Are you approaching age 65 or older? This phase of life brings unique challenges and opportunities, and a Tampa Elder Law Attorney from Mortellaro Law can help you plan ahead. How do you know if you need to consult a Tampa elder law attorney? Consider these questions: 

 

  • Do you need to create or edit your will? 
  • Do you possess significant assets? 
  • Are you considering a trust? 
  • Do you know if you will qualify for Medicaid, or have you been told you do not qualify?
  • What will happen if you suddenly become incapacitated? 
  • How will you pay for nursing home care if it becomes necessary?
  • Do you know what will happen to your estate after your death? 

 

As we age, we must consider the legal implications of our health and financial well-being. This is where a Tampa elder law attorney can provide valuable guidance and support. Let’s briefly examine some areas where you may need assistance from an elder law attorney.

Estate Planning

It’s never too early to start planning for your future. And if you are approaching 65, your estate plan will look different than someone approaching 35 or even 50. An elder law attorney can help you create a comprehensive estate plan that includes a will, trusts, powers of attorney, and other necessary estate planning tools. 

 

Essential estate planning is vital for seniors. You’ve spent years working hard, saving smart, handling debt, and collecting valuable assets. But there are potential mistakes that can invalidate all your efforts. 

 

A Tampa elder law attorney from Mortellaro Law can help you determine the best ways to protect your assets and plan for the future, no matter what may occur. We can also help you avoid excessive taxation and even save your loved ones from unnecessary taxes after they inherit your estate. 

Medicaid Long-Term Care Planning

Medicaid can be a valuable resource for seniors to cover long-term care costs. However, there are strict income and asset eligibility requirements. A Tampa elder law attorney can help you navigate the complex rules and regulations to ensure you qualify for Medicaid benefits.

 

Florida Long-Term Care (LTC) through Medicaid provides services through a nursing facility, certain assisted living centers, or at home. Medicaid LTC planning may require some asset structuring to meet the asset limitations for eligibility. 

 

Long-term care in Florida is costly. Planning can make the process much easier if you or your loved one need to move to an assisted living facility or nursing home. A Tampa elder law attorney can work with you to rearrange your financial picture and adopt strategies to help you afford long-term care. 

Incapacity Planning

No one knows when an injury or illness will render them unable to make critical health or financial decisions. If this happens to you, your future could be in jeopardy, and your loved ones could have to make tough decisions. 

 

Incapacity planning with Mortellaro Law evaluates all your options. It helps you choose the best ways to record and communicate your medical wishes, desires concerning life support or medications, and surgical preferences. These are known as Advance Directives. 

 

We can also work with you to appoint a Health Care Surrogate to make medical decisions if something you never discussed happens. Similarly, a Power of Attorney grants authority to the person you choose to handle your legal and financial matters. 

 

Legally recording these estate planning documents is critical, so they will be valid before the courts should problems arise later. 

Probate

More than just helping you avoid the hassles of probate as much as possible with your estate plan, a Tampa elder law attorney can help your estate administrator complete the probate process after you pass away. An attorney is valuable when handling estate debts, taxes, assets, and state probate laws. Large or complex estates will almost always need an attorney to handle legal matters about probate. 

Get Experienced Help with Mortellaro Law

A Tampa elder law attorney with Mortellaro Law can provide valuable assistance as you move closer to the latter phases of your life. Seniors face unique challenges that an elder law attorney knows how to handle. Don’t wait until it’s too late to get the help you need. Contact us today at 813-291-0734 or complete the contact form online to request your free consultation.