What is Elder Law?

The practice of Elder Law is one that encompasses a broad understanding of aging and the law, and the legal interaction between all the varied issues which may affect the elderly. For example, an elder law attorney will ask how the client’s estate plan complements his or her long term care plan.

Elder Law is the integration of the legal system with social and medical concerns for the benefit of the client. John Clardy and Brittany Stewart are familiar with Federal laws and Florida laws which effect an individual’s well being and personal wishes.

Quite often a client initially visits Clardy Law Firm for the purpose of discussing a simple will. During the consultation, the client and attorney may discover many more issues to consider. For example:

• • What will happen to the client’s home and assets if she/he becomes incapacitated?
  • Should probate avoidance be a goal?
  • Who will look after an adult special needs child?
  • What arrangements can be made for a well spouse if the other spouse needs long term nursing home care?

How can Clardy Law Firm help you?

When discussing specific situations with Mr. Clardy and Ms. Stewart, they listen carefully to all facts. Problems and situations concerning elders are difficult and frustrating, often overwhelming. While the attorney is listening, he or she is identifying the legal issues which need to be addressed and can prioritize the issues and discuss possible solutions and recommendations.

Elder Law encompasses all aspects of planning, counseling, education, and advocating for clients. Clients often ask that family members be included in follow-up discussions with the attorney or in the planning of the integration of necessary services.

Should the need arise, Clardy Law Firm will associate with other legal experts in the fields of elder advocacy, such as nursing home injury, abuse or neglect; complex tax situations; and family law matters.

When should I contact Clardy Law Firm?

The situations in which our firm may be helpful are numerous and may require:

• Durable Power of Attorney
• Guardianship Avoidance
• Health Care Surrogate Designations
• Living Wills or Advance Directive
• Medicare
• Planning for Long Term Care and Medicaid
• Preventing and Correcting Abuse, Exploitation or Neglect of an Elderly Person
• Residential Alternatives
• Special Needs Trusts for Disabled Individuals
• Social Security Benefits
• Trusts-Revocable and Irrevocable
• Wills

Quite often, when clients visit Clardy Law Firm to discuss an area of concern, they discover our attorneys may also help them solve related or unexpected problems.