Elder Law

The practice of elder law is broad and encompasses a variety of legal issues.  These can range from simple estate and retirement planning, to drafting a Last Will and Testament, to complex Medicaid applications.  People often think of these services as geared toward more senior citizens.  However, younger individuals, including singles and those just starting their families, should consult an elder law attorney to have these important documents drafted. 

A Complete Elder Law Practice

Rooth Law Group’s elder law services include, but are not limited to, the following:

Medicaid Planning and Applications: We assist in evaluating whether you qualify for government programs and if so, assist you in applying for benefits. 

Probate Administration: Our attorneys provide guidance throughout the probate- the procedure by which a deceased person’s estate is distributed to the individuals named in his or her will. 

Trust Administration: If you determine that a trust is the legal arrangement that is necessary to meet your needs, Rooth Law Group will draft a trust instrument setting forth your instructions regarding how the trustee will handle your property on behalf of the trust’s beneficiaries.  We can also handle the distribution of property under the trust upon death.  There are a variety of trusts and our attorneys will discuss what may best apply to your unique situation. 

Estate Planning: We evaluate your unique life circumstances and determine what instruments are necessary to protect you or your loved one’s upon your passing and assist in preparing the necessary documents, whether they are a will, trust, and/or durable power of attorney, or other legal instrument.  We will discuss all your options and their consequences with you, answering any questions until you are comfortable with your decisions and their outcomes. 

Last Will and Testament: We make sure we understand your wishes regarding who shall receive your property upon your death and draft a will that appoints a personal representative who will carry out your wishes at that time.  We work with you to incorporate any and all future changes you may like to make. 

Living Wills: We can draft a living will to ensure that your wishes are followed in the unforeseen circumstance you face a terminal condition or find yourself in a permanent vegetative state and are unable to communicate your desires. 

Durable Power of Attorney:  We will handle drafting a document to appoint another individual to act on your behalf in financial, business and personal matters.

Designation of Health Care Surrogates: We can assist in drafting a document that will appoint a trusted person to make medical decisions for you if you are unable to make a decision. 

Often, elder law-related legal problems can be prevented by consulting with an elder law attorney before any problems exist.  Please contact Rooth Law Group today to discuss any questions you have pertaining to you or your loved ones’ futures. 

Blog for Elder Law

  • Study Shows Older is Really WiserDescription: If you have concerns about meeting the legal needs of your elderly parents, do not hesitate to contact Rooth Law Group today for a consultation, 727-797-9600 in Pinellas County, 813-333-6517 in Hillsborough County & 727-232-3912 in Pasco County.
  • Advanced Directive Awareness Necessary as Ever, 5 Years After Schiavo DeathDescription: Americans today are no closer to making end-of-life plans, five years after Terri Schiavo’s death following a lengthy legal battle over her “right to die.” The majority of Americans do not have the legal documents specifying how far to allow caregivers to go in keeping them alive artificially. If you need an attorney to help you in drafting a living will or advanced directive, please contact Rooth Law Group today: 727-797-9600 in Pinellas County, 813-333-6517 in Hillsborough County & 727-232-3912 in Pasco County.
  • Helping Family in Tough Economic TimesDescription: In planning for the future, we often want to help our heirs but the current recession has interfered with those plans for many elderly people today. Despite good intentions and responsible financial decisions over the years, many people have found themselves in an unexpectedly vulnerable economic circumstance where they are barely able to provide for their own futures, let alone the future of others. If you would like to discuss and plan for the future of your estate, contact Rooth Law Group at 727-797-9600 for a consultation today.

Library for Elder Law:

  • Your Options for Choosing a Power of Attorney in Florida
    Description: If you are thinking of creating a Last Will and Testament and want to know what options you have in choosing a power of attorney in Florida, Rooth Law Group can advise you about your choices. Contact us today for a consultation: 727-797-9600 in Pinellas County, 813-333-6517 in Hillsborough County & 727-232-3912 in Pasco County.
  • Choosing a Personal Representative for Your Will
    Description: If you are in need of an elder law attorney to assist you in choosing a personal representative and drafting your will, contact Rooth Law Group today to discuss your options: 727-797-9600 in Pinellas County, 813-333-6517 in Hillsborough County & 727-232-3912 in Pasco County.
  • Choosing an Attorney-in-Fact for Your Power of Attorney
    Description: Do you or a loved one need help drafting a power of attorney? Are you having trouble deciding who to name as your attorney-in-fact on your power of attorney legal document? Call Rooth Law Group today for a consultation: 727-797-9600 in Pinellas County, 813-333-6517 in Hillsborough County & 727-232-3912 in Pasco County.
  • Avoiding Probate Under Florida Law
    Description: Probate is the procedure by which a decedent’s will is proven to be valid to the probate court. Probate administration can be a long and tedious process, depending on how large and complex the decedent’s estate is. It can also be very expensive. The probate administration process is characterized by red tape, delay, and burdensome court filings. Because of these drawbacks to probate, some people opt to avoid the entire process. There are options available to you if you are interested in avoiding probate, but in order to do so, you must plan ahead. Contact the Rooth Law Group at 727-797-9600 (Pinellas), 727-232-2912 (Pasco), and 813-333-6517 (Hillsborough) to make an appointment today.

Frequent Questions for Elder Law:

  • What is a Health Care Directive?
  • What is long-term care insurance?
  • What is a Living Will?
  • What is a Living Trust?
  • What is a Durable Power of Attorney?
  • What is a Trust?
  • What is a Will?
  • Why do I need an Elder Law attorney?
  • What is an Elder Law attorney?

Web Resources for Elder Law:

  • National Center on Elder AbuseDescription: A resource for those who need to find out what to do to get help when elder abuse is suspected. 
  • Academy of Florida Elder Law AttorneysDescription: Academy of Florida Elder Law Attorneys is an organization of lawyers in the private and public sectors who work with legal issues affecting elderly and disabled clients.
  • AARPDescription: The AARP’s official site.
  • Elder Law AnswersDescription: Informational site on a variety of issues affecting the elderly.

The Rooth Law Group represents clients throughout West Central Florida, including:
Pinellas County: St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Gulfport, Largo, Pinellas Park, Indian Rocks Beach, Kenneth City, Madeira Beach, Seminole, Redington Beach, Oldsmar, Tarpon Springs, Odessa, Safety Harbor, Holiday, Spring Hill, Hudson, Zephyrhills, Dunedin, Belleair Bluffs, Belleair Beach, Palm Harbor, Treasure Island, Indian Shores, Tierra Verde, Bay Pines, Belleair Shore, South Pasadena, Crystal Beach, Pasadena.

Hillsborough County: Tampa, Apollo Beach, Brandon, Carrollwood, Dover, Gibsonton, Lithia, Lutz, Northdale, Palma Ceia, Pebble Creek, Plant City, Riverview, Ruskin, Seffner, Sulphur Springs, Sun City, Temple Terrace, Thonotosassa, Town n’ County, Valrico, West Chase, Wimauma, Ybor City.

Pasco County: New Port Richey, Dade City, Gulf Harbors, Hudson, Land O’ Lakes, Odessa, Port Richey, Saint Leo, Shady Hills, Trinity, Wesley Chapel.

Manatee County: Bradenton, Anna Maria, Holmes Beach, Ellenton, Longbeach, Longboat Key, Manatee, Palmetto, Parrish, South Bradenton, West Bradenton, Whitfield, Whitney Beach.