Tampa Guardianship Attorney.
Compassionate Advocacy for Incapacitated Loved Ones
When a loved one can no longer make decisions for themselves, finding the right legal support becomes crucial. Our Tampa guardianship attorneys bring decades of combined experience helping families navigate Florida’s complex guardianship laws with dignity and respect across Hillsborough County.
When to Hire an Experienced Tampa Guardianship Attorney
In Florida, guardianship proceedings in Hillsborough County require extensive documentation, medical committee evaluations, court hearings, and ongoing compliance. Working with an experienced Tampa guardianship attorney ensures you navigate these statutory requirements correctly while keeping your loved one’s dignity and wellbeing paramount.
Protecting Vulnerable Adults from Exploitation
Obtain lawful Letters of Guardianship granting clear authority to manage personal care, living arrangements, and healthcare when an individual cannot.
Navigating Florida Incapacity Proceedings
Safeguard vulnerable family members from financial exploitation, fraud, mismanagement, and predatory influence through court-supervised asset controls.
Securing Emergency Temporary Guardianship
Explore and exhaust alternatives—including durable powers of attorney, healthcare surrogacy, and trusts—preserving as much personal autonomy as possible.
Representing Court-Appointed Guardians & Heirs
Act swiftly through Emergency Temporary Guardianships (ETG) when imminent danger of physical harm or immediate financial waste threatens a loved one.
Exploring Less Restrictive Alternatives to Guardianship
Navigate intricate local court procedures, mandatory examining committee hearings, initial inventories, and annual accounting filings with complete legal confidence.
Comprehensive Guardianship Legal Services in Hillsborough County
Our dedicated attorneys provide compassionate, knowledgeable counsel for families navigating all aspects of Florida guardianship law.
Establish limited or plenary guardianships for aging parents or incapacitated adults, ensuring proper healthcare, safe residence, and protected financial management.
Secure legal guardianship for children whose parents are unable to provide care due to illness, absence, or passing, or manage substantial inheritances for minors.
Guide grandparents, adult siblings, and close relatives through the formal court petition process to assume protective guardianship responsibilities.
Obtain rapid court intervention in high-risk situations requiring immediate protective custody or urgent freezing of exploited financial accounts.
Utilize Florida’s specialized Guardian Advocacy process for developmentally disabled individuals reaching age 18 without declaring complete incapacity.
Power of Attorney Alternatives to Avoid Guardianship
Prepare and submit required court accountings, annual guardianship plans, physician reports, and seek court approval for major property decisions.
Why Families Trust Our Tampa Guardianship Law Team
Compassionate, Dignity-First Family Representation
Our attorneys have handled numerous guardianship cases throughout Hillsborough County and surrounding courts, delivering seasoned guidance at every step.
Extensive Hillsborough County Courtroom Experience
We understand Hillsborough County Probate and Guardianship court procedures, examining committee protocols, and clerk requirements to streamline proceedings.
Rapid Emergency Filings for At-Risk Seniors
Guardianship matters involve deeply personal emotional circumstances. We provide patient, dignified, and empathetic counsel to safeguard family relationships.
Dedicated Long-Term Guidance Through Case Closure
From the initial consultation and court hearings through ongoing annual reports and eventual discharge, we stand by your side throughout the entire journey.
What families say about our
Tampa guardianship attorneys.
I don’t often leave reviews, but I had to share my experience with AWS. If you need representation, I highly recommend them—especially Eric. His knowledge was invaluable, and his leadership made the process smooth. I now have a trusted firm and confidently recommend AWS.
Derek
I had a consultation with Aaron at AWS law firm. It was the first time in the legal process that I felt like someone was listening to me and actually answering my questions. If they are as helpful as Aaron was during the consultation, I’d recommend them to others.
Julie Walsh
We worked with AWS and were impressed. The team is skilled, responsive, and transparently priced. Their knowledge and professionalism stand out. Highly recommended—a truly dedicated legal group.
Nancy Komatz
Frequently Asked Questions About Florida Guardianship Law
Clear, reliable guidance from our Tampa guardianship attorneys to help you navigate Florida’s court procedures, requirements, and protective options.
What is the difference between guardianship and power of attorney in Florida?
A Power of Attorney is established voluntarily by a competent individual who selects their designated agent, without court intervention. Guardianship is an involuntary or court-supervised legal proceeding initiated when someone is already incapacitated and lacks valid advance directives. Guardianship requires formal court proceedings, examining committee evaluations, and ongoing judicial oversight.
How much does establishing guardianship cost in Tampa?
Guardianship costs depend on whether the proceeding is contested or uncontested, required court filing fees, and examining committee fees. In uncontested proceedings, legal fees are structured predictably and reviewed during your initial consultation. Under Florida law, court-approved attorney fees are typically paid from the ward’s assets.
How long does the guardianship process take in Hillsborough County?
An uncontested adult guardianship in Hillsborough County typically takes between 4 to 8 weeks from initial petition filing to the issuance of Letters of Guardianship. In emergency situations involving immediate physical danger or severe asset dissipation, the court can appoint an Emergency Temporary Guardian (ETG) within days.
Can a guardianship proceeding be contested in Florida?
Yes. Guardianship proceedings can be contested if the alleged incapacitated person asserts their own capacity, or if family members dispute who should serve as guardian. In contested proceedings, our litigation attorneys provide focused representation to present evidence and advocate for the individual’s highest wellbeing and legal rights.
What are a guardian's ongoing legal responsibilities in Florida?
Guardians must submit an initial inventory of all assets within 60 days, followed by annual accounting reports and annual guardianship care plans submitted to the Hillsborough County Court. Guardians must also obtain prior court approval for major financial actions or property sales. Our firm provides ongoing counsel to maintain seamless compliance.
The guardianship group.
Jordan Kreis, Esq.
Aaron W. Saoud, Esq.
Josh Polak
Georganna E. Frantzis, Esq.
Schedule a Consultation With a Tampa Guardianship Lawyer
Speak directly with an experienced Tampa guardianship attorney. Call our Westshore Boulevard office today to explore guardianship options, discuss alternatives, and protect the people who matter most.