Petition
A clear petition identifies the respondent, states reasons for appointment, summarizes incapacity evidence, and requests specific authorities and protections. Include statutory citations and the relief sought.
Using the Guardian Advocacy Forms Packet ensures petitions conform to Thirteenth Judicial Circuit formatting and local requirements, reduces omissions that delay hearings, and makes it easier to present consistent medical and financial information to the court. It also clarifies notice and service steps for petitioners.
Typical users include family members, public guardians, and attorneys preparing guardianship or advocacy petitions in the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit.
A family petitioner is typically an adult relative who files the petition, signs service affidavits, and provides sworn testimony about the respondent's capacity. They must supply contact information, relationship evidence, and cooperate with medical providers and court investigators.
A public guardian or professional fiduciary completes formal reports, submits inventory and care plans, and appears at hearings. They must be authorized under local rules, provide certifications of qualifications, and maintain records of expenditures, visitation, and medical decisions.
A clear petition identifies the respondent, states reasons for appointment, summarizes incapacity evidence, and requests specific authorities and protections. Include statutory citations and the relief sought.
Physician or qualified evaluator must sign a dated affidavit describing diagnosis, functional limitations, recommended interventions, and the evaluator's credentials and examination date.
Detailed financial inventory lists assets, liabilities, bank accounts, investments, and real property with estimated values and documentation dates to support guardianship budgeting.
Affidavits of service or certified mail receipts demonstrate notice to required parties, following citation rules for the circuit to avoid due process challenges.
Draft order for the judge specifying scope of authority, reporting intervals, bond requirements, and any limitations or visiting rights for family members.
Forms for periodic status reports, accountings, and care plans that guardians must file post-appointment to document decisions and expenditures.
Submit petition with attachments; clerk assigns case number.
Complete service within required timeframe before hearing.
Obtain current physician affidavit prior to scheduling.
Court investigator assessments may be due several weeks in advance.
Judge issues order after testimony and evidence review.
Gather forms, medical affidavits, inventories, and proposed orders for submission.
File with clerk and serve notice on required parties per rule.
Clerk and judge review filings and schedule investigator or hearings.
Court issues appointment or denial; post-order reporting begins.
| Criteria | Guardianship Packet | Limited Advocacy Packet |
|---|---|---|
| Notarization | ||
| Witnesses | two | one |
| Medical Affidavit | required | often required |
| Scope of Authority | comprehensive | limited to specified duties |
The forms packet must be compatible with court filing formats, notarization methods, and accepted record types in the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit.
| Field | Configuration |
|---|---|
| Signer Authentication Method Required Per Circuit Rule | Email + SMS code or RON when allowed |
| Document Composition and Attachments Per Rule | Combine forms into one PDF; include attachments |
| Notary and Witness Options by Case Type | In-person notarization or RON where authorized |
| Filing and Service Requirements for Petition | Check local clerk procedures for fees and service |
A daughter files a petition after her parent's cognitive decline, gathers two medical affidavits and detailed financial inventory to request limited advocacy.
A public guardian files an annual report packet including inventories, care plans, and expense receipts to comply with post-appointment reporting requirements.
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