JEFF'S STREAMLINED PROCESS FOR GUARDIAN ADVOCACY
For Developmentally Disabled Young Adults (Autism, Down's Syndrome, and others)
My name is Jeff Rapkin. I have been a lawyer since 1996. My oldest daughter is Autistic and not only is the world unfair to her, but many parents like us have obstacles that most others couldn't imagine. If you are like me and have a developmentally-disabled child, you should be aware of the inherent difficulties which occur when your child turns 18 years of age.
Don't let the terminology confuse you. In almost every regard, a Guardian Advocate has the same rights, duties, and obligations as a Guardian in a traditional guardianship, but was created for individuals like my daughter who are developmentally disabled. It was created for people with Down's Syndrome, Autism, etc.
Legal Definition: “Guardian advocate” means a person appointed without an adjudication of incapacity by a written order of the court to represent a person with developmental disabilities. Sections 393.12 and 744.3085, F.S. The person with developmental disabilities must lack the capacity to do some, but not all, of the tasks necessary to care for his or her person, property, or estate.
If you are the Guardian Advocate of your (adult) child, you are your child's Guardian.
Once the order naming you as Guardian Advocate is granted, you are once again the parent of your disabled child who has become eighteen years of age or older. You can resume parenting as you always have.
Once you become Guardian Advocate, you can apply and speak (on behalf of your disabled child) with any State or Federal Government Agency, Doctors, Schools, whatever you need to continue parenting and protecting your child. Remember the terms: you are the Guardian Advocate. The Ward is your developmentally-disabled child who has become 18 or over.
I have spent years working towards creation of an easier, method to obtain your Guardian Advocate process.
I have created a method for parents like us to get a Guardian Advocacy ourselves, WITHOUT the need for an attorney.
If you have trouble, or questions feel free to call, text, or email. I prefer an email, but if there is a question that needs to be answered in a hurry, here's my cell: 941-916-4096
Click on the link below to get started.
Jeff