Four Things Elder Lawyers Do In Florida Besides Estate Planning
The number of senior citizens in the U.S. is at a record high and it is expected to grow significantly in the coming decades. The Population Reference Bureau estimates that there will be more than 80 million seniors nationwide by the year 2050. Senior citizens have unique legal needs. It is about a lot more than just estate planning. Here, our St. Petersburg elder law attorney provides an overview of four things elder attorneys do besides estate planning.
1. Long-Term Care Planning
The cost of nursing homes, assisted living, and in-home care is extremely high. A private run in a nursing home in Florida can run well over $100,000 per year. Alarmingly, the cost of long-term care is growing even faster than the overall inflation rate. Too many families in St. Petersburg discover too late that these expenses can quickly destroy a lifetime of savings. A Florida elder lawyer helps clients structure assets to qualify for Medicaid while preserving financial stability. Proactive long-term care planning is one of the biggest advantages of working with an elder law attorney.
2. Guardianship and Incapacity Proceedings
Incapacity planning is an important part of overall estate planning. There may come a point when guardianship and/or other incapacity proceedings become necessary in Florida. When an adult becomes unable to make decisions due to illness or cognitive decline, a guardianship proceeding may be required. Under Chapter 744 of the Florida Statutes, the court can appoint a guardian to manage personal, medical, and financial matters. A top-rated St. Petersburg, FL elder law attorney can guide your family through the process. Most often, that begins with the evaluation of less restrictive alternatives such as durable powers of attorney or health care surrogates.
3. Elder Abuse and Financial Exploitation
Unfortunately, elder abuse is a serious problem in Florida. Notably, elder financial abuse is a fast-growing form of exploitation in Florida. It can involve relatives, caregivers, or even professional advisors misusing funds or property. An experienced St. Petersburg, FL elder lawyer can help you and your family investigate and respond under Florida’s Adult Protective Services Act. An attorney can also help you take civil legal action to recover stolen assets, freeze accounts, or challenge unauthorized transfers.
4. Social Security, Medicare, and Veterans’ Benefits
Beyond Medicaid, many seniors rely on a patchwork of public benefit programs. Attorneys advise clients on eligibility, appeals, and coordination between federal and state systems. Along with other things, this can include disputing denied Medicare coverage, assisting with Social Security Disability Insurance, or applying for VA Aid and Attendance benefits.
Contact Our St. Petersburg Elder Lawyer Today
At Fisher & Wilsey, P.A., our St. Petersburg elder lawyer is standing by, ready to protect your rights and interests. If you have any questions about elder law, please do not hesitate to contact us today for a fully confidential consultation. With an office in St. Petersburg, we provide elder law services in Pinellas County and throughout the entire region.
Source:
prb.org/resources/fact-sheet-aging-in-the-united-states/
