Page 6 - Jupiter West - July '24

Page 6, Jupiter West
Will Your Child Need A Guardian Advocate?

Submitted by Anné attorney for assistance. Although it is possible to seek guardian If you have questions about this or your estate plan and
Desormier-Cartwright, Esq. advocacy of your child without the guidance of attorney, what documents are necessary schedule a free consultation
When it comes to your there is no substitute to discussing your unique needs with an today by calling our office at (561) 694-7827, Anné Desormier-
child, there are likely no experienced special needs attorney who can help ensure your Cartwright, Esq., Elder and Estate Planning Attorneys PA, 480
steps you would not take to child remains legally protected once he or she turns 18 years Maplewood Drive, Suite 3, Jupiter, FL 33458.
protect him or her. If your old. Your client will have an attorney appointed to represent The content of this article is general and should not be relied
child has a developmental their interests. As a young adult, it is an easier process for upon without review of your specific circumstances by competent
disability, however, it can the family when you appoint a guardian advocate for the legal counsel. Reliance on the information herein is at your
be challenging to determine developmentally disabled person at the time of becoming an own risk, as it expresses no opinion by the firm on your specific
the right steps to take to adult. If you try to establish this later in their adulthood, the circumstances or legal needs. An attorney client relationship is
provide adequate protection. adult may not be so willing to agree that this is a good decision. not created through the information provided herein.
When a child turns 18, he or We know this article may raise more questions than To comply with the U.S. Treasury regulations, we must
she can make decisions on his or her own behalf, without it answers. If you have specific questions about guardian inform you that (i) any U.S. federal tax advice contained in
the permission of his or her parents. For parents of a advocacy in Florida, do not wait to contact us and let us answer this newsletter was not intended or written to be used, and
developmentally disabled child, in particular, this can be a your questions about your unique legal needs. cannot be used, by any person for the purpose of avoiding U.S.
time of uncertainty. If you want help with preparing the necessary documents federal tax penalties that may be imposed on such person and
for making health care decisions and access to financial (ii) each taxpayer should seek advice from their tax advisor
To Evaluate Whether Your Child matters, please contact us. based on the taxpayer’s particular circumstances.
Needs A Guardian Advocate, “Service is our number one priority”

Here Is Some Information About 561-743-0070

Guardian Advocacy In Florida
www.palmspoolservices.com
What Is A Developmental Disability?
According to §393.063(12) of the Florida Statutes, an
individual is considered to have a developmental disability
if he or she has “a disorder or syndrome that is attributable
to intellectual disability, cerebral palsy, autism, spina bifida,
Down syndrome, Phelan-McDermid syndrome, or Prader-
Willi syndrome that manifests before the age of 18; and that
constitutes a substantial handicap that can reasonably be
expected to continue indefinitely.”
What Does It Mean To Be A Guardian Advocate And Are
There Different Types?
In Florida, guardian advocacy is a process where family
members or caregivers can obtain legal authority over
an individual with a diagnosed developmental disability.
Guardian advocacy typically comes in three different types. Expires 8/15/24.
An individual can become a guardian advocate of a person, of
property, or both. Becoming a guardian advocate of a person State Licensed & Insured
allows the advocate to make personal decisions about the Serving Palm Beach County CPC # 1457468 • LPG#30099
physical well-being of a child, while property rights include
the right to contract on behalf of a child.
Should I Consult With An Attorney?
The short answer is yes. Guardian advocacy can be a
particularly challenging process, which is why we encourage
you to seek the guidance of an experienced special needs

Three Step Plan

For College

By Jim Forgan, Ph.D.
Licensed School
Psychologist
Planning for college
does not have to wait
until the senior year.
Students obtain better
outcomes when college
planning starts in 10th
or 11th grade. A rising
junior student I recently
worked with wanted
to attend a large state university, but he had not
yet accomplished anything to position himself as
a competitive applicant. During our interview he
revealed he did not participate in any school clubs,
student government, sports, or arts. He was not working
or volunteering. This put him at a disadvantage.
Working with a college planner helps students
accomplish three important steps. First, resume

Three Step Plan For College on page 7

Licensed and Insured

Captain’s was established in 1980 servicing
Palm Beach County and is a privately
owned and managed company.
Captain’s is committed to providing
dependable, reliable and professional
ground transportation to and from all
South Florida Airports and Seaports. PBCVH212
To reserve your vehicle:
561-798-2180 or 800-634-7890 www.captainsairport.com