Elder Law Attorneys Serving Tampa Bay, Clearwater, & Beyond

At Rooth & Rooth Elder Law Attorneys, we focus on elder law, estate planning, and probate/trust administration. With more than 50 years of combined experience, our attorneys help individuals and families in Seminole, Clearwater, St. Petersburg, Largo, and Pinellas Park make confident decisions about the future.

Our role is to guide you through the legal and financial challenges that come with aging. From creating an estate plan to securing Medicaid coverage for nursing home care, we provide clear answers and practical solutions tailored to your needs.

Our Core Elder Law Services

What Is Elder Law?

Elder law is a specialized area of practice that helps people prepare for the later stages of life. It brings together estate planning, long-term care planning, health care decision-making, and probate or trust administration. Elder law attorneys protect assets, ensure that wishes are legally documented, and help families secure care without unnecessary financial strain.

At Rooth & Rooth, we understand that planning for the future isn’t only about distributing assets after death. It’s about making sure you and your loved ones are supported during your lifetime as well.

Why Choose Rooth & Rooth Elder Law Attorneys

Families across Pinellas County choose our firm because:

• We have over five decades of combined experience focused on elder law.
• Every client receives one-on-one guidance directly from an attorney.
• We provide efficient, cost-conscious solutions to complex legal issues.
• Our family has been trusted in the community for generations.

Whether you are approaching retirement, caring for an aging parent, or starting a family of your own, our attorneys will walk you through each option and help you avoid costly mistakes.

Comprehensive Legal Services

In addition to our primary practice areas, our team provides a full range of elder law and estate planning services, including:

• Last will and testament
• Trusts, including special needs trusts/supplemental needs trusts
• Advanced directives
• Living wills
• Durable powers of attorney
• Designation of health care surrogates
• Medicaid planning and applications
• Medicaid for home care or assisted living
• Medicaid for skilled nursing home care
• Real estate management in relation to estate planning

These services ensure that your financial, health, and family needs are addressed at every stage of life.

Our Professional Affiliations

Rooth & Rooth Elder Law Attorneys is proud to be connected to both national and local organizations, including:

• Florida Bar Association
• National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys
• Association of Florida Elder Law Attorneys
• Elder Law Section of the Florida Bar
• Probate and Trust Law Section of the Florida Bar

We also support community organizations such as the Seminole Chamber of Commerce, Suncoast Hospice Professional Partners, Catholic Foundation, Better Living for Seniors, and the Area Agency on Aging. These relationships keep us informed of best practices and resources for our clients.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to work with an elder law attorney?

The cost depends on the type of service. Drafting a simple will may be less involved than handling Medicaid planning or trust administration. At Rooth & Rooth, we discuss fees upfront so you know what to expect before moving forward.

What should I bring to my first consultation?

It’s helpful to bring any existing estate planning documents, property deeds, insurance policies, and financial account information. If you’re exploring long-term care planning, also bring details about current health conditions and care needs.

Can I update my estate plan if my circumstances change?

Yes. We recommend reviewing your plan every few years or after major life events such as marriage, divorce, the birth of a child, or the purchase of new property. Our attorneys can revise your documents so they remain current and legally effective.

How long does probate usually take in Florida?

The probate process can range from a few months to more than a year, depending on the complexity of the estate and whether disputes arise. Our attorneys work to keep the process as efficient as possible while ensuring all legal requirements are met.

Do I need an attorney if I already have a power of attorney document?

A power of attorney is an important step, but it’s only one piece of a comprehensive estate plan. Our elder law attorneys can review your existing documents to ensure they’re valid under Florida law and work together with your will, trust, or other directives.

What options exist if my parent needs nursing home care immediately?

If urgent care is required, we can help you explore Medicaid eligibility, private payment strategies, and potential benefits through the VA. Even in emergency situations, there may be ways to preserve assets while securing quality care quickly.

Practice Areas

Estate Planning

Our experienced attorneys can properly draft your legal documents and answer your estate planning questions. more

Long Term Care & Planning

If your loved one’s health has turned or they required more care, we can assist with long-term care planning. more

Probate & Trust Administration

If your loved one has passed away and you have questions about what legal actions are needed, call our experienced probate attorneys today. more