Astor Simovitch Law Blog
Estate Planning Essentials For Families Navigating Mental Health Challenges
January 29, 2026
Estate planning plays a very different role when families are dealing with behavioral or neurological health challenges, substance use disorders, or crises that could cause incapacity. In these situations, a loved one may be unable to manage finances, make medical decisions, or handle personal and legal matters. Conditions like mental illness, cognitive decline, and substance […]
Guardianship vs Power Of Attorney – What’s The Difference?
January 15, 2026
Struggling with mental health is a difficult experience. Having a loved one who faces these challenges brings its own unique set of difficulties as you navigate their emotional, cognitive, and physical well-being—along with the legal circumstances that often surround the situation. Understanding your options, such as guardianship or power of attorney, and knowing when these […]
How An Emergency Guardianship Attorney Protects Vulnerable Loved Ones
December 18, 2025
Watching a loved one’s life slowly unravel as a result of substance use or untreated mental illness can leave you feeling helpless, frustrated and scared. You may be desperate to help them get onto the road to recovery but are uncertain of which treatment options are available, or how best to intervene. Thankfully, there are […]
Why Having A Mental Health Attorney Matters In Today’s Legal System
November 20, 2025
Over the past several decades, states across the country have progressively introduced a range of mental health laws to ensure that those experiencing poor mental health can access the support and treatment they need to lead healthy, fulfilling lives. In Florida, guardianship law, the Baker Act, and the Marchman Act all play an important role […]
What Every State Can Learn From Florida’s Legal Model for Behavioral-Health Intervention
November 17, 2025
As addiction and mental-health crises rise nationwide, one question keeps coming up from families coast to coast: “What are my options when my loved one refuses help?” Florida attorney Mark Astor — a former prosecutor with more than 30 years serving families in crisis — believes every state should have a clear, compassionate, treatment-oriented pathway […]
The Insurance Gap No One Talks About — And the Legal Tools Florida Families Can Use When Treatment Is Denied
November 17, 2025
When a loved one spirals into addiction or a mentalhealth crisis, parents often expect insurance to be the lifeline that gets their child help. Instead, many discover the opposite: denials, delays, limited coverage, and treatment options that don’t match the severity of the situation. Florida attorney Mark Astor — a former prosecutor with more than […]
Can Guardianship Help Someone With A Neurological Condition?
November 06, 2025
It can be heartbreaking to watch a loved one who was once able to look after themselves slowly experience neurological decline that begins to affect their ability to cope with the demands of day-to-day life. If your loved one has recently been diagnosed with a neurological condition, has suffered a traumatic brain injury (TBI), or […]
How An Attorney Can Help You Navigate Court Ordered Treatment For Mental Health
October 23, 2025
Many families with loved ones who are struggling with poor mental health and substance use are not aware that there are legal interventions available to help get their loved ones on the path to healing. In certain circumstances, families can petition to place a loved one in court-ordered treatment for mental illness and substance use. If you’re […]