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Florida Elder Law Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights, Elder Law and Criminal Law for Florida on
Q: Can a file a civil law suit, if someone is violating my rights , and fraudulently press police charges with lies

I am in the middle of court case with criminal charges, for a crime I did not commit, the prosecutor wants to drop charges, but the supposed victim lies in the court and to the police statement and also refuses to let prosecutors to drop charges, and my case is costed my reputation n my life... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 12, 2024

You might have the option to file a civil lawsuit for defamation if someone is deliberately making false statements about you that are damaging your reputation. In cases where these statements lead to criminal charges, the situation becomes more complex, but the essence of a defamation claim... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Elder Law for Florida on
Q: Question about an elderly person with dementia and a caregiver who is now on the house deed and in the will.

In 2019, my grandmother’s caregiver told the family that the doctor said her dementia was getting worse and she could not drive or make any financial decisions. In 2020, my grandmother’s lawyer, who is friends with the caregiver, allowed my grandmother to sign over her condo and change her... View More

Terrence H Thorgaard
Terrence H Thorgaard
answered on Jan 1, 2024

Sure, it merits looking at. But the different signature doesn't necessarily mean that her mental ability was diminished.

1 Answer | Asked in Elder Law and Landlord - Tenant for Florida on
Q: assisted living facility--does this paragraph mean they can increase all 3 each year?

increase in aprtment monthly fee and healthcare services and incidental charges:

community will employ cost control measures consistent with sound financial practices and the need for regular and continued maintainence of the community and the level o services provided. Resident... View More

Terrence H Thorgaard
Terrence H Thorgaard
answered on Nov 29, 2023

Yes, that appears to be what it means. Like other rental contracts, the price can usually go up periodically, yearly in this case.

1 Answer | Asked in Elder Law and Family Law for Florida on
Q: Why can't I see my 87-year-old mother if there is no legal reason why

My mother was brought down to Saint Cloud Fl by my aunt after her husband died on April 23. My aunt is planning on with a living man friend taking over my mother's Lower Manhattan NY apartment My aunt claims my mother doesn't want to talk with me but my mother never told me that and I... View More

Charles M.  Baron
Charles M. Baron
answered on Nov 14, 2023

You didn't indicate what, if anything, is preventing you from going to your mother's place or calling her. That info would be necessary to determine what, if anything, a lawyer can do for you. Contacting your mother would also be the first step in determining what rights, if any, you... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Consumer Law and Elder Law for Florida on
Q: I have dali lithographs from Center Art Gallery. Are they worth anything?

Purchased Dalis in Honolulu in the 70's/80's also Chagall - Homage to Marc Chagall. Will they appraise?

Angelo "Tony" Marino Jr.
Angelo "Tony" Marino Jr.
answered on Nov 6, 2023

A civil trial lawyer would be the kind of lawyer you need but someone who specializes in gender law. I would call your homeowner's insurance company to see if they will provide a lawyer to represent you.

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1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law, Contracts and Elder Law for Florida on
Q: real estate broker added her name to a life estate deed without permission. Is there legal recourse?

The buyer ( an elderly disabled Vietnam Veteran), had agreed to a Lady Bird deed with the brokers father, but the broker switched it to a life estate deed and added her own name.

She was at the closing as a “friend” of the buyer.

Anthony M. Avery
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answered on Nov 6, 2023

You are not clear about who the remainderman is. But you can probably sue to set aside the

Deed with a good FL attorney. But you will have to explain why you signed a Deed with the wrong grantees.

1 Answer | Asked in Elder Law and Real Estate Law for Florida on
Q: My ex husband and I own a manufactured home in Florida. He lives in it, If he goes in nursing do they take the house

I live in ny.

Deed is written in his name OR mine

He’s 75 years old

Phillip William Gunthert
Phillip William Gunthert
answered on Nov 6, 2023

It depends on what your divorce papers stated upon your divorce and whether the home has homestead protection. Usually, a home of this type as a primary residence in the State of Florida is deemed homestead and protected and not subject to nursing home/Medicaid and the like.

