In Florida, when a loved one requires extra assistance to care for themselves, the courts can appoint a person to legally become their guardian.
A Volusia County guardianship will allow you to assist your loved one in 4 ways:
1. Choosing the residence
As part of guardianship, you become able to control how and where your incapacitated loved one will live.
In cases of disabled adults, it will be your job to ensure they find safe and adequate housing or that they can live with you in an environment that meets their medical needs.
2. Medical Care
When you become a guardian, you’ll have to take on the day-to-day medical care for your ward.
Typically, guardianships are sought when a person can’t provide adequate care for themselves, such as adults with disabilities. One of your biggest responsibilities will be to ensure your ward gets the right treatment, medications, therapy, counseling, and so forth.
3. Managing Finances
You will also be entrusted to maintain all of your loved one’s financial assets.
When a guardianship is granted, you’ll establish a special bank account — that restricts the use of your ward’s assets — to pay for their care.
Should they have any assets such as property or investments, you’ll also be required to manage these safely and responsibly.
4. Reports to the Court
As part of your guardianship agreement, Florida courts will require you to provide various ongoing reports to monitor and ensure the welfare of your loved one.
These include any care plans, medical reporting, and financial statements.
Volusia County Guardianship
Consulting with a seasoned guardianship lawyer will help you determine the right course of action if you’re considering applying for guardianship.
