Four Situations In Which A Tampa Guardianship Helps Protect Your Loved Ones
Protecting the health and safety of loved ones is a top priority. Unfortunately, unexpected circumstances can happen in life that put them at risk. Establishing a guardianship offers a way to ensure they are provided for properly. Our Tampa guardianships lawyer explains four common situations in which establishing one may be an option.
What Is A Guardianship?
Guardianship is available through the Florida Courts and helps to ensure vulnerable individuals are protected. It involves identifying the fact that someone lacks the awareness or ability to make important decisions on their own behalf and having the court appoint someone to act as a surrogate decision-maker.
Once established by the court, guardianship ensures the individual’s health and financial security are protected. Matters a guardian may address on behalf of a vulnerable person include:
- Making sure the individual has adequate housing and other basic needs are met;
- Making sure they receive the appropriate medical care;
- Making sure their money, property, and other assets are managed properly;
- Intervening when circumstances or the individual’s own behavior puts them at risk.
Four Situations In Which A Tampa Guardianship Can Help
Guardianship proceedings in Tampa are held through the Hillsborough County Court. Establishing a guardianship may be done with the individual’s consent or involuntarily when it is in their best interests. In either case, you must be able to prove they are unable to adequately provide for themselves and lesser alternatives are not an option.
There are four common types of situations in which guardianship can be used to help protect those you care about:
- To protect a minor child.
In cases where something happens to the parents, the Florida Court requires that a guardian be appointed for minor children. This can be set up in advance, allowing you to select the individual best suited for the role if it is ever needed.
- To protect an adult child with special needs.
If you have a child with special needs, you want to ensure they are provided for properly, now and in years to come. Considering the options in terms of guardianship now can help ensure they are protected as adults.
- To protect someone who is seriously injured or ill.
Unexpected injuries and serious illnesses can happen. In addition to establishing powers of attorney and advance directives, guardianship can help in ensuring you and your loved ones are protected.
- To protect someone with diminished capacity.
Older adults are not always aware of cognitive impairments. This can lead them to make decisions that put themselves and others at risk. Guardianship may be the best option in this situation. It can also prove useful when dealing with someone who poses a danger to themselves, such as through drug and alcohol addiction.
Request A Consultation With Our Experienced Tampa Guardianships Lawyer
Establishing a guardianship can help to protect vulnerable loved ones. At Bubley & Bubley, P.A., we can guide you in the options available. Call or contact our office online and request a consultation with our Tampa guardianship lawyer today.
Sources:
flcourts.gov/Resources-Services/Office-of-Family-Courts/Family-Court-in-Florida/Guardianship
hillsclerk.com/court-services/probate-guardianship-and-trust