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Domestic Violence and Elder Law for Florida on
Q: Can I be arrested for driving a car that my exfiance supposedly bought for me 13 years ago?

He is or his civil real estate atty. says I have 10 days to turn the car over a long with his guns.

I turned the guns in last February after he was arrested for trying to kill me.

Terrence H Thorgaard
Terrence H Thorgaard
answered on Oct 26, 2023

It essentially depends on the registration of the vehicle. If it was registered to you 13 years ago, and there is no written contract to the contrary, your ex doesn't have a case.

1 Answer | Asked in Elder Law, Estate Planning and Health Care Law for Florida on
Q: I am a poa for an elderly friend who is in a long term facility they own a condo but are qualifying for Medicaid and now

She gets about 1,800 a month in SS and 241 in a death benefit from her husband since all her funds go to the home what about the condo

Anthony M. Avery
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answered on Oct 4, 2023

No question asked.. But you need to consult with a FL attorney now about Medicaid, SS, fiduciary obligations, and real property title, before you get your principal in alot of trouble.

2 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning, Elder Law and Gov & Administrative Law for Florida on
Q: Can I be a professional POA

I live in an area that is majority elderly. Elder abuse has become a huge problem and I know several people that have a hard time managing their money. I would like to offer POA services for things like managing bank accounts, paying bills, etc. Am I able to do that without being a lawyer? Am I... View More

Terrence H Thorgaard
Terrence H Thorgaard
answered on Aug 17, 2023

A person who has been given a power of attorney by another person is called an "attorney in fact". You don't have to be licensed to practice law, to be an attorney in fact, but be sure you don't engage in the practice of law or perform public accounting, because you have to be... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Real Estate Law, Elder Law and Probate for Florida on
Q: Ok, my brother did a quitclaim deed stating my mother signed. My mom was in the hospital on hospice on a vent. Help.

Is it legally binding? The signature of my mother is forged since she was incapacitated and not able to agree to this? What are my options to rectify this?

James Clifton
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James Clifton
answered on Aug 7, 2023

In addition to requesting the court set aside the fraudulent deed, you could also ask for an order to quiet title. If your mother is still living and now capable of making decisions in her own capacity, she will need to bring the action herself. If your mother is still living and now incapable of... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Civil Rights, Elder Law and Nursing Home Abuse for Florida on
Q: I was my mom's 24/7 caregiverNov,22. Still over medicated my sister had her declared incapasatated legal guardian placed

In netral bank cost thousands. Then june23 slapped a unlawful detainer now I'm tresspassed is this legal

Charles M.  Baron
Charles M. Baron
answered on Jul 18, 2023

You need to schedule a consultation with an attorney to evaluate all the facts and related communications. The action against you may or may not be lawful, depending on the details, and even if it's lawful, you may have potential counterclaims for money damages.

1 Answer | Asked in Elder Law for Florida on
Q: Father lives in Tennessee with Girlfriend - got sick while in hospital Girlfriend became POA as family was in Fl - took

Control over all assets changed his Will, sold his car - accessed and closed his 3 personal bank accounts, transferred $ to her accounts ect .. from the hospital my father ended up in long term care / she sold the home they lived in which was 50/50 - took her 50% and moved with her family in... View More

Terrence H Thorgaard
Terrence H Thorgaard
answered on Jul 6, 2023

You and your father should discuss this with an attorney in Tennessee who is familiar with elder law. It is not, as of yet, a matter of Florida law.

1 Answer | Asked in Elder Law and Nursing Home Abuse for Florida on
Q: Patient has late phases of dementia, escapes from secured facility, can they be charged w/ negligence?

No cameras or bracelets

Terrence H Thorgaard
Terrence H Thorgaard
answered on Jun 29, 2023

Possibly, if the facility was negligent, and if the patient, or the patient's guardian or relatives have suffered damages resulting from such negligence.

