Elder Law Attorneys in Sarasota, FL

Where to start

  1. 1

    Find the documents

    Has your parent signed a durable power of attorney and a health care surrogate form? Find the originals.

  2. 2

    Ask for the social worker

    The hospital or care facility can name a social worker or discharge planner who can explain what happens next.

  3. 3

    List what your parent owns and owes

    Any conversation about paying for care will begin there.

Then call elder law attorneys early, before anything is signed or any money moves. The firms below are in Sarasota, Bradenton and Lakewood Ranch. Some do only elder law and others are general practices, so ask how often they handle your situation.

Elder Law Attorneys in the Sarasota area, A to Z

Alphabetical order, not a ranking. Basic listings are free. Firms in nearby towns show their own town in the address.

Local help in Sarasota County

Questions to ask on the first call

What these firms do

Services on each card come from the firm's own website. If one is missing, ask.

Common questions about elder law attorneys in Sarasota

Who can start a guardianship in Sarasota County?

Under section 744.3201, Florida Statutes, a petition to determine that a person lacks capacity may be signed by an adult. In practice the filing goes through an attorney, who contacts the Clerk's Probate and Guardianship Department at (941) 861-7400. The Clerk supplies the next attorney on a rotation list to represent the person the petition concerns.

Does my parent's power of attorney still work if they lose capacity?

It depends on the document. A durable power of attorney continues after the person who signed it loses capacity, while a non-durable one ends, and any power of attorney ends at death (section 709.2109, Florida Statutes). Starting a court case about capacity can suspend the agent's authority, so ask a lawyer to read your parent's document.

Where do I report suspected abuse of an older person in Sarasota?

Call 911 if the danger is immediate, then the Florida Abuse Hotline at 1-800-962-2873, which takes reports 24 hours a day. For concerns about care in a nursing home or assisted living facility, the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program is at 1-888-831-0404.

Who can tell me what services are available for an older person near Sarasota?

The Elder Helpline at 1-800-963-5337 is run by the Florida Department of Elder Affairs. It can connect you with your local Aging and Disability Resource Center.

Are the firms on this page ranked?

A basic listing is free, and any paid listing is clearly labelled. Basic listings are in alphabetical order, and being listed is not a recommendation. Firms in Bradenton and Lakewood Ranch are included because they are close by, and each card shows the firm's own town.