elder Law guided us through the complications patiently, and efficiently. The words that come to mind are professionalism, flexibility, people skills, integrity, and responsiveness. Great experience - highly recommend!"
    HKH Elder Law guided us through the complications patiently, and efficiently. The words that come to mind are professionalism, flexibility, people skills, integrity, and responsiveness. Great experience - highly recommend!
    - Marcia F.
    "Experts in their field. Very knowledgeable. Offer free zoom meetings that cover so many subjects including Medicare, Medicaid, will, estate planning."
    Experts in their field. Very knowledgeable. Offer free zoom meetings that cover so many subjects including Medicare, Medicaid, will, estate planning.”Experts in their field. Very knowledgeable. Offer free zoom meetings that cover so many subjects inc
    - Ursula R.
    "She and her entire team truly care about their clients."
    She and her entire team truly care about their clients.
    - Chelsie L.
    "They will make things clear and simple for you."
    As a family member who has provided support for seven family members as they moved through the continuum of being healthy and independent to requiring end-of-life care, I can heartily recommend the Hill and Kinsella Law Firm. I was referred to April Hill by my own stellar estate planning attorney when I needed assistance with my parents in the Tampa Bay area. I couldn't be more pleased with the entire process for creating updated documents to the execution of those documents to follow-up counsel in applying the documents. If you are considering an attorney/firm to help you with this part of your life or are a family member who needs guidance, call Hill and Kinsella. They will make things clear and simple for you.
    - Tracy S.
    "April's knowledge, professionalism along with her warm and caring understanding of the emotions involved in trying to do the very best for my mother was exemplary!"
    April rescued me with helping my mother transition into an assisted living facility plus deal with an unruly family member. April's knowledge, professionalism along with her warm and caring understanding of the emotions involved in trying to do the very best for my mother was exemplary! My family and I will forever be grateful to April! My husband and I have done our will through April and we always recommend her to friends and family. God bless you and your very capable staff!
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    "I would recommend their firm for the best Elder Law professional service..."
    Over the years Hill & Kinsella have professionally assisted with my legal needs and I would recommend their firm for the best Elder Law professional service in Pinellas County.
    - Michael C.
    "[April] has well-advised me and I am grateful for her knowledge and help for my future."
    Thanks to April Hill, my sisters and I were able to better take care of Mom and when she passed, handle her affairs more easily. Now that it was time for me to revise my will, I came to April. She has well-advised me and I am grateful for her knowledge and help for my future. When the time comes that my family has to deal with my estate, their work will be easier for this planning. Having settled estates for two of my relatives myself, I can provide my loved ones with an easier time taking care of things when I am gone. Thanks, April for your help!
    - Ginger P.
    "Wonderful Services"
    April and her team were asked to take over my mother's estate as my previous attorney was unable to finish. April & Team were wonderful. This was not a run of the mill probate. There were several issues left hanging by my previous attorney and April cleared everything up quickly. Hill & Kinsella is a great law firm. I'm so grateful our paths crossed.
    - Former Client

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