Guardianship Attorney in Jacksonville

Board-Certified Family Law. Direct Access to Your Attorney.

Guardianship is a court-supervised legal relationship in which a judge appoints a guardian to make personal or financial decisions on behalf of someone who can’t make those decisions independently. That person, called the ward, may be a minor whose parents can’t provide care, an adult who has lost capacity, or an individual with developmental disabilities. The process involves Florida’s court system, detailed procedures, and decisions that shape real lives. I can guide Jacksonville families through each step.

At Charles E. Willmott, P.A., my practice focuses entirely on family law. Clients work directly with me rather than with assistants or paralegals, for clear, consistent communication from the attorney who knows your case.

If you’re facing a guardianship matter in Jacksonville, call (904) 849-5183 to schedule your free initial consultation with no obligation.

Credentials That Matter for Guardianship Cases

I’ve held Board Certification in Marital and Family Law from the Florida Board of Legal Specialization and Education since 2008, a distinction held by a small percentage of Florida attorneys. Guardianship cases regularly intersect with family law, particularly when a parent’s rights or a child’s welfare is at issue.

Two earlier roles also shape how I approach these cases. I’ve served as a Florida Supreme Court Family Law Mediator since 1999, and I worked as a Fourth Judicial Circuit Social Investigator from 1998 to 2011. That’s the same circuit that handles Duval County guardianship proceedings today. My understanding of how the court evaluates families and individuals comes from direct experience, not theory.

Types of Guardianship Under Florida Law

Florida law doesn’t apply a one-size-fits-all approach. The form of guardianship established depends on what the ward actually needs and which rights they can still exercise independently.

Guardian of the Person & Guardian of the Property
A guardian of the person holds authority over personal and health-care decisions. A guardian of the property manages financial affairs. A plenary guardian holds both roles. A limited guardianship restricts the guardian’s authority to only those areas the ward can’t manage on their own. Florida courts favor the least restrictive option available.

Guardian Advocacy
Guardian advocacy is a simplified Florida process for individuals with developmental disabilities. Unlike standard adult guardianship, it doesn’t require a formal incapacity determination, which can make it a more streamlined path when the situation warrants it.

Guardianship of a Minor’s Property
Under Florida Statute 744.301, a minor who receives assets exceeding $15,000 requires a court-appointed guardian of the property to manage those funds. I help parents and other petitioners establish this protection when a child inherits money or receives a legal settlement.

When Jacksonville Families Need a Guardianship Lawyer

Guardianship becomes necessary when someone can no longer make sound decisions about their health, safety, or finances and no less restrictive alternative is available. When capacity is already gone and advance planning didn’t happen, guardianship may be the appropriate path. In Duval County, guardianship matters are filed with the Probate Department of the Duval County Clerk of Court, which operates within the Fourth Judicial Circuit.

Start with a Free Consultation

Guardianship proceedings can move quickly, especially when someone’s immediate safety is at stake. I offer free initial consultations so you can discuss your situation, understand your options, and decide how to move forward without any pressure or obligation.

Call (904) 849-5183 to speak directly with me about your guardianship matter.