FL H0941

Amends s. 744.108 to make fees and costs incurred by attorneys who rendered services to a ward payable from guardianship assets unless the court finds the requested compensation substantially unreasonable.

Allows courts to determine reasonable compensation for guardians, attorneys, and court-appointed persons without requiring expert testimony, though any party may offer expert testimony after notice to interested persons.

Amends s. 744.3025 to permit courts to appoint a guardian ad litem to a minor if necessary to protect the minor's interests in a settlement when the gross settlement exceeds $15,000, and requires appointment when the gross settlement equals or exceeds $50,000.

Makes settlements of minors' claims subject to confidentiality provisions of the guardianship chapter.

Amends s. 744.331 to direct that examining committee fees be paid from state funds as court-appointed expert witness fees if a petition for incapacity is dismissed, and requires a petitioner to reimburse the state for expert witness fees if the court finds the petition was filed in bad faith.