Florida Declaration of Guardianship for Minors

How do I declare a guardian for my children in case I die?

The best way to name a guardian for your children to take over if you pass away is a legal document called a Designation of Preneed Guardian for a Minor Child. This is an important document for any parent of a minor child in Florida. If this document is drafted property and filed with the clerk of court, the person you name as backup guardian can begin taking care of children immediately after the parents die, even before the guardianship judge gets involved. This means that your children will not have to spend any time without a familiar face nearby to care for them.

A Designation of Preneed Guardian for a Minor Child must contain certain information in it to be valid, including your child’s full legal name, social security number, and date of birth. It also must be filed with the Clerk of Court. All of the requirements can be found in section 744.3046 of the Florida Statutes.

Does a declaration of preneed guardian for a minor need to be filed with the clerk of court?

Yes, a declaration of preneed guardian for a minor should be filed with the clerk of court. This is clearly established both in the Florida Statues and case law.

Section 744.3046 of the Florida Statutes explicitly states: “The declarant must file the declaration with the clerk of the court.” The word “must” is important here, as it indicates a requirement. Thus, by statute, simply filling out the paperwork is insufficient; that paperwork must also be properly filed. In O'Brien v. McMahon, Florida’s First District Court of Appeal said that that the nominating a preneed guardian required "making a written declaration and filing it with the clerk of court."

Unfortunately, many attorneys fail to meet the basic statutory requirements on these documents. I have seen designations that were missing key pieces of information or that were never filed with the Clerk. One attorney I spoke with defended these practices by saying, “No one does any of that. It’s probably fine.” I disagree. Declaring a guardian for a minor is far too important to cut corners. At this firm, we do it by the book.

What is a guardianship clause in a will?

A guardianship clause communicates your choice of person to care of your minor children after you die. After your death, the court will appoint a guardian for your child based on the best interest of that child. A guardianship clause is separate from and in addition to the Designation of Preneed Guardian for a Minor Child.

Your guardianship clause can be found in your last will and testament. You can include stipulations regarding what the new guardian’s rights and responsibilities are and voice your desires as to how your child is to be raised. In your estate plan, you can also provide financial support for the guardian. I always recommend that parents use both a Designation of Preneed Guardian for a Minor Child and a guardianship clause in the will. I also recommend that the same backup guardian be named in both documents.

How does a guardianship clause in a will work?

The guardianship clause is written into your will. A court will then be presented with this document when determining who ought to be the new guardian of your children. Unless given good reason to do otherwise, courts almost always respect the wishes of the parent as described in the will. Indeed, section 744.312(3)(c) of the Florida Statutes requires courts to consider the designated guardian in a will. Thus, the guardianship clause does not bind a court, but it is typically followed by the courts and thus is an important part of any estate plan for parents with minor children. If you are a parent and your will does not contain a guardianship clause or if you simply do not have a will, you should contact an estate planning attorney immediately to make sure your wishes are recorded.

What happens if the parents die and there is no guardianship clause or preneed guardian designation?

Without a guardianship clause or designation of preneed guardian, a court will have no guidance from you as to whom you would have wanted to raise your child. This can result in a court choosing someone to raise your children who shows no regard for your values or desires. Having no guardianship clause can also lead to family strife, with different family members fighting for custody of the children.

What happens if I change my mind about who should be the designated guardian?

For a Designation of Preneed Guardian for a Minor Child, the best solution is to simply file a new, amended designation with the Clerk of Court. I would explicitly revoke the old designation in that new instrument.

For the guardianship clause, you can change the designated guardian for your children by either executing a new will or amending your old will with a codicil. You should also update your preneed guardian designation with the Clerk of Court. If you change your mind, it is important to update your estate plan as soon as possible. Otherwise, you risk passing away with your documents not reflecting your actual wishes.

Can godparents get custody after parents die?

Yes, godparents can take custody after the parents of a minor child die, but only if the parents declare this in their estate plan. The parents can name the godparents as backup guardians by either using a Designation of Preneed Guardian for a Minor Child or by naming the godparents in a guardianship clauses of their respective wills. Ideally, the parents should do both if they wish the godparents to have this role.

Things to consider when choosing a backup guardian for your children

• Guardians may only be appointed for minors and the incompetent. Normally, if your child is at least 18 years old (the age of majority), no guardian will be appointed because your child is a legal adult.

• You should also consider naming a contingent guardian. A contingent guardian is your second choice as the guardian for your children. This is the person you want to be guardian if your first choice is unable or unwilling to be the guardian after you pass.

• Generally, you should avoid naming married couples as joint guardians of your children. What happens if the couple divorces and your children become part of that custody dispute? Instead, simply choose one person to name as the sole guardian.

• Ideally, you should choose someone that your children have a close relationship with already. You should also choose someone you know well and are comfortable with.

• Your estate or a portion of your estate can be put into trust for your minor children in the event of your passing. You can name one person to be guardian of the children and another to be trustee over the assets, which are used for the benefit of your children. That way there is someone to act as a check on the guardian, ensuring the assets are actually used for your children and that your wishes are followed. Alternatively, you can make the same person guardian and trustee if you trust the named individual and believe it would be a better arrangement.

• If possible, you should provide in your will for the guardian to be financially compensated. At the very least, you should attempt to repay the guardian for the expenses incurred in raising your children.

Where can I get a name a guardian for my child in Gainesville, FL?

The best way to get a designation of guardianship is to visit an estate planning attorney. Find a lawyer with experience writing wills and guardianship designations, preferably someone with a practice focused on estate planning.

Blakely Moore has an office located near Tower Road in Gainesville. If you need to declare a guardian for your children, consider scheduling a free consultation.