Southern Atlantic Law Group offers knowledgeable, compassionate support to those handling trust, probate, and guardianship matters. Our team is experienced in helping fiduciaries—including personal representatives, trustees, and guardians—navigate complex legal obligations and efficiently manage their duties, all while safeguarding the interests of beneficiaries and honoring the wishes of those they represent.
Probate and Trust Administration
The responsibilities involved in probate and trust administration can be challenging, especially without experienced legal support. When fiduciaries are unrepresented or underrepresented, they may unintentionally breach their duties, resulting in potential loss of beneficiary rights, unnecessary taxes, increased administrative costs, and, in some cases, costly litigation. Our attorneys are here to guide fiduciaries through these challenges, helping them avoid common pitfalls and perform their duties effectively.
Our services include:
- Ensuring the proper settlement of debts and the lawful distribution of assets.
- Providing support in paying appropriate taxes and fulfilling all legal requirements.
- Representing fiduciaries in necessary court proceedings simplifies and expedites the probate or trust administration process.
Our attorneys understand the complexities of estate, tax, and probate laws, and we are committed to making this process as straightforward and stress-free as possible for our clients. We aim to protect both the fiduciary and the estate from the adverse effects of unintentional breaches of duty.
Guardianship Administration
When an adult or minor cannot manage personal and financial affairs, the court may appoint a guardian to take on these responsibilities. At Southern Atlantic Law Group, we recognize that pursuing guardianship is a significant decision, and we are here to help families navigate this process. Our attorneys help clients understand and fulfill the various duties of guardianship while ensuring the best interests of the person under guardianship are protected.
Adult Guardianship
If an adult is found to lack the capacity to manage personal or financial affairs, we assist families in seeking the necessary guardianship appointments. This process begins with a court petition and a comprehensive evaluation by a court-appointed panel. Depending on the adult’s level of incapacity, the court may appoint:
- Guardian of the Person: Handles personal care decisions, such as healthcare and living arrangements, on behalf of the incapacitated adult.
- Guardian of the Property: Manages financial and property matters for adults when they cannot do so independently.
Minor Guardianship
A court-appointed guardian may be required when minors inherit assets exceeding $15,000 or lack living parents. In these cases, we support seeking guardianship appointments that safeguard the minor’s financial and personal well-being, ensuring their interests are managed responsibly.
Guardian Advocates for Individuals with Developmental Disabilities
Florida law permits the appointment of guardian advocates for those who have developmental disabilities and need assistance with certain decisions, though these individuals are not deemed legally incapacitated. We represent clients seeking guardian advocate roles and those who may be alleged to require such support.
