Elder Law Attorneys – Creating Peace of Mind for All Generations

Elder Law

Experienced Elder Law Attorney in Florida

What is Elder Law?

Elder law is a unique area of legal practice that focuses on addressing the legal needs of older adults and their families. As people age, they encounter specific challenges and concerns, such as managing healthcare, preserving assets, and ensuring that their personal, financial, and healthcare decisions are respected. Elder law is designed to address these needs, helping families navigate the complexities of aging with dignity and security.

The goal of elder law is to help individuals plan for their future, make informed decisions about their care and finances, and protect their legal rights as they age. Elder law attorneys are specialists who can guide you through these decisions, offering legal advice, drafting necessary documents, and ensuring that everything is in place to protect you or your loved ones as they grow older.

Why is Elder Law Important?

The elderly population in the U.S. is growing rapidly. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the number of people over 65 is expected to double by 2060. With this growth comes an increase in the need for legal assistance to manage aging-related issues. Elder law addresses this need, offering services that help protect the physical, emotional, and financial well-being of seniors.

As people age, they often face challenges that are both personal and financial. These challenges can include managing healthcare needs, protecting assets, ensuring that proper decisions are made when a person becomes unable to make them, and avoiding elder abuse or exploitation. Elder law attorneys offer guidance on these matters, ensuring that seniors are cared for in a way that honors their wishes while protecting their legacy.

Key Areas of Elder Law

  1. Estate Planning is one of the core components of elder law. It ensures that your wishes regarding your estate—such as how your assets will be distributed after your death—are carried out. Estate planning includes drafting wills, trusts, and other legal documents that will help ensure a smooth transition of your property to your heirs, avoiding probate delays or legal complications.
    1. Wills: A will dictates how your assets will be distributed after your death. It can also specify who will care for any minor children or dependents. Without a will, the state will decide how your estate is distributed, which may not align with your wishes.
    2. Trusts: Trusts are another essential estate planning tool. Unlike a will, a trust allows you to transfer your assets to a trustee during your lifetime. The trustee then manages and distributes your assets according to your wishes, often without the need for probate court involvement. This can save time, reduce expenses, and keep your estate private.
  1. Medicaid Planning for Long-Term Care:  One of the most significant concerns for seniors is how to pay for long-term care. Whether you need help at home or require a nursing home, Medicaid is a critical program that can assist with covering long-term care costs. However, qualifying for Medicaid can be complicated due to income and asset limits.
    Medicaid planning is the process of ensuring you meet the eligibility requirements for this program while protecting your assets. Medicaid planning involves structuring your finances in such a way that you can preserve your home, savings, and other important assets while qualifying for Medicaid benefits.

    Did you know?

    According to the National Council on Aging, nearly 70% of individuals over the age of 65 will need long-term care at some point in their lives, making Medicaid planning a crucial aspect of elder law. Without proper planning, seniors may need to spend down their savings before qualifying for Medicaid, which can lead to financial hardship for them and their families.

  1. Guardianship and Power of Attorney: As people age, they may lose the ability to make decisions due to physical or cognitive impairments, such as Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. In these cases, legal tools like guardianship and power of attorney (POA) can ensure that someone you trust makes decisions on your behalf.
    1. Guardianship: If an individual is unable to make decisions for themselves due to mental incapacity, a guardian may be appointed to manage their personal, financial, or medical matters. A court must approve guardianship, and the guardian is responsible for making decisions in the best interest of the individual.
    2. Power of Attorney: A power of attorney (POA) allows you to choose someone (called an agent) to make decisions on your behalf. This can include managing finances, making healthcare decisions, and handling legal matters. A durable POA remains in effect even if you become incapacitated, ensuring that someone you trust is always able to manage your affairs.
  1. Elder Abuse Prevention and Protection: Unfortunately, older adults are often vulnerable to various forms of abuse and exploitation, including financial scams, neglect, and physical abuse. Elder abuse can happen in nursing homes, assisted living facilities, or even within families. An elder law attorney can help you set up safeguards to prevent abuse, such as creating trusts or ensuring that a trusted individual has power of attorney to monitor your finances. Elder law also helps families navigate the legal system if they believe a loved one is being abused or exploited. Whether it’s filing a claim for financial exploitation or securing a protective order, elder law professionals work to protect seniors from harm.
  1. Long-Term Care Planning: Long-term care is often the most significant concern for aging adults, as it involves planning for future healthcare needs. The costs of long-term care, such as in-home services, assisted living, or nursing homes, can be overwhelming. An elder law attorney can help you create a plan that ensures you receive the care you need without depleting your assets. Long-term care planning includes evaluating the most suitable care options, understanding your insurance benefits, and determining how to pay for this care—whether through private savings, insurance, Medicaid, or other financial tools.

