Guardianship of the Elderly in Tallahassee, Florida

Incompetency and guardianship proceedings in Leon County, Florida were examined by observing court hearings and evaluating probate court records for 1977–1982. All incompetency petitions were affirmed by the court, often without evidence describing alleged disabilities. Evidence from Leon County indicates a clear mandate for administrative changes providing 1) more comprehensive assessment of client disabilities and 2) more rigorous financial accounting and management of guardianships. The evidence also supports recommendations in the available literature for statutory change, judicial remedy, and education and training.