Can I just register my out-of-state guardianship in Florida?

No. Unlike states that have adopted the UAGPPJA, Florida does not have a registration or transfer mechanism. You must petition for a new guardianship.

Do I need to hire an attorney in both states?

In most cases, yes. You need a Florida attorney to file the new guardianship petition, and you may need your original state’s attorney to close the existing guardianship and provide certified copies.

What if my loved one’s condition has worsened since the original guardianship?

The Florida examining committee will evaluate the ward’s current condition. If the original guardianship was limited but the ward’s incapacity has increased, the Florida court may appoint a plenary (full) guardian with broader authority.

Is my business's financial information private during probate?

Yes, with conditions. Under F.S. §744.309, certain non-resident relatives can serve as guardian. However, living in Florida makes the process significantly simpler.

March 24, 2026 - Estate Planning & Probate Attorneys

When a Guardian Fails: How Florida Courts Hold Guardians Accountable

by Trust Counsel | Mar 24, 2026 | Articles, Guardianship

Guardianship exists to protect vulnerable people. But what happens when the person appointed to protect becomes the problem?It happens more often than most families expect. A guardian stops filing reports. Money disappears from the ward’s account. Medical decisions...

Guardianship vs. Power of Attorney in Florida: Which One Does Your Family Actually Need?

by Trust Counsel | Mar 24, 2026 | Articles, Guardianship

If you are researching legal options for a family member who can no longer manage their own affairs, you have probably encountered two terms: guardianship and power of attorney. They sound similar. They are both about someone making decisions for someone else. But...

Emergency Guardianship in Florida: When 24 Hours Can Change Everything

by Trust Counsel | Mar 24, 2026 | Articles, Guardianship

Some guardianship cases can wait 60 to 90 days for the standard process. Others cannot wait 60 hours.When there is imminent danger to a person’s health, safety, or property, Florida law provides a mechanism for emergency court intervention. It is called an Emergency...

Your Parent Has Dementia and No Power of Attorney. Now What?

by Trust Counsel | Mar 24, 2026 | Articles, Guardianship

The call usually comes on a Tuesday afternoon. Or a Sunday night from the ER.“Mom forgot to take her medication again.” “Dad is giving money to strangers on the phone.” “The bank froze her account because she couldn’t answer the security questions.”And then the...

Moving to Florida With a Guardianship? Here Is What the Court Requires

by Trust Counsel | Mar 24, 2026 | Articles, Guardianship

You did the right thing. You went to court. You sat through hearings, completed the paperwork, passed a background check, and a judge in another state appointed you as your loved one’s legal guardian.Then life changed. Maybe you retired. Maybe the weather in the...