The Role of an Elder Law Attorney

An elder law attorney helps you navigate the complex legal issues surrounding aging, ensuring that your healthcare, financial, and personal decisions are made according to your wishes. They provide peace of mind by helping you create a comprehensive plan that addresses all aspects of aging, from estate planning to Medicaid eligibility to guardianship.

As Florida is one of the states with the largest aging population, elder law attorneys in Florida are crucial in helping seniors protect their rights and plan for their future. Estate planning in Florida, Medicaid planning, and long-term care services are especially important, as the state has unique laws and regulations governing these areas.

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Mary Joy Comabras

Client Services Coordinator

Mary Joy “Mari” Comabras is an Aerospace Engineering graduate with five years of experience supporting people and businesses while completing her degree. Having worked remotely with companies across the United States and Australia, she developed valuable skills in lead follow-ups, appointment scheduling, and client record management. Her experience as an online English teacher also strengthened her ability to communicate clearly and patiently with people from diverse backgrounds.

Her work in the aviation industry, where she assisted airline representatives worldwide and supported safety and quality checks on aircraft repair work, taught her the importance of precision, accountability, and attention to detail. Mari finds great fulfillment in helping seniors, veterans, and their families navigate important decisions with patience and warmth. She is committed to upholding integrity, confidentiality, and inclusivity in every interaction.

Fun Fact A longtime admirer of the legal field, Mari is a self-proclaimed crime-show detective and a loyal fan of the classic series The Mentalist. Outside of work, she enjoys long walks and runs, cooking comfort food for loved ones, planning her next trip, and discovering cozy cafés with good coffee and even better vibes—preferably after dark!
And here’s a surprising fact: despite being an engineering graduate, Mari was never a fan of math. She even cried over algebra during her first year of college!

Hannah Tanael

Client Services Coordinator

Hannah is a nurse by profession with nine years of experience in customer care across the healthcare and technology industries. Her healthcare background, combined with her strong communication, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills, allows her to understand customer needs, build meaningful connections, and deliver effective solutions.

She is a compassionate, adaptable, and customer-focused professional who values continuous learning and is committed to providing quality service while creating positive experiences for every client.

Fun Fact Hannah is a singer and songwriter who finds joy in expressing herself through music. She is also a member of a church choir, where she shares her passion for singing and uses her voice to inspire and uplift others.

Reginette Borado

Client Services Coordinator

Reginette is a highly organized and dependable professional with extensive remote work experience in client communication, appointment setting, lead management, customer service, and administrative support. A Cum Laude graduate of the University of the Philippines Diliman and a first-year Juris Doctor student at San Beda School of Law, she combines a strong academic background with hands-on experience supporting U.S.-based clients and businesses.

With approximately seven years of experience in appointment setting, Reginette has developed strong skills in outbound lead generation, lead qualification, follow-ups, scheduling, and CRM and pipeline management. Her background also includes data entry, social media and direct-message support, customer service, and day-to-day administrative tasks. Through these roles, she has learned to manage multiple priorities, maintain accurate records, and communicate clearly and professionally with clients and colleagues across different industries and time zones.
Reginette is known for her adaptability, attention to detail, and commitment to consistent follow-through. As she continues her legal studies, she is further developing her research, writing, and critical-thinking skills. She values continuous learning and takes pride in contributing to a team that serves clients with professionalism, care, and integrity.

Fun Fact Reginette is a proud mom who balances her professional responsibilities with law school while making time for the things she loves. She enjoys traveling, exploring new places, cooking, and creating special memories with her daughter. When she needs to recharge, she appreciates quiet days at home, good food, and planning her next adventure.