2 Answers | Asked in Contracts, Civil Litigation and Elder Law for Florida on
Q: LAWS REGARDING? MY LEASE WAS FORGED WITH MY SIGNATURE & BACK DATED, RETURNED WITH NONE OF MY NOTES, IT WAS 32 PAGES.

1. ON 3/23 I SENT SEVERAL EMAILS ASKING FOR MY "ORIGINAL LEASE I SIGNED WITH MY NOTES". 1 MONTH LATER STILL NO RESPONSE.

2. I APPROACHED ASST. TO THE MANAGER, WHO ADMITTED RUDELY [in front of other residents] "IT'S A LEGAL DOCUMENT, YOU ARE NOT SUPPOSED TO WRITE... View More

Charles M.  Baron
Charles M. Baron
answered on May 24, 2023

First, forgery is a crime that can be reported to the police, and can result in arrest. Whether you should report it in your situation is a decision for you to make based on factors that include the relationship you wish to have with the landlord and any potential retaliation (though retaliation... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Real Estate Law and Elder Law for Florida on
Q: My daughter was put on my homestead deed. I paid for home and propertry in full. She is now threatening to take it fro

from me. I put her on deed and now she is not adhering to our agreement. She says she can do whatever she wants, it's hers. Help.

Phillip William Gunthert
Phillip William Gunthert
answered on May 19, 2023

Adding anyone to a Deed is always a potential dangerous change that is not advised, this is the far too common result. You will need to have the deed and circumstances reviewed, but based on what the deed states, your daughter is likely a partial or full owner of the property based on what you... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Elder Law, Estate Planning and Real Estate Law for Florida on
Q: Do co-successor trustees have full control over where proceeds from a home sale are deposited/distributed?

I am a co-successor trustee with one of my siblings, for my parents trust. They both have passed. We are going to sell their house, which is in the trust. Do we two, as the successor trustees, have the sole discretion on how the house proceeds get deposited and/or distributed? Or, does a third... View More

Terrence H Thorgaard
Terrence H Thorgaard
answered on May 2, 2023

In general, the trustees, not the beneficiaries, decide how to administer the trust, including the making pf decisions such as where the trust funds are deposited.

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3 Answers | Asked in Personal Injury, Banking, Car Accidents and Elder Law for Florida on
Q: In Florida if I'm on my mother's bank accounts only to be used for her benefit since she is 93 and has dementia.

If I have a judgement against me can they take all her money. I was recently in a care accident and the other driver has obtained an attorney.

Terrence H Thorgaard
Terrence H Thorgaard
answered on Apr 22, 2023

If you had automobile insurance, the insurance company should obtain an attorney to defend you against this claim.

If a judgment is entered against you, and the judgment creditor garnishes the bank accounts, you will want to file a claim of exemption. At the exemption hearing, you would...
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1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning and Elder Law for Florida on
Q: Irrevocable Trust: The Annual Accounting: Cover Letter from Trustee

As a trustee of an irrevocable trust, the CPA is paid to prepare an annual accounting with the cover letter from the trustee. If the trustee provided a sample ( from the trust attorney to the CPA) of how it is required to be prepared and written....and the CPA omitted the 6 month limited language... View More

Terrence H Thorgaard
Terrence H Thorgaard
answered on Apr 21, 2023

The accountant should send out a new letter correcting the earlier one.

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation, Contracts and Elder Law for Florida on
Q: If a sonis trying to take all the money from his mother, who was recently widowed, and the son and her were buying a hom

The house was only titled in his name without authorization. Is there any repercussions that the mother has to get her money back

Charles M.  Baron
Charles M. Baron
answered on Jan 29, 2023

Mother needs to consult a lawyer who handles real estate litigation in her area to see if she has grounds for legal action, such as a lawsuit to quiet title.

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