Powers of attorney & surrogates
Review of existing authority documents and questions about who may act, for what purpose, and within what limits.
Guardianship & legal authority
Florida guardianship and healthcare decision-making authority.
Help for healthcare providers and appropriate petitioners working through authority questions that affect care decisions, placement, documentation, and related matters.
How the firm can help
Begin with the authority already available.
A missing signature or disagreement about a decision-maker can involve more than one legal issue. The work starts with the documents, the facts, and the available alternatives.
No available decision-maker
Assessment of authority gaps and potentially available alternatives, including whether a guardianship proceeding may be appropriate.
Petitioner-side guardianship
Representation in appropriate guardianship matters, subject to conflict review, case assessment, and a written engagement.
Care & operational barriers
Legal-authority questions affecting care transitions, records, placement, and long-term-care or payment-related documentation.
What to expect
Careful review before choosing a path.
The firm evaluates existing documents and potentially less restrictive alternatives before considering a guardianship proceeding. The appropriate approach depends on the person's circumstances and the applicable legal process.
The engagement identifies the client and the legal work. Representing a facility, petitioner, or other party does not mean the firm represents everyone involved or serves as guardian or healthcare decision-maker.
What the work may include
- An assessment of the documents and authority questions within scope.
- Advice on potentially available alternatives and the appropriate process.
- Document preparation or representation in an agreed proceeding, when engaged.
Deliverables depend on the agreed engagement; not every item is included in every project.
Work is handled by Malcolm Freeman, a Florida attorney with business, occupational-therapy, and healthcare-administration training. Meet your attorney.
Common questions
Before we begin.
Does every authority gap require guardianship?
No. Existing documents or another appropriate alternative may address the issue. The available options require an individual review.
Can a facility ask about a resident authority issue?
Yes. Initial contact should describe only the general type of issue. Do not send resident records or identifying health information before the firm provides instructions.
Is estate planning also available?
The firm separately offers wills, powers of attorney, healthcare-surrogate documents, and appropriate uncontested probate matters. Those services are described on the Estate Planning & Probate page.
Your next step
Let’s talk about what you need.
A continuing relationship or a focused project starts with a conversation about your needs, timing, and the appropriate scope of work.
Discuss Your Legal NeedsCall (813) 992-6768
Please leave confidential details and patient information out of your initial inquiry.