⚖️ This case is part of the top Florida probate cases of 2025: Patricia Mlan v. Guardian, decided by the Second District Court of Appeals on April 4, 2025.
🛡️ Patricia Mlan was under a guardianship because she was incapacitated.
💵 Guardianships in Florida can be complicated and costly, with fees for guardians, trustees, and attorneys piling up.
🥀 After Patricia’s death…
Her son, John Mlan, was appointed as the personal representative (PR) of her estate.
📃 John tried to challenge the guardianship fees and accounting submitted by the guardian.
❗ However, the trial court initially denied him the opportunity to question these charges.
👨🏻⚖️❗ The appellate court reversed that decision. They ruled that the trial court violated John Mlan’s procedural rights by not allowing him to be heard regarding the guardianship fees.
💡 Key takeaways:
👉🏻 Guardianship fees can be challenged after a ward’s death.
👉🏻 PRs have the right to review and question guardian bills.
👉🏻 Courts must allow procedural due process so objections can be heard.
🕰️ Patricia Mlan v. Guardian serves as a reminder that guardianship and probate fees can be reviewed, and procedural rights must be respected.
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