Astor Simovitch Law Blog
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 […]
Emergency Guardianship For Substance Use: Acting Quickly To Protect A Loved One
October 09, 2025
Trying to help a loved one in the grips of addiction is incredibly challenging. Unfortunately, a substance use disorder rarely resolves on its own, and it is often only the intervention of loved ones that ensures those struggling with substance use get the help they need. If your loved one’s substance use has spiraled out […]
Need To Relocate A Loved One For Treatment? Learn How The Marchman Act Can Help
August 21, 2025
Addiction is a serious mental illness that requires a multifaceted approach to treat successfully. Those struggling with substance use disorders are often unable to take the action needed to break the cycle of addiction, leading to a downwards spiral that can have profoundly damaging impacts on their physical and mental well-being, not to mention their […]
How A Mental Health Attorney Can Help You Seek Guardianship For A Loved One
July 24, 2025
With appropriate psychological support and the help of medication, many Americans who experience mental health conditions can go about their daily lives without issue. However, in some cases, mental illness can severely impact a person’s ability to perceive reality, exercise self-control, and make sound decisions. If someone you love is displaying signs of psychosis or […]