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Florida Elder Law Questions & Answers
2 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning and Elder Law for Florida on
Q: Florida. special needs trust signed in 1990 I have never been evaluated by Social Security or certified DISALED?

Having some spinal issues and doing this on a microphone. My relationship with my two sisters as trustees is deteriorating in the prognosis is not good and the forecast is cloudy. So I have several issues. They have a lot of money. They really do not want to be bothered with this. This is a... View More

Phillip William Gunthert
Phillip William Gunthert
answered on Jan 6, 2025

You would need to have the Trust reviewed by an estate planning and probate attorney, and you would want to make sure that the Trust is addressing your needs per the terms of the Trust, furthermore, the Trustees have affirmative duties and obligations to carry out the wishes of your father as... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Elder Law for Florida on
Q: Is transferring money from a trust to caregiver account a thing to get approved for Medicaid?

I have looked all over internet and all I see is getting paid as a caregiver but not this caregiver account transfer.my husbands step dad says it is needed to avoid look back to get Medicaid. His attorneys told him to transfer trust into caregiver account under my husband and I. Eventually after... View More

Lauren Nagel Richardson
Lauren Nagel Richardson
answered on Sep 17, 2024

Please make sure that you are working with a knowledgeable Medicaid Planning/Elder Law Attorney. There is a contract called a Personal Services Contract that when executed properly allows a front loaded payment to a caregiver or care manager (usually a trusted family member) based on the actuarial... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Elder Law for Florida on
Q: My 86 year old mother in law is about to go into an assisted living facility, but may need to apply for Medicaid.

She has an automobile we gave her for free 11 years ago. Can she give it back to us for free without effecting her Medicaid eligibility or being penalized in the five year lookback provision?

Jason E. Neufeld
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Jason E. Neufeld
answered on Jun 13, 2024

In Florida, the answer is: Yes.

If the automobile in question is mom's only car - it is an exempt asset (that Medicaid was never going to count against her when determining eligibility anyway).

For non-real estate/non-retirement assets (such as a car) which are already...
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2 Answers | Asked in Family Law, Estate Planning and Elder Law for Florida on
Q: My father signed a new will several times. We were unable to have it. notarized or witnessed. He is dying. Thank you.

We live in Florida. The previous will was made 40 years ago and he did not read or understand it. The second will is fair to his children. I greatly appreciate your advice.

James Clifton
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James Clifton
answered on May 26, 2024

If the document is not witnessed and notarized, it will not be recognized as a will in Florida. Strict compliance with the law regarding wills is necessary for the document to be enforceable as a will.

Schedule a free consultation to make sure your father's estate plan is formalized...
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2 Answers | Asked in Family Law, Estate Planning and Elder Law for Florida on
Q: My father signed a new will several times. We were unable to have it. notarized or witnessed. He is dying. Thank you.

We live in Florida. The previous will was made 40 years ago and he did not read or understand it. The second will is fair to his children. I greatly appreciate your advice.

Phillip William Gunthert
Phillip William Gunthert
answered on May 27, 2024

I am very sorry for father's illness and his health struggles ongoing. There will be a serious issue with such a Will in Florida, it will not be a valid Will as it does not meet the Florida Statutory requirements of F.S. 732.502 (you can look it up online), what you have described without any... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning, Real Estate Law and Elder Law for Florida on
Q: Both my name and my mother's name are on the deed to her house. Also, her will directs the house to pass to me.

However, her boyfriend lives with her and has made his intentions for the house known to me. Although he pays her rent every month, he does so in cash so no trace exists. What am I looking at here in the future? Will he have a claim to the house because he lives there?

Phillip William Gunthert
Phillip William Gunthert
answered on May 4, 2024

Since they are not married and he pays monthly rent to your Mom to rent part of the house as a tenant, it sounds like he is a month to month renter, since he is not married he has no rights, since he is not on the deed he has no rights. The house should pass to you via the deed (this needs to be... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Immigration Law and Elder Law for Florida on
Q: Sister is abusive. She is now harassing the caregiver for my father. Advice is appreciated. Thank you.

My sister is an abusive person and has mentally abused my elderly parents and also me for years. When we don't do what she wants, the abuse intensifies. She has been sending harassing texts to the caregiver I hired for my elderly father. Because the caregiver will not respond to her abuse... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 26, 2024

I'm so sorry to hear about the abusive and harassing behavior from your sister. This sounds like an incredibly stressful and painful situation for you, your father, and his caregiver to be dealing with. A few thoughts and suggestions:

1. Document everything. Keep records and...
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1 Answer | Asked in Elder Law, Securities Law and Criminal Law for Florida on
Q: Mom is a victim of elder abuse by her financial advisor. He works in NY, she lives in FL. Do what in which jurisdiction?

He convinced her to write him checks for $139,000. And he prematurely terminated an annuity costing her a minimum of $69,000 in fees, penalties & lost bonus. He lied to both of us, telling us the account had matured. He's his own employer and I can't find him listed in FINRA.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 2, 2024

Given the complexity of your situation involving elder abuse and financial misconduct across state lines, you may need to take legal action in both New York, where the financial advisor works, and Florida, where your mother resides. Start by consulting with attorneys who are familiar with both... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Banking and Elder Law for Florida on
Q: My Aunt recently passed away and in her older years my mom’s name was on her bank. My aunt took out a forced loan

My mom was not aware of this loan nor was she in the loan. Is she still responsible for the amount owed?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 2, 2024

In this situation, your mom's responsibility for the forced loan would depend on the specific circumstances surrounding it. If your mom's name was simply on the bank account for administrative purposes or as a joint account holder, it doesn't necessarily mean she's automatically... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Elder Law and Probate for Florida on
Q: My mother owns a home and is the only one on the deed & is in hospice with end stage Alzheimer’s. My stepdad died.

