Law Firm Providing Personalized Elder Law Counsel
Elder law encompasses a wide range of practice areas. Elder law can include estate planning, advance directives, long-term care planning, elder abuse prevention, Medicaid and Veterans Affairs (VA) pension benefits, and more. Our Florida elder law attorneys guide clients in Pasco County and its surrounding communities. As a Port Richey elder law firm, we help individuals and families plan for the future.
At Delzer, Coulter & Bell, P.A., attorney Rebecca C. Bell is board-certified in elder law. She is also certified in wills, trusts and estates. The certification process involves a rigorous exam. It also involves keeping up-to-date with current laws and processes set forth by The Florida Bar.
Planning Ahead With Advance Health Care Directives
Elder law estate planning includes preparing advance health care directives, which allow you to express your wishes about medical treatment and appoint trusted individuals to manage your affairs. Ultimately, making your wishes known in advance can minimize difficulties in the future. If you become incapacitated, those responsible for your care and decisions can be confident in your preferences. We assist older clients and adults of all ages in Florida with advance directives, including durable medical powers of attorney and living wills.
Our experienced Florida elder law attorneys take elder law issues into account by employing comprehensive estate planning strategies. We also help you make financial and medical decisions that support your goals. In addition, we can provide guidance about long-term care and disability planning. If it is relevant, we can advise on Medicaid planning and the use of VA pension benefits.
The Power Of A Durable Power Of Attorney
If you become incapacitated, it is important to ensure that your needs will be properly addressed. Therefore, you can give another person, your agent, the authority to make decisions about your personal matters. A durable power of attorney gives the designated agent control of your health care directives or your legal and financial issues. You may choose one person to act as an agent for both, or you may choose different people.
Durable powers of attorney can give you the comfort of knowing that your affairs will be handled wisely and that your best interests will be protected. In 2011, Florida’s power of attorney laws changed significantly. While powers of attorney executed before October 1, 2011, remain valid, it is always a good idea to regularly review your estate plan to ensure it still aligns with your current wishes.
Living Wills And Health Care Surrogate Declarations
In Florida, you can create a living will. A living will makes it known that you do not wish to prolong your life by artificial means. A Florida living will allows you to name specific conditions. In other words, you can choose in advance not to have life-prolonging medical treatment if you become incapacitated for certain reasons. These include:
- A terminal condition
- An end-stage condition
- A persistent vegetative state
If your doctors determine that there is no reasonable likelihood of your recovery from the condition or conditions that you have named, your living will requires that life-prolonging procedures be withheld or withdrawn.
Your living will may also appoint a health care surrogate. This person upholds the choices that you have made, ensuring that doctors follow the instructions you have provided. Your surrogate’s authority is limited by the instructions you provide in your living will.
Prepare For Your Future With A Port Richey Elder Law Attorney
Do you need to speak with a Pasco County elder law attorney? Rebecca C. Bell is a Florida board-certified elder law attorney who can help you make confident decisions for your future.
Our Florida elder law attorneys at Delzer, Coulter & Bell, P.A., offer initial consultations. You can schedule an appointment and get legal advice for senior citizens and long-term care planning. We are here to discuss your elder law needs.
To reach out, send us a message through our online form. You can also call our office 727-361-2894.