Red Flags That May Indicate Diminished Capacity in the Orlando, Florida Area
There is no single marker of diminished capacity, but there are red flags that may indicate problems. You should be aware of cognitive, emotional, or behavioral signs such as memory loss, communication problems, lack of mental flexibility, calculation problems, and disorientation. To determine if the issue is cognitive, you need to make sure the person […]
The Effects of Mental Health Issues on an Orlando, Florida Area Divorce
You have filed for Dissolution of Marriage in the Orlando, Florida area. You have children. You are concerned because your spouse has mental health issues. You fear for the physical safety or mental health of your children. What can you do? You can petition the court for the other spouse to have a psychological evaluation. You […]
What is an MMSE and How is It Used in a Guardianship Case in Orlando, Florida?
Have you ever heard the term MMSE? MMSE stands for Mini Mental Status (or State) Exam. The test was originally developed as a simplified cognitive mental health exam for elderly patients who, particularly when cognitively impaired, cooperate only for a short period of time. This test takes only five to ten minutes to administer, whereas […]
Did You Know: Florida Now Has an Elder Abuse Fatality Review Team Statute?
You learn something new every day. Today I learned that Florida now has an Elder Abuse Fatality Review Team Statute. This was discussed in an article by Ellen Cheek, Chair of the Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Committee of the Elder Law Section of the Florida Bar. Cheek published the article in The Elder Law Advocate […]
Baker Act in Orlando, Florida
What is a Baker Act? How does it affect an individual who is Baker Acted by the State? How does one go about having someone Baker Acted by the State? A Baker Act is the involuntary commitment of someone because they are a danger to themselves or others. You can only be held for 72 […]
The Role of the Court Appointed Attorney in an Orlando, Florida Guardianship Case
The role of the court-appointed attorney is evolving in the Orlando, Florida area. It was the contention of many attorneys that the court-appointed attorney’s duty was to zealously represent the alleged incapacitated person’s wishes along with advocating for their best interest. That has all changed since the 4th District Court of Appeals issued their ruling […]