By Danielle DaRos | CBS12 Ft. Lauderdale
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (CBS12) — After more than a year of I-Team reports, the issues in Florida’s guardianship system are well-documented. It’s a program that’s supposed to help the elderly and disabled manage their affairs, but we’ve shown you how, too often, the professionals paid to protect their wards are taking advantage of them.
Many of the families who have been featured in our I-Team reports have similar stories: they pursued guardianship for their loved ones because a lawyer told them it was the best way to safeguard their money. By the time they learn they’ve signed away all control, it’s too late.
For one family in South Florida, a guardianship meant a husband was no longer able to make end of life care decisions for his wife.
“If you think you are too busy to plan for the unknown, you’re wrong. Being proactive in protecting yourself and your loved ones can help you avoid the frustration and potentially the heartache the Gonsalves family experienced with a Court-ordered guardianship. Consider estate planning and durable powers of attorney for medical and financial decisions to help you prepare for your family’s future.”
Scott Ghormley, Rose Law Group family law attorney
