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1. What is a guardian?

A guardian is a person appointed by the Court to act on behalf of a ward's person or property, or both.

2. What is a professional guardian?

A professional guardian is a person or agency receiving compensation for three or more wards, excluding family members.

3. Why do I need an attorney?

Florida Probate Rule 5.030 requires every guardian to be represented by an attorney admitted to practice law in Florida, unless the guardian is an attorney admitted to practice law in Florida.

4. Where can I get a copy of the Department of Children and Families release form?

This form is available from the Sixth Judicial Court's website. 

5. What is an initial report?

For a guardian of a person, the initial report is the Initial Plan, covering the period from the date the Letters of Guardianship were signed to the end of the month of the following year in which the Letters of Guardianship were signed. An Initial Plan executed June 13, 2019, would be valid through June 30, 2020.

For a guardian of property, the initial report is the Verified Inventory. This initial report is due within 60 days from the date the Letters of Guardianship are signed.

6. What are Letters of Guardianship?

Letters of Guardianship give the guardian authority to act on behalf of the ward.

7. What is an annual report?

For a guardian of a person, the annual report is the Annual Plan, which covers the person for the forthcoming fiscal year.

For a guardian of property, the annual report is the Annual Accounting, covering the period from the date the Letters of Guardianship were signed to the end of the month of the following year in which Letters of Guardianship were signed. Thereafter, the Annual Accounting would cover the period for the past fiscal year.

Annual Accounting Plan is due between 60 and 90 days prior to the beginning date of the plan.

8. Am I required to file my reports on certain forms?

Administrative Order 2019-005  PA/PI-CIR directs the guardian to file on Court-approved forms.

9. Where can I get Court-approved forms?

Forms are available from the Sixth Judicial Court's website.