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Questions Answered by Jason E. Neufeld
3 Answers | Asked in Elder Law for Florida on
Q: What is the process for obtaining power of attorney?
Jason E. Neufeld
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Jason E. Neufeld
answered on May 12, 2018

Hope the article and video below help explain.

https://www.elderneedslaw.com/blog/durable-power-of-attorney

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=pJDoe7VM0Ic

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2 Answers | Asked in Family Law and Elder Law for Florida on
Q: How to get another POA for my mother who has dementia in FL? My brother is the POA, has terminal cancer. What to do?

Mother did not appoint an alternate on the POA. She now has dementia (I don't think she will have lucid moments anymore ) & my brother has terminal cancer. I am concerned if he dies, who will be my mothers POA. I am currently her health care proxy. Will I be able to make decisions for... View More

Jason E. Neufeld
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Jason E. Neufeld
answered on Mar 8, 2018

It depends on how bad the dementia is. She needs to be able to understand what she is signing in order for a Durable Power of Attorney to be effective. This is called a “lucid interval” - you can read more about it at the link below.... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning and Elder Law for Florida on
Q: I know there are options to protect current assets for medicaid coverage. Can the same protect income from pension?

My parents have 2 sources of income (SSI and Pension) and we want to have those protected from Medicaid consideration.

Jason E. Neufeld
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Jason E. Neufeld
answered on Jan 24, 2018

Yes. You can qualify for Medicaid despite excess income by utilizing a qualified income trust (also sometimes called a "Miller Trust" or "d4B Trust")

Article on QITs: https://www.elderneedslaw.com/miller-trusts-qualified-income-trusts-florida

Video on QITs:...
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3 Answers | Asked in Elder Law for Florida on
Q: My brother is first POA for my mother with dementia, I am second, sister third. I do not want to be POA. How do I excuse

In the State of Florida, she is in her own home at this time. I am also Health Care Proxy of which I do not want to be. I have family issues with my adult son who has a mental illness.

Jason E. Neufeld
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Jason E. Neufeld
answered on Jan 21, 2018

If you are successor POA (and not co-POA), the good news is only your brother can currently act. If you notify the principal in writing (and any third parties relying on the POA document), if your brother ever can no longer act on behalf of your mother, you will be skipped and your sister (next in... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Elder Law for Florida on
Q: Mom gave her adult son checks of a few hundred dollars in his name to cash for her so she would have spending cash.

She wrote checks in his name sporadically throughout the years and he gave her the $300 or whatever the check was. All of the cashed checks averaged $2400 a year. Will Medicaid say, "Gift!" Son can't prove how money was spent. Son lived with mother for 5 years to be there at night in... View More

Jason E. Neufeld
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Jason E. Neufeld
answered on Jan 6, 2018

POMS Manual SI 01150.125 explains that if individuals can prove that they gave away resources for purposes other than qualifying for Medicaid benefits, then they may be able to avoid a Medicaid transfer penalty period of ineligibility.

But, the reviewing agent will presume that any gift is...
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3 Answers | Asked in Elder Law for Florida on
Q: How hard will it be to become a guardian over an elderly friend -- I am not a family member.
Jason E. Neufeld
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Jason E. Neufeld
answered on Jan 5, 2018

It depends on if family members also want to be guardian.

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1 Answer | Asked in Elder Law for Florida on
Q: How can I qualify for pro bono services?
Jason E. Neufeld
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Jason E. Neufeld
answered on Jan 4, 2018

Call your local “legal aid” office.

1 Answer | Asked in Foreclosure, Constitutional Law, Elder Law and Probate for Florida on
Q: Need lawyer to assist me and my.85 year old mother with a conversion claim. Having difficult time locating a lawyer
Jason E. Neufeld
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Jason E. Neufeld
answered on Jan 2, 2018

You may want to call the police and adult protective services.

Copy and paste the following link to report elder abuse: http://elderaffairs.state.fl.us/doea/report_abuse.php

If its a case against a financial adviser or stock broker, reach out to me.

1 Answer | Asked in Contracts and Elder Law for Florida on
Q: What is the age to be considered an elderly?
Jason E. Neufeld
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Jason E. Neufeld
answered on Jan 2, 2018

It depends on for what purpose. For example, I think you can join AARP when you turn 50. But age 65 is a good rule of thumb for Medicaid and disability purposes.

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Elder Law for Florida on
Q: I am married and separated but not legally. My husband and I are good friends. Can I stop the children from taking over?

Up to a years ago, I was helping with my husbands care. His son moved in with him, one year ago, to care for my husband.

Now the son placed my husband in assisted care living. The son wants me to sign papers, so he can pay the mortgage and keep the condo

The son is worried because... View More

Jason E. Neufeld
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Jason E. Neufeld
answered on Jan 2, 2018

You need to sit down with a local elder law attorney to discuss all of this - its way too complicated to answer in forum such as this one.

Since you are still technically married you have very strong rights, especially with regard to the homestead.

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Contracts and Elder Law for Florida on
Q: My mom is 92 and I have issues with my sister that doesn't want to sell her apt to pay my mom's bills.

