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How Suicide Can Be Intertwined With the Law in Orlando and Lake Mary

September was Suicide Prevention Month. Many families in the Orlando, Florida area and the Lake, Mary, Florida area have a member of their family with mental health issues, including suicidal ideation. That family member may have been Baker Acted because they were a danger to themselves or others. They may have attempted suicide or threatened suicide. 

These families may need to petition the court under the Baker Act, Petition for Guardianship, or Petition for Dissolution of Marriage. Mental health issues can complicate a Guardianship case and or a Dissolution of Marriage case. Many times the relative with mental Illness believes they are fine. They do not think it is necessary to take their prescription medications or see their psychiatrist or psychologist. They may be extremely difficult to deal with in a legal proceeding. Most likely, they were difficult to deal with in the family setting. That is why the family members have sought out legal advice to determine their options in this predicament. Sometimes the family member seeking legal advice is at wits end. 

Providing the family with what resources are available in the community to help them deal with the situation may allow for some comfort and stress reduction. Providing them with their legal options may make them feel less overwhelmed. They probably love their family member very much but are at a point of wondering what they can do and what they should do. Other family members might have told them what to do. Some people may have had it with their loved one’s actions due to the mental illness; and they feel that divorce is their only option. They may take weeks to process the information before they act. It is a very difficult time for them. They may need a therapist themselves to help them get through this difficult period. 

Letting the individual who is seeking help know the community resources for their mentally ill loved one and what is available in the community can be a big help to them. Further, explaining the Baker Act legal process, and what will happen to their loved one most likely can be a great comfort. They are looking for options that they can ponder. By being provided options it may give them hope in a very emotional situation. 

If you have more questions regarding a Baker Act, Guardianship, or Marital and Family Law matter, with mental health issues, you may call Ann Marie Giordano Gilden at Ann Marie Giordano Gilden, P.A. at 407-732-7620 and set an initial consultation. You may also visit my website at: https://www.annmariegildenlaw.com 

This article is for informational purposes only and does not form an attorney client privilege.