Practice areas
Guardianship Attorney in Vero Beach, Florida
Few things are harder than watching a parent or spouse lose the ability to manage their own affairs, and few legal processes feel more intimidating than asking a court to step in. You don't have to navigate it alone.
Guardianship is sometimes necessary, and sometimes avoidable with good planning done early. Whichever road your family is on, you won't walk it alone. I'll handle the court's requirements so you can focus on the person you love.
Charles H. Sanford, Esq.
What we handle
Guardianship proceedings
Petitions, incapacity proceedings, and appointment of guardians in Florida courts.
Guardian guidance
If you're appointed guardian, I'll guide you through the reports, accountings, and duties the court requires.
Alternatives to guardianship
Powers of attorney, healthcare surrogates, and trusts that can keep your family out of guardianship court entirely.
Guardian advocacy
Less-restrictive proceedings for adult children with developmental disabilities.
Common questions
When does a family need a guardianship?
Generally when a person can no longer make decisions for themselves and there's no power of attorney or healthcare surrogate in place to act for them. If those documents exist and work, guardianship is often unnecessary, which is one reason early estate planning matters so much.
Can guardianship be avoided?
Often, yes: with durable powers of attorney, healthcare directives, and sometimes a trust, signed while your loved one still has capacity. If you're seeing early warning signs, it's worth putting those documents in place as soon as possible.
What does a guardian have to do?
A guardian acts under court supervision: filing plans and accountings, making decisions in the ward's best interest, and reporting regularly. Florida takes the role seriously, and I help guardians stay current with everything the court requires.
Related practice areas
Schedule a consultation
Tell us what's going on, and we'll give you an honest assessment of your situation and what it would cost. There's no obligation, and nothing to prepare.