A Family Law and Estate Planning Law Firm

Guardian Advocacy

Guardian Advocacy supports individuals who may need assistance with certain important decisions, while empowering them to maintain control over other aspects of their lives.

Guardian Advocacy Attorney in Fruit Cove, Florida

Guardian Advocacy

Our heartfelt mission is to empower you to live life on your terms, with the freedom to thrive independently. We provide compassionate, tailored legal support exactly where you need it—whether for medical decisions, financial guidance, or educational planning. With our dedicated team by your side, we ensure your journey is supported with care, helping you shine while safeguarding your choices and future.

What Is Guardian Advocacy?

Guardian advocacy is a legal alternative to traditional guardianship, designed specifically for individuals who have a developmental disability as defined by Florida law. It applies to adults who may not be able to make some—but not all—important decisions for themselves due to conditions such as:

The goal of guardian advocacy is to empower the individual to live as independently as possible while receiving legal assistance only in areas where it is truly needed—such as medical decisions, financial oversight, or education planning.

How Guardian Advocacy Differs from Guardianship

As a trustee, you are responsible for managing assets held in trust according to the terms of the trust document and in compliance with Florida’s Trust Code. Duties include:

  • Collecting and managing trust propert
  • Making prudent investments
  • Providing regular accountings to beneficiaries
  • Distributing assets per trust terms
  • Avoiding conflicts of interest

I assist both new and experienced trustees with:

  • Reviewing and interpreting trust documents
  • Advising on fiduciary decisions and responsibilities
  • Preparing trust accountings and tax documents
  • Resolving disputes with or between beneficiaries
  • Responding to creditor claims or trust litigation

A trustee can be held personally liable for mishandling funds or breaching fiduciary duties. I work to protect you while ensuring that your actions align with both the trust terms and Florida law.

If you are serving as a guardian or guardian advocate, the court requires ongoing supervision, documentation, and compliance with detailed statutes. I help court-appointed guardians:

  • Understand the scope of their authority
  • File initial and annual plans, inventories, and accountings
  • Obtain court approval for certain actions (e.g., selling property, changing residence)
  • Respond to complaints or challenges
  • Navigate changes in the ward’s needs or rights

Whether you are managing a loved one’s personal care, finances, or both, I provide the legal tools and support you need to serve effectively and responsibly.

  • Evaluate your family’s needs and goals
  • Prepare and file all required guardian advocacy documents
  • Assist in obtaining consent from the individual, when appropriate
  • Represent you at the court hearing
  • Help you understand your ongoing duties and responsibilities
  • Rights and Responsibilities of Guardian Advocates
  • Medical or mental health care
  • Financial matters (with or without property management)
  • Education and vocational decisions
  • Housing and residential services
  • Legal advocacy and access to

Importantly, the court may allow the individual to retain certain rights—including the right to marry, vote, work, or choose where they live—depending on their abilities. The final order will specify which rights are delegated and which are preserved.

I work closely with families to ensure that the court’s order reflects the individual’s actual needs while preserving dignity and independence.

Like other forms of guardianship, guardian advocates in Florida are court-supervised and required to file periodic reports, such as:

  • An Initial Plan outlining the services and support provided
  • An Annual Plan detailing progress, changes, and ongoing needs
  • A Fiduciary Report or Annual Accounting (if handling finances)

I assist clients in preparing these reports accurately and on time to maintain compliance and avoid issues with the court.

Occasionally, disputes may arise regarding a guardian advocate’s authority, performance, or the appropriateness of the advocacy arrangement. I represent families and advocates in:

  • Modifying existing guardian advocacy orders
  • Petitions to terminate or expand a guardian advocate’s authority
  • Resolving disagreements among family members
  • Ensuring compliance with the court’s supervision

If your loved one’s needs have changed or the current arrangement is no longer appropriate, I can help you file a petition to adjust the terms or replace the current guardian advocate.

In some cases, families may explore less formal alternatives, such as:
Durable powers of attorney

  • Health care surrogates
  • Representative payee designations
  • Special needs trusts

I provide legal advice on whether guardian advocacy, traditional guardianship, or another arrangement is best suited for your loved one’s current and future needs.

Evening and virtual appointments available

Based in Fruit Cove, I serve families across St. Johns, Duval, Clay and neighboring counties. I understand the sensitivity required in these cases and the deep trust you place in a lawyer who helps secure your loved one’s future.

I am committed to being accessible, compassionate, and responsive throughout your journey—from your initial consultation to your final court hearing and beyond.

Schedule a Confidential Consultation

If you are the parent or caregiver of a child with a developmental disability who is turning 18, it’s time to plan ahead. I can help you determine whether guardian advocacy is appropriate and guide you through every legal step of the process.

Let’s protect your loved one—while honoring their dignity and voice.

Serving Fruit Cove, St. Augustine, Jacksonville, Duval, and St. Johns Counties
Flexible scheduling | In-person and virtual options available