Ponte Vedra Elder Law Attorney

Ponte Vedra Elder Law Lawyer

Moving into retirement can be challenging. To make the transition as seamless as possible, it can help to work with an attorney to prepare your assets in the event that you are unable to do so in the future. Hiring a Ponte Vedra elder law attorney can help you develop sound documentation to navigate any future situations surrounding you or your assets.

Receive Guidance for Your Future

The Law Office of Douglas A. Oberdorfer, P.A., has over 20 years of experience in various types of elder law, including creating wills, establishing power of attorney or guardianship, and transferring parts of an estate through trusts. We can provide efficient, understanding, and thorough legal services for elderly individuals and their loved ones to ensure their assets are protected and enable a transition that is as smooth as possible.

What Are Different Types of Elder Law?

Most types of laws surrounding elderly individuals are meant to prepare the person’s finances and estate for retirement and beyond. This might look different depending on the person and their situation. Common areas of elder law include:

• Estate Planning: An estate plan is meant to designate where assets will go in the event of an individual’s death or incapacitation. This usually involves a will but can also involve other things like trusts, designating power of attorney, and advance directives in case others need to make medical decisions for you.
• Guardianships: If an individual is no longer capable of taking care of themselves, they might qualify for guardianship. This is when another individual makes decisions on their behalf for their person, property, or both. This form of care is quite restrictive, so it is usually only considered in extreme circumstances. An attorney can review other options for additional assistance to see if there is a more appropriate method of care.
• Long-Term Care: Many elderly individuals need assistance on a more permanent basis and thus require the services of an assisted living facility or a nursing home. An attorney can assist you in determining what financial assistance you or your loved one qualify for and how to spend your assets to positively impact your eligibility.

Many of these areas are extremely complicated and have rules that change often. This is why it is so important to consult an attorney who is experienced in elder law and the rules and regulations surrounding it.

Estate Plan Breakdown

There are many individual components of an estate plan, including:

• Wills: A will allows you to designate where your assets go after your death. Creating a will with an attorney can prevent your loved ones from fighting over your assets or the state from dividing your assets for you.
• Living Trusts: Trusts are another aspect of the estate planning process that helps you avoid probate or your assets needing to be verified in court. They can also help ensure that the actions in your will are actually carried out and enforced.
• Power of Attorney: As opposed to guardianship, power of attorney is something you assign while you still have the mental capacity to do so. Appointing a power of attorney allows that individual to make important decisions on your behalf.

Why Do I Need an Attorney?

There are certain areas of elder law, like guardianship and probate, that require an attorney. While other areas do not require legal services, they are often complicated. If an individual without legal experience attempts to take on challenging legal processes, they run the risk of completing things wrong, resulting in added time and expenses. An attorney can be a crucial component of the elder law process.

FAQs

Q: Do I Need an Estate Attorney in Florida?

A: Yes, you likely need an estate attorney in Florida for estate issues, depending on the type of actions you are considering. If you are considering probate, then you will likely need an attorney to go through the process. If you are simply drafting a will, then an attorney is not technically necessary but highly recommended. Estate attorneys are especially helpful when creating trusts, determining estate taxes, and making contingency plans if you become incapacitated.

Q: How Much Is a Good Lawyer in Florida?

A: A good lawyer in Florida can cost anywhere between $300 and $600 an hour in Florida. The specific cost depends on the attorney’s experience level, the type of services you need for your case, and how long the case takes to resolve. If a case ends up going to trial, it normally costs significantly more. To learn more about a specific attorney’s costs, contact them directly or schedule an initial consultation.

Q: How Do I Find a Good Lawyer in Ponte Vedra, Florida?

A: To find a good lawyer in Ponte Vedra, Florida, it is helpful to do your research. Develop a list of attorneys who practice in your area who take cases that are similar to yours. Once you have a list, you can contact them individually to ask them questions over the phone or in person. Some questions to ask potential attorneys include things like:

• What past experience do they have with similar cases?
• What fees/hourly rates do they charge?
• Who will be working on my case?
• How will you inform me of new developments surrounding my case?

Q: Does a Good Lawyer Make a Difference?

A: A good lawyer can make a huge difference in the outcome of your case. One of the most important things an attorney can do is explain which actions you should take based on your situation. This can save you money and time by preventing you from doing something that could harm your case. If your case does need to go to trial, working with an attorney can help improve your odds of success.

Plan Your Next Steps

While it can be uncomfortable to think about certain aspects of elder law, it is usually better to prepare ahead of time instead of dealing with the consequences later. Working with an attorney can help you create a plan that is specific to you and your family’s needs. Schedule a consultation with the Law Office of Douglas A. Oberdorfer, P.A., to learn how our staff can help you prepare for your or your loved one’s future.