Providing A Wide Range Of Elder Law Services

Last updated on May 2, 2024

As we get older, we face new legal challenges involving our assets, personal safety and long-term care needs. We all deserve to age with dignity and feel safe and protected as we enjoy our golden years. You can rely on me to provide comprehensive elder law guidance and representation on various legal concerns.

At Marshall Law I assist clients from Orlando down to Tampa and up to Ocala with a variety of concerns older adults in Florida face. I believe everyone deserves compassionate and personalized legal representation. I always take the time to get to know you, your concerns and your goals before developing a tailored legal strategy to suit your needs.

Comprehensive Legal Representation For You And Your Loved Ones

Whether you need assistance planning for long-term care needs either now or in the future, or want to ensure you become eligible for Medicaid or VA benefits, I will be there for you.

I can help you with a variety of legal concerns, including:

• Estate planning;
• Asset protection;
• Medicaid planning;
• VA benefits planning; and
• Long-term care planning.

I understand how overwhelming it is to ask for legal advice regarding a time when you may not be able to care for yourself. Rest assured, I always approach every client with the respect they deserve so together we can address your concerns and provide you with peace of mind.

Frequently Asked Questions About Elder Law

Many people are confused about various aspects of elder law. Here are the questions I hear the most:

What is a power of attorney and how does it work in Florida?

A power of attorney is a document that grants someone the legal authority to act on your behalf as your agent. There are three basic types of powers of attorney in Florida:

• Limited: This is granted for a very specific purpose and expires as soon as that goal is complete. For example, you may grant someone you trust your limited power of attorney to sell your house for you while you are out of the state.
• General: This gives your agent broad authority over your health care, finances or both – but it only remains in effect so long as you are competent. You may grant someone this when you are still capable of making your own decisions but are physically incapacitated, for example.
• Durable: This is as sweeping as a general power of attorney, but it remains in effect even if you are mentally incompetent. This can help your loved ones avoid intrusive and expensive court processes should you become incapacitated prior to your death.

Because the language in a power of attorney needs to be very specific, it is important to have legal guidance when one is created.

Why is Medicaid planning so important?

Medicaid will help pay for long-term care needs, but only if your income and resources fall below a certain level. Because Medicaid has a strict five-year look-back period, early action is key to securing eligibility without spending through everything you have saved. This can allow you to still leave something behind for your heirs without losing eligibility for Medicaid.

Does Medicaid pay for long-term care?

Medicaid subsidizes long-term care needs, but only when your income and assets are below a certain threshold. That makes it essential to work with an elder law and estate planning attorney early – well before you think you may need long-term care – so that you can make the right decisions.

Let’s Discuss Your Case

Navigating estate planning or public benefit programs such as Medicaid or VA benefits can be overwhelming and complex. You and your loved ones do not have to face it alone. Contact me today to schedule a free initial consultation by calling 352-619-0744 or completing my online contact form.