Judge Lawrence Kirkwood Named Judicial Hero
June 11, 2009
Family Network on Disabilities of Florida (FND) has awarded Circuit Judge Lawrence Kirkwood with the first annual Judicial Hero Award for his work in improving access to the courts for disable citizens and their families.
FND, a grassroots organization that serves those with disabilities and their families throughout Florida, chose Judge Kirkwood to receive the award for his work in developing materials that streamline the process for Pro Se (non represented) litigants wishing to become guardian advocates. FND Executive Director Richard La Belle, an attorney and father of disabled children, presented the award during a meeting of the Orlando Rotary Club on Thursday, May 28.
A Guardian Advocate is a form of guardianship that gives legal authority to parents and family members of the developmentally disabled, allowing them to continue assisting their disabled loved one once they enter adulthood. Due to a change in the law last year, it is no longer necessary to involve a lawyer when applying for guardian advocate status, however the process is still very difficult to navigate.
“Even if you don’t need a lawyer anymore for these cases,” said La Belle in his address to the Rotarians, “you still need a lawyer to understand the procedures and other requirements of the court. That’s where Judge Kirkwood stepped up.”
To address the needs of these Pro Se litigants, Judge Kirkwood created a guidebook to explain the law and the legal process for becoming a guardian advocate. He also created a series of court forms, referenced in the guidebook that litigants can use as they move through the process. All of these materials are currently available on the court’s web site at www.NinthCircuit.org under the probate division tab. According to La Belle the materials are very useful and FND now encourages litigants statewide to utilize them. “Judge Kirkwood did this without fanfare and without seeking credit for himself, truly epitomizing the value of service above self,” stated La Belle.
In response to receiving the award Judge Kirkwood said, “I am very honored to receive this award, but the greater reward is knowing that our disabled citizens and their families are now receiving improved access to justice.”
For additional information or to arrange an interview with Judge Kirkwood, please contact Rob Bains, Communications Coordinator with the Ninth Judicial Circuit Court at 407-836-0439.
