Elder Law
904-471-5204
Elder law is a specialized area of legal practice, covering estate planning, wills, trusts, arrangements for care, social security, retirement benefits, Medicaid planning, protection against elder abuse and other services involving seniors.
I am a member of the Medicaid and Public Benefits Committee of the Florida Bar.
Guardianship (also commonly known as Conservatorship) / Incapacity
A guardianship or conservatorship is a crucial legal tool that allows one person or entity to make decisions for another (the ward). Courts are tasked with establishing guardianships, and they typically appoint guardians in instances of incapacity or disability. Suppose, for example, that a person is put into a coma from a car accident. Unless that person has a durable power of attorney and medical directives already in place before the accident, the court will appoint a guardian to make both financial and non-financial decisions for the comatose person. This is important because investments, real estate, etc. can lose their value over time if left unmanaged. There are also bills to pay – a guardian should make sure that excessive liabilities do not accrue during the period of incapacity.
Financial Exploitation
Financial exploitation occurs when a person misuses or takes the assets of a vulnerable adult for his/her own personal benefit. This frequently occurs without the explicit knowledge or consent of a senior or disabled adult, depriving him/her of vital financial resources for his/her personal needs. Assets are commonly taken via forms of deception, false pretenses, coercion, harassment, duress and threats.
Assisted Living
Residential communities that provide supervision or assistance with the activities of daily living including meals, housekeeping, personal care services and offer social events and recreation.
Aging In Place
The ability to live in one's own home and community safely, independently, and comfortably, regardless of age, income, or ability level.
Larry Griggs has an extensive library of informative, easy to understand videos that discuss elder law in further detail. Click here.
