Guardianship vs. Guardian Advocacy in North Palm Beach

Not all disabled people deserve to have their rights taken away simply because they have difficulty managing various decisions. Florida has a long history of advocating for the rights of individual Americans, and courts are traditionally reluctant to take these rights away. Not all disabilities are the same, and some people might require more assistance than others. Some people may be able to make certain life decisions, but not all decisions. So how do you manage a situation where an adult requires a certain degree of assistance while still maintaining their basic rights? The answer could be “guardian advocacy” in North Palm Beach. But what exactly is guardian advocacy – and how is this different compared to a normal guardianship?

Guardian Advocacy Is a Less Restrictive Form of Guardianship 

Guardianship advocacy is an alternative to full guardianship, and it takes away fewer rights. This is an ideal solution for a partially disabled or incapacitated adult who is relatively high-functioning – but still needs help with certain financial, medical, or personal decisions. For example, you might have a child with special needs. When this child reaches adulthood, they may be able to live life with relative independence – perhaps living at home or even on their own. However, you might still need to exert a certain degree of control over their financial, medical, or personal decisions to ensure the child’s safety and well-being.

Is Guardian Advocacy the Right Choice for Autistic Adults? 

Guardian advocacy is often the right choice for adults with autism. As we all know, autism manifests on a “spectrum,” and some individuals have much more debilitating autism than others. Some people with autism are extremely high-functioning, and they may be able to hold jobs and live independently. Others may be nonverbal, requiring considerable assistance.

If your loved one’s autism lies somewhere between these two extremes, guardian advocacy could be a solution. As long as the autism manifested before the age of 18, and it affects their ability to carry out daily tasks, you can apply for guardian advocacy in Florida.

What Does a Guardian Advocate Do? 

A guardian advocate cannot control every aspect of the individual’s life. Instead of overseeing every minor daily decision, guardian advocates only focus on what matters most – like medical care and managing finances. Sometimes, the guardian advocate merely offers the individual advice on how to make the best choices. Often, an individual will turn to a guardian advocate for help with a decision between two choices. One of the benefits of this arrangement is that the guardian advocate is subject to less oversight from courts than a guardian would be.

Can a Guardian Advocacy Lawyer in North Palm Beach Help Me? 

A guardian advocacy lawyer in North Palm Beach may be able to help if your family is considering this option. During a consultation with one of these lawyers, it may be possible to discuss the differences between normal guardianship and guardian advocacy. This could help families choose an option that matches their unique needs and priorities. To learn more about the next steps, schedule a consultation with Kitroser Lewis & Mighdoll today.

Sources: 

flcourts.gov/Resources-Services/Office-of-Family-Courts/Family-Court-in-Florida/Guardianship

floridabar.org/public/consumer/pamphlet030/