The Villages Elder Law Attorney

Elder law is a legal area that covers many different legal areas, including probate, estate planning, Medicaid planning, asset protection, and more. The term ‘elder,’ though is a bit misleading. While elder law does involve using many tools to help one as they get older, it is important to start planning as soon as possible. The sooner tools such as trusts and wills are established, the sooner you can get the protection you may need at some point in life. Contact our The Villages elder law attorney for assistance or read on for more info below.

• Asset Protection
• Elder Abuse
• Estate Planning
• Long Term Care Financing
• Medicaid
• Nursing Home Planning
• Power of Attorney
• Probate
• Trusts

Asset Protection

Asset protection involves using many legal strategies to safeguard assets from lawsuits, creditors, and other liabilities. Florida has particularly unique and favorable asset protection laws, which makes this type of planning particularly important. A few of the tools used in asset protection strategies are LLCs, trusts, homestead exemptions, and more.

Estate Planning

In Florida, estate planning is the process of managing and organizing your property throughout your lifetime and making sure they are distributed according to your wishes after you pass away. Estate planning tools such as wills and trusts can ensure your property is distributed accordingly. A will also allows you to name a guardian for any minor children, while trusts will shield your assets from the probate process. Estate planning also includes drafting advance directives that can ensure you are protected if you are ever unable to make decisions for yourself.

Probate

Probate is the court-supervised process of validating your will and ensuring your property is distributed according to your wishes. The probate process can be long and expensive. It also opens your estate up to creditors and others, which can reduce the overall value and your loved one’s inheritance. There are many estate planning tools that can be used to help loved ones avoid the probate process.

Medicaid Planning

The cost of a nursing home in Florida can reach $100,000 or more. Other long-term care options are also very expensive. You do not want to spend the savings you have worked your entire life for just to cover the cost of this care. With Medicaid planning, you can ensure that when you apply for benefits, you have the best chance of obtaining them. For example, when you apply, Medicaid will look back at the previous five years to ensure you have not transferred large amounts of assets to qualify for benefits.

Guardianship

There may come a time when you are unable to care for your daily needs on your own. In these instances, you may need a guardian. Guardianship is also a court-supervised process that ensures the best interests of the ward, or the person who needs assistance, are protected.

Call Our Elder Law Attorney in The Villages Today

Planning for your future is important, but it is just as important that you obtain legal advice when making those plans. William Rambaum, P.A. is a The Villages elder law attorney who can provide that advice, draft your documents, and answer all of your questions so you can make the best decisions for you and your future. Call us now at 727-781-5357 or contact us online to schedule a consultation and to get the legal help you need.