• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Kulas & Crawford

Attorneys at Law

Call Now: (772) 398.0720

Attend a Free Workshop
  • Home
  • About Our Firm
    • About Our Firm
    • Meet Our Team
  • Services
    • Elder Law and Medicaid
    • Estate and Gift Tax Figures
    • Estate Planning Services
    • Financial Planning Assistance
    • IRA and Retirement Planning
    • Legacy Planning
    • LGBTQ Estate Planning
    • Pet Planning
    • Probate and Trust Administration
    • SECURE Act
    • Special Needs Planning
    • Veterans Benefits
  • Resources
    • Articles
    • Definitions
    • Elder Care Resources
    • Elder Law Resources
      • Elder Law Reports
      • Vero Beach Elder Law Resources
    • Estate Plan Checkup
    • Florida Alzheimer’s Guide
    • FREE Estate Planning Worksheet
    • Free Seminars
    • Frequently Asked Questions
      • Elder Law and Medicaid
      • Estate Planning FAQ’s
      • Frequently Asked Questions for Families Without an Estate Plan
      • Legacy Wealth Planning FAQ’s
      • LGBTQ Estate Planning Frequently Asked Questions
      • Probate
      • Trust Administration & Probate Frequently Asked Questions
      • Veteran’s Benefits
      • Wills and Trusts
    • Newsletters
    • Pre Consultation Form
    • Presentations
    • Probate Checklist
    • Probate Resources
      • Port St Lucie Probate
      • Stuart Probate
      • Vero Beach Probate
    • Published Books
    • Reports
      • Advanced Estate Planning
      • Basic Estate Planning
      • Estate Planning for Niches
      • Trust Administration
    • Top Estate Planning Techniques
  • Workshops
  • Reviews
    • Our Reviews
    • Review Us
  • Communities We Serve
    • Indian River County
      • Vero Beach
    • Martin County
      • Hobe Sound
      • Jensen Beach
      • Stuart
    • Okeechobee County
      • Okeechobee
    • St. Lucie County
      • Fort Pierce
      • Port St. Lucie
  • Blog
  • Contact Us
Home >> Florida Elder Law What You Need to Know

Florida Elder Law What You Need to Know

September 29, 2016 by Joshua K. Crawford

Have you ever wondered why elder law matters? Learn what it is and what it attempts to accomplish for Florida seniors.There has been no shortage of discussion in recent years about how much the nation’s population is aging. And while Florida was once considered a major focal point for the nation’s retired population, other states have seen an even greater increase in their share of the over-65 population group. Still, even though it may no longer be one of the more enduring centers of the senior citizen universe, the state of Florida still has its share of older residents. It’s no wonder then that Florida elder law has become such an important part of the legal landscape in the state.

What is Elder Law?

Surprisingly, many people are still remarkably unfamiliar with the very concept of elder law. To many, the term is all but meaningless, primarily due to the common understanding that we don’t have separate laws for different classes or groups of people in the United States. Instead, laws apply to everyone equally – at least in theory. That’s certainly true with elder law as well, since many of these legal issues can become a concern for individuals at almost any age. Nevertheless, elder law does have a distinct meaning and remains an important part of our state’s legal structure.

Put simply, elder law concerns itself with those legal issues that primarily impact the elderly. Within that broad definition, one finds concerns about things like Medicaid planning to ensure benefit eligibility to pay for long-term care, incapacity planning, protection against elder abuse, and many other elder-related topics. Other areas of law are typically recognized by the types of cases they generate. Criminal law, for example, concerns itself with matters related to the criminal code and violations of the law by criminals. Business law is concerned with issues that are related to business. Elder law is somewhat unique in that it focuses its attention on a particular demographic group rather than the problem that needs to be resolved.

That makes elder law a fairly broad category of legal concern, since it includes all of those legal issues that can impact seniors. The reason why elder law is so important should be fairly obvious: seniors have legal interests and needs that differ dramatically from much of the rest of the population. After all, the average thirty-year-old doesn’t need to spend much time worrying about how to qualify for Medicaid without becoming destitute. Most forty-year-olds aren’t specifically targeted for various types of fraud or abuse. Seniors routinely face these challenges and more.

