Astor Simovitch Law Blog
Tough Love Isn’t Working. Florida Law Offers a Third Option Most Parents Never Consider
July 09, 2026
Quick Answer Is there a legal alternative to tough love or enabling when my adult child won’t get help in Florida? Yes. Florida’s Marchman Act lets a relative petition the court for an assessment and, if the legal standard is met, court-ordered treatment for a loved one struggling with substance use disorder. It’s a civil […]
What Do Mental Health Legal Services Cover & When Should You Seek Help?
July 09, 2026
Mental health challenges can affect every aspect of a person’s life, including their relationships, employment, housing, finances, and medical care. In some situations, these challenges also become legal matters that require immediate attention and professional guidance. Mental health-related legal services are designed to protect the rights of individuals and families while helping them navigate complex […]
When Mental Health Declines, How Estate Planning Helps Families Stay In Control
June 25, 2026
Mental health challenges present unique complications that impact decisions about finances, healthcare, and daily life. Estate planning becomes a valuable tool in managing mental health conditions such as severe depression, dementia, or substance-related disorders that can impair judgment and decision-making capacity. When left unprepared, families are burdened with navigating complex legal systems while also managing […]
What To Expect When Working With A Florida Guardianship Lawyer: A Step-by-Step Client Experience Guide
June 18, 2026
Guardianship plays a key role in protecting a vulnerable individual, whether an adult or a child, who is unable to manage their own affairs. Appointing an adult guardian helps ensure that the individual’s best interests are protected, and the legal process is often complex to meet this high standard. There are strict requirements and a […]
When To Consult An Estate Planning Attorney After A Mental Health Diagnosis
June 11, 2026
If you’re recently learned of a loved one’s mental health diagnosis, your mind is likely occupied with a range of worries and uncertainties: how should you support them? How can you help them access treatment? What new challenges will they face in daily life? Among all these concerns, speaking to an estate planning attorney is […]
Estate Planning Strategies For Families Facing Court Ordered Treatment And Mental Health Crisis
May 28, 2026
Picture this: it’s the middle of an ordinary day, yet nothing feels normal. You’re searching for answers, trying to make sense of a situation that feels overwhelming and uncertain. Your adult child has been Baker Acted twice this year, and you’re left navigating a difficult reality, balancing their immediate safety with concerns about their long term […]
What Is Court Ordered Treatment & When Is It Necessary?
May 15, 2026
Substance abuse can gradually escalate into severe addiction, often bringing consequences that affect not only the individual’s health and well-being, but also their relationships and overall quality of life. Untreated mental health conditions can also create a ripple effect, impacting families, raising safety concerns within communities, and affecting places of employment. When a struggling individual […]