Probate & Guardianship Division

JACS
Attorney
Public
Locations
Self Help Center

Circuit Probate Court

The Probate Division of the Circuit Court has jurisdiction of proceedings relating to the settlement of the estates of decedents and minors, the granting of wills, guardianship, involuntary hospitalization, and the determination of competency. The Probate Division also has jurisdiction over proceedings relating to the Jimmy Ryce Act (sexual predator) and hears all jury trials and hearings regarding these matters.

Guardianship

A guardian is a surrogate decision-maker appointed by the court to make either personal and/or financial decisions for a minor or for an adult with mental or physical disabilities. After adjudication, the subject of the guardianship is termed a "ward."

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Probate Division

Judge TBD

Scheduling Hearings
 

Sarasota/Venice Probate and Guardianship Requirements Effective August 3, 2026

The Court’s requirements have been updated effective August 1, 2026. Please review the requirements in their entirety.

Unless stipulated to by the parties, the following hearings shall take place in person:

  1. Hearings on Do Not Resuscitate Orders
  2. Hearings for the Appointment of Emergency Temporary Guardian
  3. Final Guardianship hearings
  4. Hearings on Petition for Injunction Against Exploitation of a Vulnerable Adult

These hearings can be scheduled on the court’s calendar without court approval, however the telephonic or Zoom credentials must be provided to the court at the time of scheduling on the JACS calendar and shall be additionally provided on the Notice of Hearing.

Circuit Probate

Judge Charles E. Williams

Need help to determine if you need a court ordered guardianship? Visit www.turning18.org, a free non-profit guide to assist families in addressing their legal options as their children with autism, cerebral palsy, down syndrome, and other intellectual and developmental disabilities, reach the legal age of adulthood.
Scheduling Hearings
 

Sarasota/Venice Probate and Guardianship Requirements Effective August 3, 2026

The Court’s requirements have been updated effective August 1, 2026. Please review the requirements in their entirety.

Unless stipulated to by the parties, the following hearings shall take place in person:

  1. Hearings on Do Not Resuscitate Orders
  2. Hearings for the Appointment of Emergency Temporary Guardian
  3. Final Guardianship hearings
  4. Hearings on Petition for Injunction Against Exploitation of a Vulnerable Adult

These hearings can be scheduled on the court’s calendar without court approval, however the telephonic or Zoom credentials must be provided to the court at the time of scheduling on the JACS calendar and shall be additionally provided on the Notice of Hearing.

Circuit Probate

Judge Charles E. Williams

Need help to determine if you need a court ordered guardianship? Visit www.turning18.org, a free non-profit guide to assist families in addressing their legal options as their children with autism, cerebral palsy, down syndrome, and other intellectual and developmental disabilities, reach the legal age of adulthood.
Scheduling Hearings
Please review Judge Williams’ August 25, 2023 Memorandum regarding processing Probate and Guardianship Submissions
 

South County Probate & Guardianship

Judge Maria Ruhl

Need help to determine if you need a court ordered guardianship? Visit www.turning18.org, a free non-profit guide to assist families in addressing their legal options as their children with autism, cerebral palsy, down syndrome, and other intellectual and developmental disabilities, reach the legal age of adulthood.
Scheduling Hearings