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SB 990 — Natural Guardians
by Senators Joyner and Lynn
This summary is provided for information only and does not represent the opinion of any Senator, Senate Officer, or Senate Office.
Prepared by: Judiciary Committee (JU)
Under s. 744.301, F.S., the mother and father of a child generally are the natural guardians of the child. The statute gives natural guardians substantial authority to act on the behalf of their minor child in matters of managing assets, transferring real or personal property, and settling of disputes when, in the aggregate, those matters do not exceed $15,000. This bill conforms terminology used in s. 744.301, F.S., to terminology used in ch. 61, F.S., which relates to divorce and child custody. Specifically, the bill changes “mother and father” to “parents” and changes “child custody” to “parental responsibility.”
If approved by the Governor, these provisions take effect July 1, 2012.
Vote: Senate 40-0; House 118-0