Compassionate Guidance for Every Stage of Life
At The Law Office of Audrey Ehrhardt, we know that as you or your loved ones age, navigating legal and financial decisions can feel complex and overwhelming. Elder law is a specialized area that focuses on the unique needs and challenges older adults and their families face. Our mission is to provide compassionate, comprehensive support to help you address these challenges with confidence and peace of mind.
Whether you’re planning for long-term care, protecting your assets, or ensuring your wishes are honored, our experienced team is here to guide you every step of the way. With over 20 years in elder law, we’re dedicated to helping you secure your future and protect what matters most.
Our Elder Law Services Include
Long-Term Care Planning
Properly designating beneficiaries for retirement accounts, life insurance policies, and other assets is crucial for honoring your wishes. We’ll review and update your beneficiary designations as part of your estate plan.
Medicaid Planning and Applications
Navigating Florida’s Medicaid system can be daunting, but we’re here to help. We develop personalized strategies to help you qualify for Medicaid benefits while protecting your assets, and we handle the application process from start to finish.
Guardianships
If a loved one can no longer make decisions for themselves, establishing a guardianship may be necessary. We guide families through this sensitive process with care, ensuring that your loved one’s best interests are prioritized
Powers of Attorney
A durable power of attorney is essential for managing your financial and legal matters if you become unable to do so yourself. We help you create a document that provides the protection you need, ensuring your affairs are handled according to your wishes.
Advance Directives and Living Wills
Planning for medical decisions in advance is a vital part of elder law. We assist you in creating advance directives and living wills that clearly outline your preferences, giving you and your family peace of mind.
Asset Protection
Protecting assets from the high costs of long-term care is a key concern for many seniors. We offer strategies to safeguard your wealth, helping you access the care you need while preserving your financial legacy.
Estate Planning
Our elder law services often intersect with estate planning, allowing us to ensure your estate is structured to support you during your lifetime and provide for your loved ones after you’re gone.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is elder law?
Elder law is a specialized area of law addressing issues that affect older adults, such as long-term care planning, Medicaid, guardianships, and advance directives. It focuses on ensuring that seniors and their families have the legal tools to protect assets, plan for care, and make important decisions with confidence.
Why do I need an elder law attorney?
An elder law attorney can guide you through the complex legal matters that arise with aging, from Medicaid planning to long-term care decisions. We help protect your assets, honor your wishes, and prepare you and your family for the future.
What is Medicaid planning, and why is it important?
Medicaid planning involves organizing finances to qualify for Medicaid benefits without exhausting your resources. This is important because Medicaid can help cover the high costs of long-term care, such as nursing home care, while preserving your financial legacy.
How can I protect my assets from the costs of long-term care?
There are various ways to protect your assets from long-term care costs, including trusts, Medicaid planning, and insurance. An elder law attorney can help you explore options that align with your goals, ensuring you have access to necessary care.
What is a durable power of attorney, and why is it essential?
A durable power of attorney allows you to designate someone to handle your financial and legal affairs if you become incapacitated. This ensures that your interests are managed according to your wishes, even if you are unable to do so yourself.
What are advance directives, and do I need one?
Advance directives, like living wills and healthcare powers of attorney, outline your preferences for medical care if you cannot make decisions. Having these documents ensures that your medical care reflects your values, giving you and your family peace of mind.
How do I know if my loved one needs a guardianship?
If your loved one can no longer make decisions due to incapacity and lacks a power of attorney, guardianship may be necessary. We can help assess the situation and guide you through the guardianship process to protect your loved one’s interests.
Can elder law services help with estate planning?
Yes, elder law services often overlap with estate planning. We can help structure your estate to benefit you during your lifetime and your loved ones afterward, ensuring your wishes are respected.
If you or a loved one needs guidance on elder law matters, we’re here to help. Schedule your free initial consultation today to discuss your situation and learn how we can support you with expert advice and compassionate care.