Minor Guardianship
When a child receives money or property through an inheritance, settlement, life insurance policy, probate estate, or other source, Florida court supervision may be required to protect the child’s interest.
Serving Palm Beach County, Broward County, Miami-Dade County, Martin County, St. Lucie County, and throughout the rest of Florida.
Protecting a Child’s Money and Property
Minor guardianship is different from adult incapacity guardianship. A child does not need to be found incapacitated for a guardian to be appointed. Instead, minor guardianship often arises because a child legally owns or is entitled to receive money or property but is too young to manage it.
These cases often involve settlement funds, inheritance, life insurance, probate assets, or restricted depository requirements.
Minor Guardianship May Be Needed When
Minor guardianship may be required when:
A minor receives settlement proceeds
A minor inherits money or property
A minor is named as a life insurance beneficiary
A minor receives probate assets
A restricted depository is required
A parent or relative needs court authority to manage funds for the child
A personal injury lawyer needs guardianship assistance for a minor settlement
How Acacia Elder Law & Estate Planning, PLLC Can Help
Evaluate whether minor guardianship is required
Prepare petition for guardian of property
Assist with restricted depository requirements
Coordinate with probate, settlement, or beneficiary issues
Help the guardian understand duties and reporting requirements
Assist with initial inventory and court compliance when included in the scope
How our process works
Source of funds review
We review how the child is receiving money or property.
Guardian review
We identify who may serve as guardian and what authority is needed.
Court filing
We prepare and file required guardianship documents.
Depository and compliance
We help with restricted depository and initial compliance steps when applicable.
Helpful Information to Bring to a Consultation
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Child’s name and date of birth
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Birth certificate
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Settlement documents
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Probate documents
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Life insurance correspondence
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Beneficiary designation information
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Death certificate if relevant
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Financial institution letters
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Amount expected to be received
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Parent or guardian contact information
Do not worry if you do not have every document. We can help identify what is missing based on your situation.
Serving Palm Beach County and the Treasure Coast
Acacia Elder Law & Estate Planning serves clients in Palm Beach Gardens, Jupiter, West Palm Beach, North Palm Beach, Lake Worth, Boynton Beach, Delray Beach, Boca Raton, Stuart, Port St. Lucie, and throughout Palm Beach County, Martin County, St. Lucie County, Broward County, Miami-Dade County, and the rest of Florida when appropriate.
Talk With Acacia Elder Law & Estate Planning
If you are unsure what your family needs, the best next step is a consultation. We can review the facts, identify available options, and help you decide what legal path makes sense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a child have to be incapacitated? No. Minor guardianship does not require the adult incapacity process.
What is guardianship of the property? It is a guardianship focused on managing money or property that belongs to the minor.
What is a restricted depository? It is a court-controlled account that limits access to the minor’s funds without court approval.
Can a parent spend the child’s funds? Not freely. Court authority may be required, and the money must be used consistently with the court’s orders and the child’s interest.