MENTAL HEALTH LAW

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More than 50% of all adults in the United States struggle with their mental health from time to time. We focus on mental health at WhitbeckBennett due to the prevalence of those struggling with various mental health issues and the fundamental importance of mental well-being. In order to help our clients meet mental health challenges, we have developed a strong focus on mental health law.

The area of mental health law is composed of cases involving the emergency commitment of mentally ill individuals to psychiatric treatment, the appointment of people as guardians and conservators for mentally ill individuals, and generating important documents (like powers of attorney) to assist those with mental health challenges.

Mental health law, at its core, is about developing strategies to help individuals get the help they need in an imperfect system. It is also about ensuring that those struggling with mental health issues have their rights protected and that the stigma associated with mental illness doesn’t lead to unfair results in the legal system.

In our practice of family law and criminal cases, we have found that mental health is often a significant factor. Mental health issues permeate many other cases and often are the chief cause behind individuals getting divorced, getting charged with a crime, and many other crisis situations. A person can often trace the cause of their legal problems back to their own mental health or the mental health issues of their family members, friends, or business associates. While other firms typically neglect the all-important issue of mental health, our firm focuses on it because we realize a healthy mind is essential to mitigate, or ideally, avoid legal mishaps altogether.

Our firm is prepared to represent individuals in mental health law cases, as well as in family law cases, criminal cases, and other civil cases where the mental health of one or more parties is a critical issue. When mental illness is a factor in your case, you will want an attorney by your side who understands mental health issues. It is also essential that your attorney has the experience and established relationships with various mental health professionals that can further a client’s case. The attorneys at Whitbeck Bennett are prepared to assist you in cases where mental health is a factor.

How We Can Help

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Commitment of Mentally Ill Individuals

Family Law, Criminal Law, and Other Cases Involving Mental Health Issues

Financial & Healthcare Power of Attorney

Guardianship & Conservatorship

“I would highly recommend John Whitbeck to anyone needing legal counsel or representation. He was thorough, intentional, and professional in all of my dealings with him. He is well respected in the legal community of Loudoun County and is well liked by friends and colleagues alike. He has worked diligently to build a fabulous reputation and proven his knowledge of the law through his diligent practice in the area. No man would be as highly respected and sought after if he didn’t have the experience and professionalism to back it up.”

Amanda
Loudoun County, VA

“I have over 10 years experience personally with Mrs. Laffey and if you want the best of the best look no further. She is incredibly knowledgeable and experienced in all fields of family law. She genuinely cares about your case and your situation and does whatever she can to improve it and do what is best for everyone involved. She is a fantastic mediator on all fronts especially dealing with other parties attorneys in the courtroom and with you personally. She is definitely an advocate for children and wants to see them happy healthy and growing through these trying times. She responds to any inquiries emails or phone calls with prompt attention and goes out of her way to find a solution for your particular case. She’s extremely easy to engage with and you will not be disappointed with her services. I can not sing her praises enough. So if you want your case handled professionally proficiently and with a touch of TLC I highly recommend that you call her you won’t regret your decision.”

Deborah
Wilmington, DE

“My experience with WhitbeckBennett has been, and continues to be, extremely positive. My attorney, Mr. Beglis, has worked very hard for me. I can only wish that I had the sense to retain him for my Divorce, I would be in a completely different situation at this time! He is handling my custody issue. The level of comfort he has given me is worth everything to me. I truly feel like he is standing in front of me as a shield and his only function is to protect me and fight for me. This feeling, for me, is priceless. Thank you so much Mr. Beglis for giving me peace.”

Ayesha
Leesburg, VA

“Amber Godfrey is a consummate perfectionist with a heart of gold and a passion for her clients. I highly recommend her and her firm for any family law matter.”

Kevyn
Oklahoma City, OK

“Richard Tappan is one of the finest attorneys that you could have represent you…He went the extra mile and you can be assured this is just who he is…someone that will not let you down even though you are facing very difficult circumstances.”

Matthew
Vienna, VA

“James (Jim) did an excellent job with my case! Whenever I had any questions, he responded to my inquiry the same day and always provided a clear explanation. He made a confusing and stressful situation very, very simple and my case was closed in less than 3 months—even during this pandemic! I absolutely recommend!”

J.
Leesburg, VA