What Do Elder Law Attorneys Do?

Elder law lawyers focus a large part of their practice on those issues affecting seniors and their families. That last part is important, since the aging process tends to impact the entire family. The children of aging parents are often deeply invested in the wellbeing of their elderly loved ones. Many are involved in helping to care for mom and dad, and many provide some measure of financial assistance for things like long-term care. And many are frustrated when they see their loved ones abused or otherwise mistreated.

Elder law attorneys provide an important front line of defense for these families, serving as advocates to help shield and protect seniors’ interests at some of the most challenging times of their lives. The practice of elder law encompasses so many areas of legal expertise that it can include important planning that begins decades before the senior retires, as well as strategies designed to protect that senior’s estate when he or she dies. Elder law is life planning and maintenance that only ends when the senior’s life comes to a close.

The Senior’s Goals Matter

The type of assistance that any elder law attorney can provide to a given senior is ultimately dependent upon the type of goals the senior is pursuing. It’s easy to forget that our older citizens still have goals in life, since many people mistakenly assume that retirement brings with it an end to such things. It does not. Goals shift and evolve, and may encompass concerns that were of little interest a decade prior to retirement, but they remain important objectives all the same.

For most seniors, the primary goal is to protect and preserve quality of life. No senior just wants to fade into obscurity; almost all of them still have things they’d like to achieve – even if it’s just learning how to master that hobby that never received their full attention during the working years. Almost all seniors want to remain as independent as possible for as long as they can. They want the same dignity that humans of every age crave. And, of course, they want to be financially secure, with many focused on leaving behind some sort of sound legacy for their loved ones.

Whatever their goals, seniors should be able to rely upon competent elder law attorneys to help them navigate the complexities of all these issues. These attorneys can help seniors develop strategies to make the most of their estate planning to provide for themselves and care for their loved ones when they’re gone. They can assist with Medicaid planning and eligibility, to ensure that their estates are not utterly consumed by Florida nursing home costs – costs that are expected to rise to even greater heights in the decade to come. Just as important, they can help seniors to avoid being preyed upon by unscrupulous criminals and other predators and con artists.

At Robert Kulas Attorneys at Law, our estate planning and elder law attorneys can help to guide you and your loved ones through the broad spectrum of elder law issues in Florida. Whether your concerns are related to nursing home financing, elder abuse, estate planning needs, or any other area of elder law in the state, we can assist you as you secure your rights and interests and accomplish your life and end-of-life goals. To find out more about all that we can do for you in this important area of the law, contact us online or call us today at (772) 398-0720.

Filed Under: Elder Law

Other Articles You May Find Useful

Vero Beach elder law attorney
Keeping Elderly Loved Ones Safe in the Age of Social Media
Vero Beach elder law attorney
How Can I Help My Aging Parents?
Tips for Caregivers
Vero Beach elder law attorney
Reasons You Might Need an Elder Law Attorney
Stimulus Checks and Nursing Homes
Vero Beach elder law attorney
Keeping Seniors Safe from Predators during the Holidays

Kulas & Crawford

Download Free Estate Planning Worksheet

There's a lot that goes into setting up a comprehensive estate plan, but with our FREE worksheet, you'll be one step closer to getting yourself and your family on the path to a secure and happy future.

TESTIMONIALS

Easy Testimonials
August 25, 2020
    

I needed a simple, easy-to-use way to add testimonials to my website and display them. Easy Testimonials Pro did all of that and more!

Janet Exampleton
Owner, Exampleton Productions
Easy Testimonials
August 25, 2020
    

I receieved excellent customer support, and quickly. Thank you so much!

Linda Herman
Founder, Herman Studios
Easy Testimonials
August 25, 2020
    

I love your product! I would recommend this to anyone. What a great find!

