As we age, legal, financial, and healthcare issues become more complex—and often more urgent. At Verras Law, we are proud to provide dedicated elder law services to individuals and families throughout Palm Harbor, Tampa, and St. Petersburg. Led by attorney Spiro J. Verras, our firm provides compassionate and strategic guidance to help older adults and their loved ones plan for long-term care, protect their assets, and maintain dignity and independence throughout every stage of life.
Focused Legal Guidance for Aging Adults and Their Families
Unlike general estate planning, elder law addresses the unique legal challenges seniors face as they navigate aging, illness, and incapacity. This includes not only preserving assets and distributing them after death, but also ensuring quality of life and financial stability in the present.
Whether you’re an older adult planning ahead or the adult child of an aging parent seeking help, Verras Law brings clarity and solutions to even the most complex elder care issues.
Medicaid and Long-Term Care Planning
One of the most pressing concerns for aging individuals is how to afford long-term care, whether that means in-home assistance, assisted living, or nursing home residency. With costs reaching thousands of dollars per month, many families face difficult choices.
We help you plan ahead to maintain Medicaid eligibility without losing the assets you’ve spent a lifetime building. This often involves:
- Creating Medicaid Asset Protection Trusts (MAPTs)
- Structuring gifts and transfers in accordance with Medicaid’s five-year lookback rule
- Strategic spend-down planning to preserve a spouse’s financial security
- Coordinating with financial advisors to ensure compliance and asset safety
Many clients are surprised to learn that with proactive planning, they can qualify for Medicaid benefits while still protecting their home, savings, and legacy.
Planning for Incapacity
Age-related decline can strike suddenly or gradually, but in either case, legal preparation is essential. At Verras Law, we help our clients establish the tools they need to maintain control over their lives even if they can no longer speak or act for themselves.
We prepare comprehensive incapacity planning documents, including:
- Durable Power of Attorney: Appointing someone to manage financial and legal matters if you become incapacitated.
- Health Care Surrogate Designation: Naming a trusted person to make medical decisions on your behalf.
- Living Will / Advance Directive: Outlining your preferences for end-of-life care.
- HIPAA Authorization: Allowing your loved ones access to your medical information when needed.
These documents not only ensure that your wishes are followed but also help your family avoid the stress and cost of seeking court-appointed authority during a crisis.
Guardianships and Conservatorships
In cases where an aging adult can no longer make decisions or cannot create a durable power of attorney, guardianship or conservatorship may be necessary. Verras Law assists families through the legal process of petitioning for guardianship, helping protect vulnerable adults while minimizing family conflict.
A guardian handles personal and healthcare decisions, while a conservator is appointed to manage financial affairs. In many situations, one trusted individual serves in both roles. We approach these sensitive matters with care and strive to achieve solutions that strike a balance between autonomy and protection.
Supporting the Caregivers
Elder law isn’t just about protecting the senior—it’s also about supporting the caregivers. We work with adult children, spouses, and other loved ones to provide practical advice and legal options for managing caregiving responsibilities, balancing family dynamics, and planning for the future.
We understand the emotional toll that elder care can take. Whether you’re trying to help your parent qualify for Medicaid, arrange for assisted living, or handle their financial matters, our firm provides the tools and reassurance you need to make informed decisions.
Elder-Centered Estate Planning
While elder law focuses on current and near-term needs, we also offer estate planning services tailored specifically for older clients. This may include:
- Reviewing and updating wills or trusts
- Establishing irrevocable trusts to protect assets and qualify for Medicaid
- Naming responsible agents to handle affairs in the event of incapacity
- Addressing digital assets, pets, and personal property
- Coordinating plans for blended families, late-life marriages, or caregiving arrangements
Consult Verras Law for Elder Law Services in Tampa Bay
At Verras Law, we understand that elder law is about more than legal documents—it’s about people. Our goal is to help older adults live comfortably, securely, and with dignity, while providing their families with the support and guidance they need.
If you or a loved one is approaching retirement, already facing long-term care decisions, or concerned about incapacity, don’t wait to put the proper protections in place. Contact Verras Law today to schedule a consultation with attorney Spiro J. Verras. We’re proud to serve clients across Palm Harbor, Tampa, and St. Petersburg, and we’re here to help you plan wisely for the road ahead.