My mom need a person to take care of her 24/7 she owes an apt that is worth about 90K. I offered my sister to sell the apt and take that money and take care of my mom as I have no money to help pay the 1600 a month which I'be been doing for long time, but I don't have the money. My... View More

Jason E. Neufeld
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Jason E. Neufeld
answered on Jan 2, 2018

If your mother owns the home herself, she is free to kick your sister out and sell it. If she has designated you as her power of attorney, you can do all this as well.

If the three of you need someone to sit down with the three of you and discuss whats best for mom, I am happy to help....
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1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Elder Law for Florida on
Q: Hi. Is therea way to make someone pay fo,r or help with the care of her elderly mother? Thanks.
Jason E. Neufeld
PREMIUM
Jason E. Neufeld
answered on Jan 2, 2018

You can speak to an elder law attorney about Medicaid planning (even if your mother does not currently qualify). Medicaid can help pay for some or all of your mother's long-term care needs (depending on the level of care needed).

Feel free to copy and paste the below links that further...
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2 Answers | Asked in Elder Law for Florida on
Q: What assets (IRA's, Savings, etc?) can Medicaid take against long term care costs?
Jason E. Neufeld
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Jason E. Neufeld
answered on Jan 2, 2018

At first Medicaid doesn't take anything. If someone who needs Medicaid has too much by way of assets, they don't qualify.

If you have too much by way of assets, see a Medicaid lawyer to discuss legal and ethical ways to shelter those assets and still qualify for Medicaid....
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2 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning, Tax Law and Elder Law for Florida on
Q: My mother is on Medicaid. She and I co-own a condo that I wish to sell but without affecting her Medicaid. How can I?

In planning his estate, my father placed a Florida condo that he wished me to inherit, but, in order to have his wife use it when she could, placed it in joint ownership between her and me. She is now Alzheimic and in a facility and on Medicaid in Florida. I wish to sell the condo but concerned... View More

Jason E. Neufeld
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Jason E. Neufeld
answered on Dec 5, 2017

It depends on how the property is titled on the deed (I would have to review). But I suspect it's 50/50.

Before the property is sold, you will need a medicaid planning lawyer to explain how to shelter her portion of the proceeds to remain Medicaid eligible....She'll have multiple...
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3 Answers | Asked in Elder Law for Florida on
Q: Do I need an elder law attorney if I already have an estate planning one?
Jason E. Neufeld
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Jason E. Neufeld
answered on Nov 17, 2017

I've written two articles about this very issue. Copy and paste the links below:

https://www.elderneedslaw.com/blog/estate-planning-attorney-vs-medicaid-planning-attorney

https://www.elderneedslaw.com/blog/how-an-elder-law-attorney-is-similar-to-an-estate-planning-attorney...
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2 Answers | Asked in Elder Law for Florida on
Q: My brother is convincing my senile mom to change her will so he gets more out of it. What can I do to stop him?
Jason E. Neufeld
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Jason E. Neufeld
answered on Oct 29, 2017

You would need to petition for guardianship.

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2 Answers | Asked in Elder Law for Florida on
Q: My mother just had a massive stroke and is in ICU I need a power of attorney so that I can take care of her things how d

How do I do that

Jason E. Neufeld
PREMIUM
Jason E. Neufeld
answered on Oct 16, 2017

You should seek out a consultation with a local elder needs lawyers. However, the answer will turn on whether your mother has the capacity to sign documents. I included a link below to an article that further explains this concept.

If mom is completely cognitively incapacitated as a result...
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2 Answers | Asked in Elder Law and Real Estate Law for Florida on
Q: My mother went into a nursing home, she and I are on the deed together in the house I own/live in. Will I lose my house?

Have not qualified for Medicaid at this time. Nursing home will put a lein on it they say. Will I lose my interest in this home ? Will the nursing home recoup from her half or both halfs?

Can they demand sale?

Jason E. Neufeld
PREMIUM
Jason E. Neufeld
answered on Sep 25, 2017

Your question brings up a few issues:

1. When was the part of the property given to the medicaid applicant? If you have been on the deed together (as joint tenants with right of survivorship) for 5 years or more, then the medicaid applicant does not have to worry about a gifting penalty....
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2 Answers | Asked in Car Accidents, Elder Law, Personal Injury and Wrongful Death for Florida on
Q: Can my elder Mom be held liable if someone driving her car is in an accident?

A contractor worker for my Mom has befriended her and been very helpful to her, with my sister and I living far away. She has allowed him to take the car to his home and take her places when she calls ahead. My concern is who is driving the car when he has it. If he were to let uninsured folks... View More

Jason E. Neufeld
PREMIUM
Jason E. Neufeld
answered on Aug 25, 2017

100% yes. This is referred to as the "dangerous instrumentality doctrine." Both the driver and car owner (even if car owner isn't driving or in the car at the time) can be held responsible for an accident caused by the driver's negligence.

I discuss in more detail in the...
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2 Answers | Asked in Elder Law for Florida on
Q: My dad is a veteran - does he get anything from the VA to help with assisted living?
Jason E. Neufeld
PREMIUM
Jason E. Neufeld
answered on Jun 23, 2017

It depends on his resources. Schedule a consultation with a VA certified elder law attorney to discuss whether he qualifies, and if not, what steps he can take in order to qualify.

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