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Legal Guardian Jobs (NOW HIRING)

... legal guardian appearances in court; calculates and clarifies judicial sentences; reviews file for documentation of reports; directs jurors assigned to a courtroom; marks exhibits when admitted as ...

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Legal Guardian information

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$21K

$55.4K

$90K

How much do legal guardian jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for legal guardian in the United States is $55,419.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40,000.00 and $62,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a legal guardian?

A legal guardian is an individual who has been appointed by a court to care for and make decisions on behalf of another person, typically a minor or someone unable to care for themselves due to incapacity. Legal guardians have the authority to make important choices regarding the person's welfare, education, healthcare, and finances. The guardian's responsibilities and powers are defined by state laws and may vary depending on the specific needs of the individual under guardianship.

What is the difference between Legal Guardian vs Child Welfare Worker?

AspectLegal GuardianChild Welfare Worker
Required CredentialsVaries by state, often includes court appointment; no specific certification requiredRelevant degrees (social work, psychology), state licensing or certification often required
Work EnvironmentLegal settings, private homes, or foster care environmentsChild welfare agencies, community offices, or schools
Employer & Industry UsageLegal system, family courts, foster care agenciesChild protective services, social service agencies

Legal Guardians are appointed through legal processes to care for minors, often in private settings. Child Welfare Workers are employed by agencies to support and protect children in the foster care or child protective system. While both roles involve caring for children, Legal Guardians have legal authority, whereas Child Welfare Workers provide support and oversight within the social services system.

What are some common challenges Legal Guardians face when advocating for their wards, and how can they overcome them?

Legal Guardians often encounter challenges such as navigating complex legal and healthcare systems, balancing the ward’s best interests with their expressed wishes, and ensuring effective communication with service providers. To overcome these, it is important to stay informed about relevant laws and resources, maintain detailed records, and build strong relationships with social workers, attorneys, and healthcare professionals. Regularly participating in training or support groups can also help Legal Guardians stay updated and connected to helpful networks.

How much do you get paid for being someone's guardian?

Compensation for legal guardians varies depending on the jurisdiction and specific circumstances, but guardians are typically not paid a salary; instead, they may receive court-approved fees or reimbursements for expenses. In some cases, guardians employed by agencies or government programs may earn a salary or hourly wage, often ranging from $15 to $30 per hour, depending on experience and location. Guardianship roles often require legal knowledge, documentation, and sometimes certification or training.

How much do guardians get paid in Florida?

In Florida, legal guardians typically receive a monthly stipend determined by the court, which varies based on the needs of the ward and available resources. Guardians may also be reimbursed for expenses related to their duties, but there is no standard salary for guardians. Compensation is often approved during guardianship proceedings and can depend on the complexity of the case.

How much do guardians get paid?

In Michigan, legal guardians typically receive compensation based on state guidelines or court approval, with payments often ranging from a few hundred to over a thousand dollars per month depending on the case complexity and the guardian's responsibilities. Guardians may also be reimbursed for expenses related to their duties and are usually required to keep detailed records for court review.

What job makes $10,000 a month without a degree?

A legal guardian typically does not earn $10,000 a month without a degree; this role involves overseeing a minor’s well-being and usually offers modest compensation. High-paying jobs that can reach this income level without a degree include roles like real estate brokers, sales managers, or entrepreneurs in certain industries, often requiring strong skills, experience, or licensing rather than formal education.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Legal Guardian, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Legal Guardian, you need a thorough understanding of legal responsibilities, guardianship laws, and basic financial and care management skills, often supported by court appointment or completion of guardianship training. Familiarity with legal documentation, case management systems, and reporting requirements is typically necessary. Compassion, strong communication, and ethical decision-making are vital soft skills for advocating and building trust with wards and relevant authorities. These skills and qualities are crucial to ensure the well-being, safety, and best interests of those under guardianship while fulfilling all legal obligations.
More about Legal Guardian jobs
What states have the most Legal Guardian jobs? States with the most job openings for Legal Guardian jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Legal Guardian jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Legal Guardian jobs are:

GUARDIAN AD LITEM OFFICE, 17TH CIRCUIT- LEGAL SECRETARY

My Florida Corp Defunct

Lauderdale Lakes, FL • On-site

$36K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago


Job description

GUARDIAN AD LITEM OFFICE, 17TH CIRCUIT- LEGAL SECRETARY - 21015608

Date: Jun 4, 2026

The State Personnel System is an E-Verify employer. For more information click on our E-Verify Website (http://www.dms.myflorida.com/workforce_operations/human_resource_management/for_job_applicants/e_verify) .

