The Probate Department is located at the Juvenile Justice Center at 190 Eslinger Way, Sanford, FL 32773. If you have any questions, please call 407-665-4369.GuardianshipA guardianship is a legal proceeding in the circuit court in which a guardian exercises the legal rights of an incapacitated person, minor, voluntary wards, or developmentally disabled individuals. Guardians make decisions and take actions regarding the well-being of the ward. Guardianships may be established for various reasons:
At the time of appointment, the court will determine the guardian’s powers to be limited or plenary to exercise some or all rights of the minor or incapacitated person. Every guardian should become familiar with the powers and duties of a guardian reflected in Florida Statutes 744.361. A specific function of the guardian is to file initial and annual reports as outlined in Florida Statutes 744.362 and 744.367. Report Guardianship Fraud Do you suspect a guardian, family member, attorney or caregiver of financial mismanagement such as stealing money from a ward’s account, selling off a ward’s property or making suspicious loans or money transfers? Report it to the Guardianship Fraud Hotline. Using the Guardianship Fraud Hotline, you can report suspected fraud, waste, abuse or financial mismanagement involving court-appointed guardians over elderly, minor children and incapacitated individuals. Injunction for Protection: Vulnerable AdultWho is a Vulnerable Adult?A vulnerable adult is an adult with an impaired ability to perform normal activities of daily living or provide for their own care or protection. It is also an adult who has an impairment due to a disability (mental, emotional, sensory, long-term physical or developmental), brain damage, or infirmities of aging. What constitutes Exploitation?
Who may file a Petition?
NOTE: If a guardianship is pending, the Petition must be filed in that case; otherwise, it must be filed in the circuit where the vulnerable adult resides. Petitions may be filed Monday through Friday from 8:00am to 4:30pm at the Clerk of the Court Probate Department located in the Juvenile Justice Center, 190 Eslinger Way, Sanford, FL 32773.
The Hope Card Program provides individuals with a digital or wallet-sized card that serves as a crucial tool that presents important information about final injunctions for protection against:
Having a Hope Card offers several significant benefits:
How to Obtain a Hope Card: If you have a final injunction for protection, obtaining a Hope Card is straightforward and free of charge. To receive a Hope Card, simply visit or contact your local Clerk’s Office in the county where your petition for protection was originally filed and request either a physical or electronic version. A Hope Card will then be issued by your Clerk of Court in three (3) business days. To request a Hope Card from Seminole County Clerk of Court you may email probate@seminoleclerk.org or injunctions@seminoleclerk.org, call 407-665-4300 or visit 190 Eslinger Way, Sanford, FL 32773. Be sure to specify if you would like a digital or wallet sized card. Hope Cards are valid for two years after the issuance date of a final order or the expiration date of the injunction, whichever comes first. For further information, you may contact the Clerk’s Office at (407) 665-4328. Forms:
Informational Links: https://www.flcourts.org/Resources-Services/Court-Improvement/Family-Courts/Guardianship |
