Fl. Prob. R. 5.646

As amended through November 4, 2024

Rule 5.646 - STANDBY GUARDIANS

(a) Petition for Appointment of Standby Guardian for Minor.

(1)Contents. A minor's guardian or the natural guardians of a minor may petition for the appointment of a standby guardian of the person or property of the minor. The petition shall be verified by the petitioner and shall state:

(A) the facts to establish venue;

(B) the petitioner's residence and post office address;

(C) the name, age, and residence and post office address of the minor;

(D) the names and addresses of the parents of the minor and, if none, the next of kin known to the petitioner;

(E) the name and residence and post office address of the proposed standby guardian, and that the proposed standby guardian is qualified to serve;

(F) the proposed standby guardian's relationship to and any previous association with the minor;

(G) the reasons why the proposed standby guardian should be appointed; and

(H) the nature and value of the property subject to the guardianship.

(2)Notice and Waiver of Notice. Notice of the hearing on the petition must be served on the parents, natural or adoptive, of the minor and on any guardian for the minor. Notice may be waived by those required to receive notice or by the court for good cause.

(b) Petition for Appointment of Standby Guardian for Incapacitated Person.

(1)Contents. A currently serving guardian may petition for the appointment of a standby guardian of the person or property of an incapacitated person. The petition shall be verified by the petitioner and shall state:

(A) the petitioner's residence and post office address;

(B) the name, age, and residence and post office address of the incapacitated person;

(C) the nature of the incapacity, the extent of guardianship, either limited or plenary, and the nature and value of property subject to the guardianship;

(D) the names and addresses of the next of kin of the incapacitated person known to the petitioner;

(E) the name and residence and post office address of the proposed standby guardian, and that the proposed standby guardian is qualified to serve;

(F) the proposed standby guardian's relationship to and any previous association with the incapacitated person; and

(G) the reasons why the proposed standby guardian should be appointed.

(2)Notice. Notice of the hearing on the petition must be served on the incapacitated person's next of kin.

(c) Petition for Confirmation.

(1)Contents. A standby guardian, not later than 20 days after the assumption of duties as guardian, shall petition for confirmation of appointment. The petition shall be verified by the petitioner and shall state:

(A) the petitioner's residence and post office address;

(B) the name, age, and residence and post office address of the adult incapacitated person or initials, year of birth, and residence address of minor;

(C) the nature of the incapacity, the extent of guardianship, either limited or plenary, and the nature and value of property subject to the guardianship;

(D) the names and addresses of the next of kin of the incapacitated person or minor known to the petitioner;

(E) the name and residence and post office address of the proposed guardian, and that the proposed guardian is qualified to serve;

(F) the proposed guardian's relationship to and any previous association with the incapacitated person or minor;

(G) the reasons why appointment of the proposed guardian should be confirmed; and

(H) if the proposed guardian is a professional guardian, a statement that the proposed guardian has complied with the educational requirements of section 744.2002, Florida Statutes.

(2)Service. The petition for confirmation and notice of hearing shall be served on the incapacitated person's next of kin a reasonable time before the hearing on the petition or other pleading seeking confirmation of the guardian.

Fl. Prob. R. 5.646

Amended by 2021 WL 5050374, effective 10/28/2021; amended by 200 So.3d 761, effective 9/15/2016; amended by 139 So.3d 875, effective 4/22/2014; added by 948 So.2d 735, effective 2/1/2007.

Committee Notes

The standby guardian must file an oath pursuant to rule 5.600 before commencing the exercise of authority as guardian. Prior to appointment, the standby guardian must file an application pursuant to rule 5.590.

Section 393.12(10), Florida Statutes, provides that a guardian advocate shall have all of the duties, responsibilities, and powers of a guardian under Chapter 744, Florida Statutes. However, section 744.304 authorizes the appointment of a standby guardian only for a minor or incapacitated person.

Rule History

2006 Revision: New rule.

2008 Revision: Committee notes revised.

2014 Revision: Subdivision (c)(1)(B) amended to conform to Fla. R. Gen. Prac. & Jud. Admin. 2.425. Committee notes revised.

2016 Revision: Subdivision (c)(1)(H) amended to reflect the renumbering of section 744.1083 to section 744.2002, Florida Statutes. Committee notes revised.

Statutory Reference

§ 744.304, Fla. Stat. Standby guardianship.

Fla. Prob. R. 5.590 Application for appointment as guardian; disclosure statement; filing.

Rule References

Fla. Prob. R. 5.600 Oath.

Fla. R. Gen. Prac. & Jud. Admin. 2.425 Minimization of the Filing of Sensitive Information.