Requisition No: 873057

Agency: Justice Administrative Commission

Working Title: GUARDIAN AD LITEM OFFICE, 17TH CIRCUIT- LEGAL SECRETARY - 21015608

Pay Plan: Justice Admin Comm.

Position Number: 21015608

Salary: $36,832.00

Posting Closing Date: 06/30/2026

Total Compensation Estimator Tool (https://compcalculator.myflorida.com/)

STATEWIDE GUARDIAN AD LITEM OFFICE

Legal Secretary

IMPORTANT! – Please navigate to the following website: www.guardianadlitem.org to apply for this position:

  • Click on the“Career Opportunities”icon.

  • Scroll down to the link,“Submit Your Guardian ad Litem Employment Application Here.”

  • Complete the “mini” job application andattach your current resume.

  • SelectBROWARD COUNTYfor the job location

OR

  • Email your mini application and resume directly toC17.Apps@gal.fl.gov

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION AND THE OPPORTUNITY

The Statewide Guardian ad Litem Office is Florida’s award-winning, state-funded child advocacy organization that provides independent legal representation to abused, abandoned and neglected children in Florida’s dependency court proceedings. The Office upholds the highest standards of integrity, excellence and child centered representation. The Guardian ad Litem Legal Secretary performs a variety of secretarial, administrative support, and clerical duties for Attorneys in a local GAL Circuit office. The Legal Secretary works independently under the general supervision of the Circuit Director or Managing Attorney and must exercise discretion with sensitive and confidential information. More information about the Statewide Guardian ad Litem Office can be found atwww.guardianadlitem.org

As an employee with the State of Florida, your benefits are a significant part of your compensation with 19 percent of your total compensation coming from the benefits that the State offers. As a full-time employee, your insurance rate will be significantly low due to the contribution of the State of Florida. In fact, single coverage is as low as $50 per month, with family coverage costing only $180 per month. While the rates are higher for halftime employees, health insurance options are still available if you are in a salaried position.

BENEFITS OF WORKING FOR THE GUARDIAN AD LITEM OFFICE:

  • State of Florida Retirement package – Pension or investment plan (3% employee contribution required)

  • State group insurance coverage options, including health, life, dental, vision, and other supplemental insurance options

  • Flexible spending account

  • Nine paid state holidays each calendar year

  • One paid personal holiday each fiscal year

  • 13 paid sick leave days accrued within the calendar year

  • 13 paid annual leave days accrued within the calendar year with an increase after five years

  • Life insurance of $25,000 is provided by the state at no cost to you for all FTE positions. Employees may purchase additional coverage

  • Public Loan Forgiveness Program

  • State tuition waivers

ABOUT THE WORK

  • The legal secretary is responsible for composing and typing correspondence, detailed reports and charts, memoranda, etc., using a personal computer.

  • The legal secretary is also responsible for establishing and maintaining a comprehensive office filing system, preparing travel arrangements, scheduling meetings, and preparing materials for supervisor's use.

  • A variety of working relationships are established within the Guardian ad Litem Office, and in state courts system personnel, vendors, judges and non-judicial officers, and the general public.

  • The legal secretary works independently and must exercise discretion in dealing with confidential and sensitive information.

  • Work is performed under general supervision of the Supervising Attorney.

EDUCATION AND TRAINING GUIDELINES

  • Must have a standard high school diploma or equivalent and three years of administrative support experience, one year of which was in a Legal Secretary, Administrative Specialist II or comparable position preferred.

  • Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university, two-year college or vocational school may substitute for the recommended experience on a year for year basis.

(The Executive Director or designee may waive the required training and experience requirements.)

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

  • Knowledge of administrative and clerical procedures and systems.

  • Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

  • Knowledge of computer software applications including Outlook, Excel and Word. Ability to talk to others and convey information.

  • Ability to respond patiently with the general public.

  • Ability to maintain confidentiality concerning sensitive information.

If you are a retiree of the Florida Retirement System (FRS), please check with the FRS at 1-844-377-1888 on how your current benefits may be affected if you are re-employed with the State of Florida. Your current retirement benefits may be canceled, suspended, or deemed ineligible depending upon the date of your retirement.

Candidates requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must notify the agency hiring authority and/or People First Service Center (1-866-663-4735). Notification to the hiring authority must be made in advance to allow sufficient time to provide the accommodation.

The State of Florida supports a Drug-Free workplace. All employees are subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing in accordance with Section 112.0455, F.S., Drug-Free Workplace Act.

Location:

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL, US, 33301

Nearest Major Market:Fort Lauderdale

Nearest Secondary Market:Miami