Steve
Developer, Acme Co.
Client Review
August 25, 2020
    

We began our estate plan process in 2004 (12 years ago) and have been pleased with the periodic reviews we have gone through and when changes have been needed the firm has been thorough and professional in making those changes.

default image
~L.G.K
Client Review
August 25, 2020
    

I have known Robert Kulas for 20 years since I was co-executor for friends who had Mr. Kulas prepare a Trust for them. When I felt I needed a trust also, I came to him. I have always been completed satisfied with his work and that of his charming, competent staff.

default image
~Joan C
Client Review
August 25, 2020
    

Mr. Kulas and his staff have been extremely helpful & knowledgeable for the over 3 years we have been associated. They are easy to talk to and explain everything without feeling rushed. Very competent and professional.

default image
~Mildred W
Client Review
August 25, 2020
    

I have worked with Mr. Kulas & staff before. And they are very professional. I am very satisfied with Mr. Kulas and his staff and give them the highest satisfaction and 5 star rating.

default image
~Leo C
Client Review
August 25, 2020
    

Robert Kulas and staff made making a will an easy to understand process. They were very knowledgeable and attentive to my wishes. All my documents were provided in an organized binder which will be a great asset to my family. I would definitely recommend them.

default image
~Krissy L
Client Review
August 25, 2020
    

Everyone treated us extremely well.  Robert explained how a trust works and the benefits of having one.  We decided to move forward and complete the process.  He was very kind and knowledgeable.  Julie was also very helpful and very patient with our questions.  We felt very comfortable with this firm handling our affairs.  We would highly recommend this firm to our friends and family.

default image
~Janice M
Client Review
August 25, 2020
    

"Everyone treated us extremely well.  Robert explained how a trust works and the benefits of having one.  We decided to move forward and complete the process.  He was very kind and knowledgeable.  Julie was also very helpful and very patient with our questions.  We felt very comfortable with this firm handling our affairs.  We would highly recommend this firm to our friends and family."

default image
Janice M
Client Review
August 25, 2020
    

Robert Kulas and staff made making a will an easy to understand process. They were very knowledgeable and attentive to my wishes. All my documents were provided in an organized binder which will be a great asset to my family. I would definitely recommend them.

default image
Krissy L.
Client Review
August 25, 2020
    

I have worked with Mr. Kulas & staff before. And they are very professional. I am very satisfied with Mr. Kulas and his staff and give them the highest satisfaction and 5 star rating.

default image
Leo C.
Client Review
August 25, 2020
    

Mr. Kulas and his staff have been extremely helpful & knowledgeable for the over 3 years we have been associated. They are easy to talk to and explain everything without feeling rushed. Very competent and professional.

default image
Mildred W.
Client Review
August 25, 2020
    

I have known Robert Kulas for 20 years since I was co-executor for friends who had Mr. Kulas prepare a Trust for them. When I felt I needed a trust also, I came to him. I have always been completed satisfied with his work and that of his charming, competent staff.

default image
Joan C.
Client Review
August 25, 2020
    

We began our estate plan process in 2004 (12 years ago) and have been pleased with the periodic reviews we have gone through and when changes have been needed the firm has been thorough and professional in making those changes.

default image
L.G.K.
<
>

Follow Us

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • RSS
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Blog Subscription

PORT ST. LUCIE

East Lake Professional Center
2100 SE Hillmoor Drive, Suite 105 Port St. Lucie, FL,34952
Phone: (772) 398-0720
Fax: (772) 398-9331
  • PORT ST. LUCIE

VERO BEACH

Bridgeview Building
2770 Indian River Blvd, Suite 321, Vero Beach, FL, 32960
Phone: (772) 778-8481
Fax: (772) 398-9331
  • VERO BEACH

Office Hours

Monday9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
footer-logo
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • RSS
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

The information on this Florida Attorneys & Lawyers / Law Firm website is for general information purposes only. Nothing on this or associated pages, documents, comments, answers, emails, or other communications should be taken as legal advice for any individual case or situation. The information on this website is not intended to create, and receipt or viewing of this information does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship.

Kulas & Crawford. Privacy Policy | Contact Us | Disclaimer | Site Map | Powered by American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys


© 2022 American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys, Inc.