Astor Simovitch Law Blog
Marchman Act vs Baker Act
April 06, 2026
If you or your loved one is facing a mental health crisis or struggling with substance abuse in Florida, you may hear about the Marchman Act and the Baker Act. These two laws allow for involuntary intervention in certain situations, but they apply to different circumstances and follow different legal procedures. Understanding how the Marchman […]
How an Estate Planning Attorney Helps Prevent Financial Exploitation In Mental Health Cases
March 26, 2026
Certain conditions, including bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, major depression, and cognitive disorders, can impair judgment and impulse control. During unstable periods, individuals may be more vulnerable to poor financial decisions, increased dependence on others, or difficulty recognizing manipulation. An experienced estate planning attorney recognizes these risks and can implement legal safeguards designed to protect both assets […]
How To Protect Loved Ones With Substance Use Disorders Through Targeted Estate Planning
February 26, 2026
Protecting a loved one with a substance use disorder requires careful and intentional estate planning. Without the right legal structure in place, inherited assets can create financial risk, disrupt recovery efforts, or lead to unintended harm. Estate planning allows families to provide support, stability, and long-term protection while respecting the realities of addiction and recovery. […]
How An Estate Planning Attorney Helps With Substance Abuse Related Legal Planning
February 20, 2026
No parent or grandparent wants to feel as though they are giving up on a loved one who is struggling with a substance use disorder. The concern is not about withholding support, but about ensuring that financial resources are not unintentionally used in ways that could cause further harm. Recovery takes time, and during that […]
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 […]