Guardianship Attorney in Pembroke Pines

When a loved one can no longer make decisions on their own, whether due to age, illness, disability, or injury, guardianship may become necessary to protect their well-being and finances.

At Carol L. Grant, P.A., we help families in Pembroke Pines, Miramar, Hollywood, Cooper City, Weston, Fort Lauderdale, Miami, and throughout South Florida navigate Florida's guardianship process with clarity and compassion. Guardianship is a court-supervised legal arrangement that appoints a responsible person to make medical, financial, or personal decisions for someone who cannot do so themselves. Whether you're seeking guardianship for an aging parent, a minor child, or an adult with special needs, Carol understands how emotionally difficult these situations can be. She provides personalized guidance through each step, from filing the initial petition to fulfilling ongoing court requirements.

Our firm is here to ensure your loved one receives the protection they need while honoring their dignity and best interests.

Common Guardianship Cases We Handle

Incapacity Determination and Petition Filing

The first step in any guardianship case is proving that the person in question, called the ward, is truly incapacitated and unable to manage their own affairs. Florida law requires a formal determination of incapacity, which involves medical evaluations and testimony before the court will appoint a guardian. This process can feel overwhelming, especially if you're already dealing with the stress of a loved one's declining health or sudden medical crisis.

Carol helps families understand what documentation is needed, coordinates with medical professionals to obtain the required evaluations, and prepares the petition for guardianship to file with the Broward County court. She walks you through what to expect during hearings and ensures that your petition is thorough, accurate, and filed in compliance with Florida statutes. Whether your loved one is suffering from dementia, a traumatic brain injury, or another condition that affects their decision-making ability, Carol provides the legal support needed to move forward with confidence.

Guardianship of an Adult

When an adult becomes incapacitated due to illness, injury, cognitive decline, or other medical conditions, they may need someone to manage their personal and financial affairs. Adult guardianship is a legal process that grants authority to a guardian to make decisions about healthcare, living arrangements, and finances on behalf of someone who can no longer do so safely on their own.

In Pembroke Pines and across Broward County, families often seek adult guardianship for elderly parents with Alzheimer's or dementia, adults who have suffered strokes or brain injuries, or individuals with severe mental illness. Carol guides families through Florida's guardianship process, helping you understand the responsibilities involved and ensuring the petition is properly prepared and filed. She works to protect your loved one's rights while establishing the legal framework needed to keep them safe and cared for.

Learn more →

Guardianship of Minors

When parents pass away, become incapacitated, or are otherwise unable to care for their children, the court may appoint a guardian to step in and provide for the child's needs. Guardianship of minors is often necessary in situations involving the death of a parent, parental incapacity, or when a parent voluntarily consents to guardianship due to personal circumstances.

In Pembroke Pines and surrounding areas, families turn to Carol when they need help establishing legal guardianship over a minor child. She assists with preparing the petition, representing your interests in court, and ensuring the guardianship arrangement prioritizes the child's safety and stability. If you're a grandparent, aunt, uncle, or family friend stepping up to care for a child, Carol can help you secure the legal authority to make medical, educational, and financial decisions on their behalf.

Learn more →

Emergency Guardianship

Sometimes, a crisis happens without warning. A loved one may suffer a stroke, be hospitalized after an accident, or experience a sudden mental health emergency that leaves them unable to make decisions. In these urgent situations, waiting weeks or months for a full guardianship proceeding isn't an option.

Florida allows for emergency guardianship when immediate action is needed to protect someone's health, safety, or assets. This expedited process grants temporary authority to a guardian for up to 90 days while a full guardianship case moves forward. Carol helps families in Pembroke Pines act quickly to file emergency petitions, gather the necessary medical documentation, and appear before the court to secure temporary guardianship. She understands the urgency these situations demand and works to protect your loved one's well-being without delay.

Learn more →

Limited Guardianship

imited guardianship allows a judge to grant decision-making authority over only the specific areas where someone truly needs help, while letting them keep control over the parts of their life they can still manage on their own. It's designed for situations where a person has some capacity but needs support with finances, medical decisions, or other defined responsibilities. We help families present clear evidence to the court, identify which rights should be preserved, and set up a guardianship arrangement that respects the individual's independence as much as possible. If full guardianship feels like too much control, limited guardianship offers a more balanced solution that still provides the protection your loved one needs.

Learn more →

Plenary Guardianship

Plenary guardianship grants full legal authority over all personal and financial decisions for someone who can no longer manage any aspect of their own care. This is the most comprehensive form of guardianship in Florida and is typically used when an individual is completely incapacitated due to dementia, severe disability, or other conditions that prevent them from making safe decisions. We guide families through the entire court process, filing the petition, coordinating the examining committee, presenting evidence of incapacity, and ensuring the guardian is properly appointed with clear legal authority. If your loved one needs complete protection and can't safely handle any decisions on their own, plenary guardianship provides the legal framework to step in and act on their behalf.

Learn more →

Guardian Advocacy

Guardian advocacy is a specialized form of guardianship designed for adults with developmental disabilities who need help managing certain aspects of their lives but may not require full guardianship. This process is less restrictive than plenary guardianship and is often used for individuals with intellectual disabilities, autism, cerebral palsy, or other developmental conditions that impact their ability to make fully informed decisions.

In Florida, guardian advocacy allows families to seek court approval to assist with specific areas, such as healthcare decisions, financial management, or residential placement, while respecting the individual's rights and autonomy as much as possible. Carol works closely with families in Pembroke Pines and across South Florida to establish guardian advocacy arrangements that provide the right level of support without unnecessarily limiting the individual's independence. She also helps families understand how guardian advocacy interacts with Special Needs Trusts and government benefits like SSI and Medicaid.

Annual Guardianship Reporting and Compliance

Once a guardian is appointed, Florida law doesn't simply step back. Guardians are required to file annual reports with the court detailing the ward's condition, living situation, and how their assets are being managed. These reports, called annual guardianship plans and annual accountings, are mandatory and must be filed on time to remain in good standing with the court.

Many guardians feel uncertain about what needs to be included in these reports or how to document expenses and financial transactions properly. Carol provides ongoing support to guardians in Pembroke Pines and throughout Broward County, helping them prepare accurate reports, maintain proper records, and meet all court deadlines. She also assists with any required updates to the guardianship plan as the ward's needs change over time. Having an attorney on your side ensures you stay compliant with Florida's strict guardianship rules and avoid any issues that could jeopardize your role as guardian.

Serving Pembroke Pines and Surrounding South Florida Communities

Our office is located in Pembroke Pines, and we proudly serve families throughout Broward and Miami-Dade counties, including:

No matter where you live in the region, we're here to help you build a plan that can protect your family and reflect your values.

Protecting Your Loved Ones with Compassionate Legal Guidance

Guardianship is never an easy decision, but when it becomes necessary, having the right legal support makes all the difference. At Carol L. Grant, P.A., we're here to help you protect the people who matter most. From initial petitions to ongoing compliance, emergency situations to complex disputes, Carol provides the personalized attention and experienced guidance your family deserves.

If you're facing questions about guardianship or need help with a case already in progress, we're here to help. Contact our office today to schedule a consultation and learn how we can support you through this process.

For more information about our other services, visit our Estate Planning and Probate pages. You can also return to our homepage to explore additional resources and learn more about how we serve families throughout South Florida.