FL Trusts & Estates Law Firm, LLC

Elder law focuses on the legal needs of the elderly. We work with a variety of legal tools and techniques to meet the goals and objectives of the elderly in areas such as Guardianship, Medicaid planning, Asset Protection, Long Term Health Care Planning, and the passing of their legacy to their loved ones through asset protection and special estate planning.

We review our clients' need for long term care planning, asset protection and planning for incapacity. Early planning can help shelter assets in anticipation for benefits of Medicaid or Veterans eligibility. Medicaid planning involves determining eligibility for Medicaid benefits to assist with paying for long term care expenses. Owning assets or having income does not preclude one from Medicaid eligibility. The most common misconception of Medicaid eligibility is that people believe owning a home disqualifies them from Medicaid benefits. Additionally, many war time veterans or their surviving spouses’ who meet certain financial and medical criteria may qualify for monthly cash benefits through veterans' pension planning. Proper estate planning may also avoid Guardianship which is a court-supervised proceeding for an individual who is incapacitated. In many cases Guardianship can be avoided if an individual executes a durable power of attorney while they are competent. Many individuals in our elder community care for adult disabled children who are eligible for public benefits from their disability. An elder law attorney will address those needs with special needs planning which allows the disabled child to inherit assets without affecting their benefits. In some cases, caring for a disabled adult child can help the older caretaker parent qualify for Medicaid assistance (providing other qualifications are met).

We are here to help you understand your rights, explain the benefits available to you, and options for caring for your loved ones. Advanced planning is critical for the elderly.