Incapacitated Persons
Guardianship for Adults with Physical or Mental Disabilities
When an adult is no longer physically or mentally able to make important
decisions regarding their health, finances or property, they may be appointed
a guardian by the courts. A guardian is a surrogate decision-maker who
is appointed by the court to make important financial and personal decisions
for an adult with mental and/or physical disabilities. Once the court
has appointed a guardian, the person they are taking care of is referred
to as the "ward."
Under certain circumstances an adult's ability to make decisions can
become significantly impaired. Such circumstances may involve Alzheimer's
disease, old age, or severe mental illness. Whenever a physical or mental
condition causes disruption in the person's ability to provide for
his or her own basic needs such as food, clothing, shelter and transportation,
or when there is severe impairment in concentration, memory, thinking,
or the presence of delusions or hallucinations, it may be in the person's
best interests to obtain a guardian to manage their affairs.
What is adult guardianship?
Adult
guardianship is the court process where the court determines that an adult's ability
to make decisions is impaired. In effect, the court gives the right to
make important decisions to another individual or entity. The court operates
on the premise that the least restrictive form of guardianship is the
most desirable, providing it's in the ward's best interests.
There are a number of court-mandated responsibilities bestowed upon the guardian:
- The guardian is expected to act honorably all the while protecting the
ward's best interests and improving the ward's quality of life.
- The proposed guardian must be represented by an attorney.
An adult also has the right to voluntarily petition the court for the appointment
of a guardian when he or she is incapable of managing their own care and
estate; such petitions are generally incited by the infirmities of old age.
Contact a Miami Guardianship Lawyer
As a Coral Gables guardianship attorney with over three decades of experience,
I can assist you in filing a
petition to determine incapacity. I have received the AV® Rating from Martindale-Hubbell®, which
is the highest rating a lawyer can receive for legal ability and ethical
conduct. I also offer Spanish speaking services and reasonable attorney fees.
Contact me today to learn more about the duties involved in adult guardianship and how
I can help you.