Theresa Murillo

Paralegal

Theresa brings experience in both law firm and corporate settings, with a background in mergers and acquisitions (M&A), corporate compliance, and legal documentation. She is committed to providing reliable legal support and approaches her work with professionalism, attention to detail, and a genuine dedication to helping clients and their families navigate legal matters.

Fun Fact Theresa is an adventure-loving matcha enthusiast! Outside of work, she enjoys freediving, camping, and exploring the great outdoors. Whether discovering the beauty of the underwater world or spending a peaceful weekend surrounded by nature, she loves finding new adventures and opportunities to recharge. And when it comes to her favorite drink, she’s definitely a matcha-over-coffee kind of girl!

Ryle Aguila

Business Development Coordinator

Ryle Aguila is a business professional with experience in sales, business development, customer service, logistics, purchasing, accounting, and quality control.

Ryle attended the University of Charleston in West Virginia on a football scholarship, where he studied Business Analytics. His experience as a collegiate student-athlete helped develop the discipline, teamwork, leadership, and determination that he brings to his professional career.During his time working for corporate america, Ryle held multiple roles that provided him with hands-on experience across several areas of business operations. He worked closely with customers, vendors, and internal teams while supporting sales, logistics, purchasing, accounting, and business development initiatives.

With strong communication and analytical skills, Ryle is focused on building meaningful professional relationships, identifying new opportunities, and continuing to grow as a business professional.

Reginette Borado

Client Services Coordinator

Reginette is a highly organized and dependable professional with extensive remote work experience in client communication, appointment setting, lead management, customer service, and administrative support. A Cum Laude graduate of the University of the Philippines Diliman, she is currently pursuing her Juris Doctor degree at San Beda School of Law.

With approximately seven years of experience in appointment setting and client-facing roles, Reginette has developed strong skills in lead generation, lead qualification, follow-ups, scheduling, CRM and pipeline management, and customer service. Her experience working with U.S.-based clients has strengthened her ability to communicate professionally, manage multiple priorities, and work effectively across different teams and time zones.
Reginette is known for her attention to detail, adaptability, and commitment to consistent follow-through. She enjoys opportunities to combine her professional experience and legal education while contributing to the team and the clients they serve.

Fun Fact: Reginette is a proud mom who enjoys traveling, exploring new places, cooking, and creating memories with her daughter. In her free time, she enjoys relaxing at home, trying good food, and planning her next adventure.

Kim Marie Phelan, Esq.

Senior Attorney

Kim Marie Phelan brings with her 36 years of legal experience. Since 1990, she has focused her practice on wills, trusts, probate, guardianship, and estate planning.
Licensed in Florida, Massachusetts, and South Carolina, Attorney Phelan is passionate about helping clients navigate complex legal matters with compassion, transparency, and professionalism. She is committed to providing clear guidance and personalized support to individuals and families as they plan for the future.

Fun Fact: Kim enjoys hiking, working out, playing golf, and spending time with her family.

Carmel Culanag

Client Care and Welcome Specialist

Carmel holds a Bachelor’s degree in Education and brings nearly seven years of experience as an ESL teacher, where she developed strong communication, interpersonal, and rapport-building skills. She later transitioned into the healthcare industry as a Medical Records Retrieval Representative, gaining valuable experience communicating with healthcare professionals, coordinating medical records requests, and helping her team achieve performance goals.

In addition to her professional experience, Carmel is actively involved in a volunteer organization, where she previously served as Administrative Head. This role strengthened her organizational, leadership, and coordination skills while further developing her empathy, compassion, and commitment to helping others. With a strong background in education, healthcare, administration, and client communication, Carmel is a dependable and adaptable professional dedicated to delivering quality work and making a positive impact on the people and teams she works with.

Fun Fact: Carmel enjoys exploring new hobbies and often discovers a new interest every few months—from caring for plants to her current passion for art and scrapbooking. Outside of her creative pursuits, she enjoys helping plan and organize events through her volunteer organization. She also especially enjoys connecting with the children she meets through the organization, taking the time to listen, engage in meaningful conversations, and build genuine connections with them.

