Category Archives: Elder Law
Why a Durable Power of Attorney Is a Key Part of Clearwater Elder Law Planning
For older adults in Clearwater, a key part of elder law planning is creating a Durable Power of Attorney (DPOA). It allows you to name someone you trust to handle important matters on your behalf. This can be critically important if you become incapacitated. Too often, people assume they’ll always be able to manage… Read More »
Should You Add An Adult Child To The Deed Of Your Clearwater Home?
As older adults in Clearwater plan for the future, many want to ensure their home stays in the family. As a result, they may add an adult child to the deed, often as a way to avoid probate. While this approach seems simple, it can create serious legal, financial, and tax consequences if not… Read More »
Florida Homestead Protections: What Older Adults Need To Know
Planning for the future is a top priority for older adults in Clearwater. However, one critical issue often overlooked is how state law protects their homes. Florida’s homestead laws offer some of the strongest protections in the country, but understanding exactly what they cover (and what they don’t) is essential. Whether you are creating… Read More »
Why Avoiding Probate Matters More For Older Adults In Clearwater
When older adults think about estate planning in Clearwater, probate is often one of the last things they want to deal with, and for good reason. Probate can be costly, time-consuming, and emotionally draining for surviving family and other loved ones. Fortunately, with the proper estate planning, you can take steps to minimize or… Read More »
The Role Of Life Estates In Clearwater Elder Law Planning
Older adults have many options when it comes to estate planning in Clearwater, but one tool that often sparks questions is the life estate. In Florida, a life estate allows you to maintain ownership rights over your home while setting up a clear plan for what happens after your death. A life estate can… Read More »
Nursing Home Versus Assisted Living In Clearwater: Legal and Financial Considerations
When you need more help than family or friends can provide, older adults in Clearwater often must choose between assisted living and nursing home care. Beyond the emotional weight of the decision, there are serious legal and financial issues to consider as well. Our Clearwater elder law attorney explains the differences and how having… Read More »
Understanding Florida’s Qualified Income Trust (Miller Trust) for Medicaid Eligibility
Older adults in Clearwater are often unpleasantly surprised to learn that even a modest monthly income can make them ineligible for Medicaid long-term care benefits. Fortunately, Florida law allows a solution: the Qualified Income Trust, often called a Miller Trust. Our Clearwater elder law attorney explains how setting up this special type of trust… Read More »
The Truth About Medicaid Look-Back Rules: What Clearwater Seniors Need to Know
Planning for long-term care can be stressful, especially when it comes to figuring out how to afford nursing home care or an assisted living facility. Many Tampa seniors turn to Medicaid to help cover these costs, but they might not realize that Medicaid has strict rules about giving away assets before applying. This is… Read More »
Are You An Adult Child Of Aging Parents In Clearwater? Encourage Them To Get Their Legal Affairs In Order
Talking about estate planning and end-of-life issues can be awkward, but if you are an adult child with an aging parent in Clearwater, do not delay this discussion. Without the proper legal documents in place, your parents face serious risks, including the loss of their independence, any say in what happens to them, and… Read More »
What to Know About Spousal Refusal and Medicaid Planning in Florida
When someone you love needs nursing home care in Clearwater, the emotional and financial impact can be overwhelming. Many families face a difficult challenge: one spouse requires long-term care while the other wants to remain at home and protect shared assets. Fortunately, Florida Medicaid law offers a strategy called spousal refusal that is appropriate… Read More »
