Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in Florida

Guardianship of minors

My ex-wife recently died. She had a little over $5000 in her savings acct. She named our minor children (ages 11 & 7)as beneficiaries on the acct.The credit union would not release the money to me per their attorney's advice. They stated that I was required be named guardian by court appointment. I researched the Florida stautes, and discovered that according to Title XLIII Domestic Relations, I, as the natural guardian, am authorized to act on behalf of my minor children in this case ''without authourity, appointment, or bond'' because because the property in question does not exceed $15,000. Am I correct? Is there any other reason as to why they could not/ should not release the money?


Asked on 12/15/05, 1:37 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Charles W. Field Charles W. Field, Attorney at Law

Re: Guardianship of minors

You probably are correct that they should pay you the money as the natural guardian. It sounds like FL law is similar to that in GA. However, I would advise you to consult with a FL attorney to confirm that you are right. It may be that simply a letter from a FL attorney, costing you a couple of hundred dollars, may do the trick.

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Answered on 12/15/05, 3:46 pm


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