Maggie Castillo

Client Services Coordinator

Maggie Castillo is committed to providing compassionate, high-quality client intake and operational support. With extensive experience in customer relations, administrative coordination, and workflow management, she excels at guiding clients through important processes with clarity, professionalism, and empathy. Maggie is passionate about supporting seniors, veterans, and their families while helping ensure the smooth and efficient day-to-day operations of Elderly Care Law Firm.

Fun Fact: Outside of work, Maggie enjoys singing and dancing. It’s her favorite way to stay energized, express herself, and bring positivity and enthusiasm to everything she does!

Hasmie Sadjail

Client Care and Welcome Specialist

Hasmie brings over five years of experience in customer service, technical support, virtual assistance, and administrative support. She also completed undergraduate studies in Psychology, which helped develop her strong communication and interpersonal skills. Hasmie enjoys helping others, continuously learning, and creating positive experiences for every client she serves. She is excited to be part of the team and looks forward to contributing to the firm’s success while growing alongside her colleagues.

Fun Fact:
Hasmie loves talking to people and hearing their stories because she believes every conversation offers an opportunity to learn something new. She also loves butterflies, as they remind her that growth and change can lead to something beautiful.

Queen Tanael

Client Care and Welcome Specialist

Queen is a client-focused professional with over six years of combined experience in front desk reception and virtual client support. She holds a degree in Tourism and brings a hospitality-driven mindset to every interaction. Passionate about helping others, Queen enjoys creating positive first impressions and ensuring every client feels welcomed and valued from the moment they reach out.

She has extensive experience managing appointments, handling client communications, and supporting day-to-day operations in fast-paced environments. Her positive attitude, attention to detail, and commitment to exceptional customer service help clients feel comfortable and well cared for throughout their experience with the firm.

Fun Fact:
On her days off, Queen enjoys exploring new coffee shops and planning her next travel adventure.

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Sherrie Lim

Client Services Coordinator

Sherrie Ann Lim brings over twelve years of customer service experience and a strong background in team leadership and client support. Although she holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Therapy, her career path led her to the dynamic world of the contact center industry, where she discovered a deep passion for service, communication, and operational excellence. 

Sherrie is known for her perseverance, enthusiasm, and confident sense of responsibility. She consistently delivers high-quality results, efficiently managing tasks while remaining flexible to the evolving needs of her clients. Her commitment to continuous improvement and excellence positions her as a trusted ally for businesses seeking proactive and reliable virtual support. 

Drawing from her college background, Sherrie has a deeper understanding of the physical and emotional needs associated with aging, making her especially attuned to the importance of compassionate and informed care for the elderly. She recognizes that elder care isn’t just about physical support, it also involves emotional presence, patience, and clear communication. Her strong appreciation for family ties fuels her commitment to helping clients manage the intricacies of elder care with empathy and attentiveness, ensuring that elderly loved ones feel respected, safe, and truly cared for. 

 

She loves taking care of her family during her rest days and free time, finding joy in the simple yet meaningful routines of home life. Whether it’s preparing home-cooked meals, baking sweet treats for her kids, or tackling household projects, Sherrie finds fulfillment in creating a nurturing and organized environment for her family. Whenever time and opportunity allow, she also enjoys traveling with her family, exploring new places, creating lasting memories, and embracing experiences that strengthen their bond and bring joy into their lives. 

Fun Fact: Sherrie’s two kids were born on the exact same date—two years apart! 

May Cruz

Client Services Coordinator

May began her community service career with the Philippine Department of Health as a Computer Operator, providing vital technical support to healthcare workers across island provinces and helping to bridge technology gaps in remote medical settings. Her commitment to service extended beyond her official duties—she also volunteered in medical missions, assisting indigenous communities and contributing to the delivery of essential healthcare with empathy and cultural sensitivity. 

Continuing her dedication to public service, May later worked at a law firm as a Disability Service Coordinator, assisting military veterans in navigating disability services. She brought empathy, compassion, and heart to the role, ensuring that each veteran felt heard, respected, and supported throughout the process. 

With a unique blend of technical expertise and human-centered care, May remains deeply committed to using her skills to uplift underserved and vulnerable communities. 

Fun Fact: Despite not knowing how to swim, May is a certified open water diver. Her adventurous spirit and determination push her beyond her comfort zone—both in life and under the sea.