Guardianship in Florida is a significant aspect of estate planning, often seen as a protective measure for those unable to manage their affairs due to incapacity or age. Experienced estate planning attorneys frequently encounter scenarios where establishing a guardianship becomes necessary, with each case presenting unique challenges and requiring sensitive legal assistance. Guardianship involves a [...] The post What Are the Challenges and Controversies in Florida Guardianship Cases? appeared first on Beller Law, P.L ..read more

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that mental illness is one of the most common health conditions in the country. Mental health can impact one’s emotional, psychological, and social well-being and affects how one thinks, feels, and acts. Individuals with mental illness often find themselves in a precarious situation where they are [...] The post Empowering Autonomy While Ensuring Safety: The Delicate Balance of Guardianship for Individuals with Mental Illness appeared first on Beller Law, P.L ..read more

The golden years should be a time of peace and dignity. And yet, elder abuse remains a disheartening reality. According to the Department of Justice, over 10% of elderly individuals will experience some kind of abuse.  However, the good news is that you can take steps to prevent elder abuse. Guardianship, when exercised responsibly and [...] The post How Guardianship Can Help Shield the Vulnerable and Prevent Elder Abuse appeared first on Beller Law, P.L ..read more

Appointing a guardian to oversee the decisions and affairs of another person is sometimes necessary to protect that person’s health and well-being. Acting as a guardian can be a noble commitment that positively impacts someone’s life. However, complicated relationships such as those between a guardian and a ward do not always go smoothly. Circumstances can [...] The post How Hard Is It to Terminate Guardianship in Florida? appeared first on Beller Law, P.L ..read more

No one wants to think about what their children will go through in the event of the untimely death of one or both parents. Pain and suffering are something we wish to protect our children from, not something we want to plan for, and we tell ourselves that we will always be there for our [...] The post Eight Common Mistakes When Choosing a Guardian for Your Child appeared first on Beller Law, P.L ..read more

If you have a special needs child, you may be concerned about helping them meet their needs after they become adults. Depending on their circumstances, they might have disabilities that limit their ability to care for themselves or make certain financial or medical decisions. You might be wondering whether a conservator or guardian for your [...] The post Special Needs Children: Do I Need a Guardian or a Conservator? appeared first on Beller Law, P.L ..read more

Many conditions, such as cognitive impairment, substance abuse, and mental health conditions, render individuals unable to manage their daily lives independently. Conservatorships are an important device within the legal system for addressing the issue of surrogate decision-making on behalf of someone deemed an “absentee.” However, questioning one’s presence and ability to make decisions for themselves [...] The post Conservatorship Abuse: What Conservators Are Prohibited from Doing in Florida appeared first on Beller Law, P.L ..read more

If you have or are planning to initiate guardianship over a loved one, it’s helpful to know what lies ahead. Guardianship proceedings can be lengthy and emotional. The thought of attending the hearing and answering questions from a judge may seem intimidating, but rest easy. In this blog, we’ll explain the guardianship process and what [...] The post Guardianship Hearing: What To Expect appeared first on Beller Law, P.L ..read more

In the event an adult becomes incapacitated and can no longer make decisions or communicate their decisions with others, courts have the power to appoint a guardian. Once appointed, a guardian acts as a surrogate decision-maker who can make financial and medical decisions on behalf of the subject of the guardianship, or “ward.” However, if [...] The post When May a Contested Guardianship Proceeding Be Necessary? appeared first on Beller Law, P.L ..read more

Mental illness affects tens of millions of people in the U.S. every year. About one in four adults (approximately 26%) suffer from some type of mental illness. This disease spares no one. In fact, young people (ages 11-17) are currently struggling the most with their mental health. Seeing a loved one succumb to mental illness [...] The post What You Should Know About Guardianship and Mental Illness appeared first on Beller Law, P.L ..read more