What are the legal requirements for guardianship?

In order to become a legal guardian in the state of Florida, several legal requirements must be met. To begin, the guardian must be at least 18 years of age and a resident of the state. Additionally, the guardian must pass a criminal background check. This check is done to ensure the safety of the minor child that the guardian is responsible for. Additionally, a guardian must be able to provide a safe and secure home for the child. In certain cases, the court may require that the guardian go through an educational class related to guardianship and parenting. In order to become a guardian, the individual must file for a guardianship petition with the court that is in the county the child resides. The petition must include the names and birth dates of all involved, the name of the proposed guardian, the proposed guardian’s relationship to the child, the proposed guardian’s address and phone number, the proposed guardian’s background check, and any other information that the court might find significant. If the court grants the petition, the guardian must then be formally appointed by the court. As part of this appointment, the guardian must provide an updated criminal background check every year. Additionally, the guardian must file an annual report with the court to confirm that the child is being cared for properly and that the child’s needs are being met. Lastly, the guardian must provide evidence of a valid guardianship bond, which is an insurance policy taken out by the guardian to provide financial protection in the event that the guardian is unable to fulfill his/her duties.

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