Zacharia Frey PLLC

Practice Area

Elder Law

Protecting seniors and their families through Medicaid planning, guardianships, and comprehensive elder care legal services.

Compassionate Elder Law Guidance

As we age, legal needs become more complex. From planning for long-term care costs to protecting assets and ensuring quality care for loved ones, elder law touches some of the most sensitive and important decisions a family can face.

At Zacharia Frey PLLC, we combine deep knowledge of Florida elder law with genuine compassion for our clients and their families. We help you navigate Medicaid rules, guardianship proceedings, and asset protection strategies with clarity and care.

Whether you're planning ahead or facing an immediate need, we're here to help you find the best path forward.

We Can Help When You Need:

  • A loved one needs nursing home or assisted living care
  • You're concerned about the cost of long-term care
  • A family member can no longer manage their own affairs
  • You want to protect assets from long-term care costs
  • You need to apply for Medicaid benefits
  • You want to plan ahead for potential care needs
  • A loved one with special needs requires a trust

Our Services

Elder Law Services

Medicaid Planning

Navigate the complex Medicaid eligibility rules to help protect your assets while qualifying for the benefits you need for long-term care. We develop strategies that comply with Florida Medicaid regulations while preserving as much of your estate as possible.

Medicaid Applications

We prepare and submit Medicaid applications on your behalf, handling the extensive documentation requirements, responding to requests for information, and working through the approval process to achieve the best possible outcome.

Guardianship

When a loved one can no longer manage their own affairs, guardianship proceedings may be necessary. We guide families through the guardianship process with sensitivity, handling all court filings, hearings, and ongoing compliance requirements.

Asset Protection

Protect your home, savings, and other assets from the high costs of long-term care through legally sound planning strategies. We help you plan ahead to preserve your legacy for your family.

Long-Term Care Planning

Develop a comprehensive plan for potential long-term care needs, including nursing home, assisted living, and home health care options. Proactive planning gives your family more choices and better outcomes.

Special Needs Planning

Create special needs trusts and plans that provide for a loved one with disabilities without jeopardizing their eligibility for government benefits like SSI and Medicaid.

Common Questions

Elder Law FAQs

When should I start planning for Medicaid?

Ideally, Medicaid planning should begin at least five years before you anticipate needing long-term care, due to Medicaid's five-year lookback period. However, even if you need care now, there are still strategies available. The sooner you start, the more options you have.

What is the Medicaid lookback period?

Florida Medicaid examines all asset transfers made within the five years prior to your application. Transfers made during this period for less than fair market value can result in a penalty period of ineligibility. Proper planning helps navigate these rules.

Do I have to lose everything to qualify for Medicaid?

No. There are legal strategies to protect assets while qualifying for Medicaid benefits. The rules are complex, but with proper planning, we can help preserve significant assets for you and your family.

What is the difference between a guardian and a power of attorney?

A power of attorney is a document you create voluntarily while you have capacity, designating someone to act on your behalf. Guardianship is a court proceeding necessary when someone has lost capacity and has no power of attorney in place. Guardianship is more costly and time-consuming, which is why advance planning is so important.

Protect Your Loved Ones Today

Whether you're planning ahead or facing an urgent elder care situation, our experienced attorneys are here to help.

Schedule a Consultation(239) 345-4545