Guardianship

A guardianship is a legal proceeding in probate court in which a guardian is appointed to exercise the legal rights of an incompetent or a minor. A guardian is an individual appointed by the court to care for an incapacitated person – called a “ward” – or for the ward’s assets.

In both Ohio and Florida, a guardian who is given authority over the property of the ward is required to inventory the property, invest it prudently, use it for the ward’s benefit, and account for it by filing detailed annual reports with the court. The guardian must obtain court approval for certain financial transactions.

The guardian of the ward’s person may exercise certain rights that have been taken from the ward, such as providing medical and personal care services and determining where the ward shall reside.

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