Wills
Lyon Law P.A.
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When an individual is unable to make important life decisions due to age, illness, or disability, the legal system may require the appointment of a guardian to act on their behalf.
Guardianship is the legal process through which decision-making authority is transferred to another person, often due to incapacity caused by mental, physical, or developmental conditions. This can apply to minors, such as when a child inherits assets or is named as a beneficiary on a life insurance policy, to adults suffering from degenerative conditions like Alzheimer’s disease. In the case of minors, guardianship typically ends when the child reaches adulthood. However, for adults with permanent or progressive impairments, guardianship may remain in place indefinitely to ensure their financial and personal affairs are properly managed.
Guardianship often arises in connection with probate, wills, and other estate matters, particularly when no valid will or advance directive exists. Without proper planning, the court must step in to appoint someone to act in the individual’s best interests. It’s a complex legal process that requires strict compliance with Florida law, and nearly every guardianship case requires representation by an attorney. At Lyon Law, we are experienced in guardianship, wills, probate, and estate planning, and we’re here to guide you through each step with clarity, compassion, and trusted legal counsel.

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When someone lacks the capacity to make life-altering decisions for themselves, a guardianship may be necessary to allow someone else to step in and help.
The legal right to make decisions on behalf of an individual who is incapable of doing so is transferred through the guardianship process.
This lack of capacity may be due to a legal disability, such as being a minor, or a mental or physical impairment.
For example, if a minor inherits money or is named as the beneficiary of a life insurance policy, a guardian is typically required to manage that property until the child reaches adulthood.
In such cases, the guardianship usually ends once the individual is legally able to manage their own affairs.
However, not all guardianships are temporary. In many situations, such as those involving Alzheimer’s or other progressive conditions, guardianship may be permanent.
Even though the person is legally an adult, the court must intervene to transfer decision-making rights to a responsible guardian when they are no longer capable of handling their own personal or financial matters.
Guardianship often intersects with probate and wills, particularly when there is no estate plan in place. It is a complex legal process that requires the guidance of an experienced guardianship attorney.
In most cases, Florida law requires a guardian to be represented by an attorney. Attorney Lyon is available to answer your questions regarding guardianship, wills, and elder law with clarity and care.

Wills are a foundational part of any estate plan, and when a loved one passes, having a properly drafted will can greatly simplify the probate process.
As a probate attorney, my role is to ensure that your loved one’s wishes, clearly expressed in their will, are carried out efficiently and in full accordance with Florida law. I guide families through every step of the probate process, from validating the will to distributing assets, resolving debts, and closing the estate.
Whether you need help probating a will, creating one for your own estate plan, or addressing legal questions related to inheritance, I offer personalized, compassionate support backed by experience. With the right legal guidance, you can avoid unnecessary delays and protect what matters most. I’m here to help you bring peace, clarity, and legal certainty to an often-overwhelming process.