Family Network on Disabilities of Florida Names Judge Kirkwood the 2009 Judicial HeroORLANDO - On May 28, Family Network on Disabilities of Florida, Inc., presented Orlando Judge Lawrence Kirkwood with the 2009 Judicial Hero Award for his efforts on behalf of persons with disabilities. Last year, the Florida Legislature changed the law that abolished the requirement that persons had to hire a lawyer in many circumstances to be able to apply for guardian advocate. This is a form of guardianship that is designed for people with developmental disabilities and their families to provide the legal authority for their parents or family members to continue to assist them in their daily lives once they become adults. Judge Kirkwood took action and developed a series of forms and a detailed guidebook for families to help those applying without a lawyer to navigate the process. Richard La Belle, Executive Director for Family Network, had this to say: "This is why we have chosen to honor Judge Lawrence Kirkwood for his efforts on behalf of persons with disabilities and their families. He has helped increase access to the courts and to justice for persons with disabilities and their families. He did this without fan fair and without seeking credit for himself, truly epitomizing the value of service above self." For more information about applying to be a guardian advocate, please go to: http://www.ninthcircuit.org/about/divisions/probate/index.shtml or call, Family Network on Disabilities of Florida, Inc. at: (800) 825-5736.
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