Pre-Need Guardianships

As parents and caregivers, planning for the future means more than saving for college or choosing the right school—it also means thinking about who would care for your children if you were no longer able to. At Tate Healey Webster, we help families establish Pre-Need Guardianships in Florida, offering security, clarity, and peace of mind for whatever life may bring.

Whether you’re finalizing an adoption and thinking about long-term planning, or simply taking thoughtful steps to protect your child’s future, a Pre-Need Guardianship is a powerful and loving legal tool.

A Pre-Need Guardianship allows parents or legal guardians to designate, in advance, who they want to take over legal responsibility for their minor child if they become incapacitated or pass away. This is a formal legal process under Florida law that ensures your wishes are known—and more importantly, given the proper weight.

It is not just a recommendation; it’s a court-recognized nomination, which holds significant weight in guardianship proceedings. While not guaranteed, it holds a lot of weight and will be valued by the Court as long as you make a proper designation.

• Adoptive or birth parents who have just welcomed a child into their family and want to ensure lifelong protection.
• Single parents who want to be clear about who should step in if something happens.
• Blended families, where biological ties may not reflect the closest or most trusted caregiver relationships.
• Parents of children with special needs, to ensure continuity of care and support.

• You stay in control of who will care for your child if you’re no longer able to.
• Avoid family disputes and legal uncertainty during an already emotional time.
• Ensure stability for your child with someone you trust.
• Aligns with your values and wishes, backed by a legal process.

Without a pre-need guardianship, Florida courts will decide who becomes your child’s guardian—potentially appointing someone you would not have chosen.

With decades of experience in family-building law, our firm brings a unique and thoughtful approach to pre-need planning. When you work with us, you can expect:

• Personalized Guidance: We’ll talk through your family structure, values, and preferences to help you make the right choice.
• Clear Legal Documentation: We’ll draft and file your Pre-Need Guardian Designation so it’s legally valid and ready if ever needed.
• Long-Term Planning: We can coordinate your pre-need guardianship with other documents like wills, adoptions, and advance directives to ensure full-circle security.

The best time is now, while you’re healthy and able to make these important decisions. If you’ve just completed an adoption or had a child, it’s a natural next step in protecting your child’s future. But even if your children are older—or you’re just starting to think ahead—it’s never too early to create a plan.

A Pre-Need Guardianship is more than a document—it’s a promise to your child that you’ve thought ahead, just in case. It’s one of the most powerful gifts you can give them.

Call us at (813) 258-3355 or Contact us online at [email protected] or click here to schedule a consultation and start planning for peace of mind.