10 Legal Steps to Help Your Aging Parents in Florida

1. Durable power of attorney. Confirm it's a Florida document signed with two witnesses and a notary, and includes the powers they'd need, such as real estate and, where appropriate, gifting authority.
2. Health care surrogate, living will and HIPAA release. Give copies to doctors and keep copies handy for hospital visits.
3. Will or trust. Make sure it reflects current wishes and current Florida law. Out-of-state documents should be reviewed.
4. Find the documents. Know where the originals are. In Florida, the original will must be filed with the court after death.
5. List accounts and advisors. Banks, investments, insurance, pensions, the CPA and financial advisor.
6. Check beneficiary designations and deeds. Make sure they match the plan. Consider a Lady Bird deed or trust for the home.
7. Be careful with joint accounts. Adding a child can create unintended results. Read the pros and cons.
8. Think about long-term care. Medicare generally doesn't pay for long-term nursing home care. Discuss costs and options early.
9. Guard against scams. Seniors are frequent targets. Consider trusted contacts on accounts and a plan for unexpected calls or emails.
10. Write down final wishes. Burial or cremation, service preferences and, for veterans, burial benefits.

Respect their decisions

Our client is your parent. We'll meet with them, partly alone, to make sure the plan reflects their wishes. You can help with scheduling, gathering documents and driving. Tips: how to start the conversation.

Talk with a Florida estate planning lawyer

Trusted Elder Law & Asset Protection helps families in Pensacola, Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa and Walton counties plan ahead. Call 850-607-2222 or schedule a free Peace of Mind Strategy Session.

This article is general information about Florida law, not legal advice for your situation.