How to Become a Guardian in Florida

Call The Virga Law Firm, P.A. to Get the Help You Need

Becoming a legal guardian can be necessary for the well-being of a loved one. When it falls to you to care for someone, there is more involved than managing the day-to-day details of their care. Guardians are legally-appointed caretakers and representatives who look out for the best interests of people who can’t take care of themselves, including:

• Children and minors
• Disabled persons
• Senior adults

Guardianship may be the answer to your family’s troubles. If you are interested in pursuing guardianship over a loved one or appointing a guardian for someone else, it is always a good idea to get an experienced guardianship lawyer on board.

When Is Guardianship a Good Solution?

There are a number of circumstances in which guardianship may prove valuable, helpful, and stabilizing for you, your family, and the person (or people) for whom you are caring. Some of the most common reasons you may wish to establish guardianship may include (but are not limited to):

• Caring for a minor who is not your child: While you do not necessarily need to have legal guardianship status in order to provide food, shelter, and a happy home for a child in need, you will not be able to make major decisions about their healthcare, schooling, etc. unless you are a guardian. Establishing guardianship is likely a good idea if you plan to continue caring for the child for the foreseeable future.
• A family member has a physical or mental illness: Becoming a legal guardian for a sick relative can be vital to their well-being. While you may be administering their medications, taking them to doctor appointments, and managing other day-to-day aspects of their life, you will not be able to make important medical decisions on their behalf unless you are a guardian.
• A loved one is too old to take care of themselves: As family members get older, it becomes increasingly obvious (and sometimes increasingly more difficult to convince them) that they are no longer able to take care of themselves. By becoming your aging loved one’s guardian, you will be able to help them manage their finances, insurance, medications, and more.

If none of the above apply to your situation, don’t worry. There are other reasons you may wish to establish a guardianship, and The Virga Law Firm, P.A. is here to help you make it happen. Contact a member of our team to get started taking your loved one’s well-being into your own hands.

Is Guardianship the Same as Adoption?

Guardianship and adoption are different legal relationships. When adoption occurs, parental rights are typically terminated and their legal relationship to their child is forever changed. However, a guardianship may be instituted without changing the parents’ legal status as such, and may be temporary.

Talk to a Florida Guardianship Lawyer Right Away

At The Virga Law Firm, we are committed to doing everything in our power to make sure that you and your loved ones are safe, protected, and well. If guardianship is, indeed, the answer to your family’s current struggle, our Florida guardianship attorneys are here to help you make it happen.