Neither have a Will. Can I sell the house without probate nor haveto give any proceeds to my step-dads children, because he wasn’t on the deed?

Lauren Nagel Richardson
Lauren Nagel Richardson
answered on Jan 23, 2024

I am so sorry to hear about your mother's illness. Yes, because the property is in her name only and not in a trust or some other probate avoidance strategy, you will need to file a probate case to transfer the property to you when your mother passes away. If your mother's husband... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Elder Law and Probate for Florida on
Q: My mother owns a home and is the only one on the deed & is in hospice with end stage Alzheimer’s. My stepdad died.

Neither have a Will. Can I sell the house without probate nor haveto give any proceeds to my step-dads children, because he wasn’t on the deed?

Phillip William Gunthert
Phillip William Gunthert
answered on Jan 23, 2024

I am very sorry for your loss on the passing of your dad, and I am very sorry for your mom and her illness at this stage of her life. You will want and need to speak with a Florida probate Attorney, they will want to review any property deed that you have, and it will have to be determined what... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Elder Law, Estate Planning and Probate for Florida on
Q: My uncle has passed away in Florida. He had dementia. How can I find out who his attorney or power of attorney was?

His 'caregiver' went into a 'relationship' with him whilst he had dementia. She has his ashes. There is no death certificate. How can we get his ashes back to his daughter in Australia?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 21, 2024

I'm sorry to hear about your uncle's passing and the complicated situation you're facing. To find out who your uncle's attorney or power of attorney was, you can start by checking any legal documents or records that your uncle may have kept, such as wills, estate planning... View More

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 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

1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant, Real Estate Law, Criminal Law and Elder Law for Florida on
Q: Commercial Property Eviction help needed thank you for your thoughts

I am in need of advice and help from a lawyer regarding evicting a criminal from a commercial property. The key to property was stolen from my elderly father. The criminal is currently on probation for other crimes. Any advice is greatly appreciated.

Jacqueline Alicia Salcines
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answered on Jan 4, 2025

I am happy to assist you with this eviction. I would need to see the Commercial Lease in advance however to advise what recourse you can take. You can email that to us.

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law, Elder Law and Probate for Florida on
Q: My mother died 2years ago she left each of apon the sale of her home.It sold for a little over 300thousands.

It was split 100 thousand each I never received mine my brother took it ?there was 3 siblings.

Terrence H Thorgaard
Terrence H Thorgaard
answered on Jan 1, 2025

What is your question?

If your brother was appointed as personal representative in a probate case, you could, obviously, sue him for your share. If your brother wasn't so appointed, you could institute a probate action, and demand that the purchaser, and/or the title insurance...
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1 Answer | Asked in Elder Law, Landlord - Tenant, Contracts and Criminal Law for Florida on
Q: We bought a home and were told we overpaid $1000. 12 weeks and no refund. Now, told our last month rent failed? LOL?

We send two checks to cover rent. Money orders from Publix per park regulations, they signed saying they received them (in person), one for $387, other $500, then 3 weeks later were told the $500 check was no good, yet both checks were cashed on the same day. We are not litigious. We don’t... View More

Erik A. Perez
Erik A. Perez
answered on Dec 27, 2024

Th explanation of the facts of the case is a bit confusing as I am unclear on whether you are an owner or tenant. Nevertheless, any overpayment on a purchase typically is reimbursed by the escrow agent. The terms of the contract should be reviewed to identify whether they address what needs to... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law, Real Estate Law and Elder Law for Florida on
Q: St Augustine Florida 55+ Community sold as a Gated Community. Now CDD developer gave access through gate for apartments

Rental apartment complex is not part of our community. Construction is causing grief and trouble with residents. They feel that our community will not be as safe and secure as promised by builder and the construction is causing traffic and damage to our common area. Elder residents don't... View More

Barry W. Kaufman
Barry W. Kaufman
answered on Aug 30, 2024

You and your neighbors can gather a big pot of money and go looking for a law firm to take up your cause.

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce, Family Law, Domestic Violence and Elder Law for Florida on
Q: Bf of 9 years was sole financial supporter. Mnths ago he abruptly ceased paying bills, expenses. We live off MY SSDI.

He recd $4 mill sttlmnt 4 years ago, left me for other lady and came back weeks later. Now he sees her again but won't move out. Runs up our bills and refuses to give a penny. Very volatile situation which local cops know about.

.

Terrence H Thorgaard
Terrence H Thorgaard
answered on Jun 10, 2024

Are the bills "our bills" or his bills and your bills? You are not responsible for his bills.

If you want him out, and the residence belongs to you, simply evict him.

1 Answer | Asked in Domestic Violence, Elder Law and Identity Theft for Florida on
Q: I need to speak to an attorney about i d theft and financial trafficking of disabled pre senior female adult and abuse
Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on May 23, 2024

A Florida attorney could advise best, but your question remains open for four weeks. If you haven't found an attorney yet, one option could be to supplement your searches with the "Find a Lawyer" tab above, as well as attorney referral tools on the websites of local and state bar... View More

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