Law Office of Stephanie L. Schneider PA

01/12/2026

How to Be an Effective Nursing Resident Advocate

If you have a loved one or friend who requires rehabilitation or skilled nursing care, it is important for you and the resident to know the law that protects the resident’s rights. Click on the link below to discover some false statements that may be made by nursing facilities and how to effectively respond:

https://www.fl-elderlaw.com/how-to-be-an-effective-nursing-resident-advocate/

01/06/2026

Not All Durable Powers of Attorney Are Created Equally: Avoid These Mistakes

The phrase ‘Durable Power of Attorney’ is frequently used but often misunderstood as to who needs it, when it should be created, and what the document does. The goal of this blog is to correct misunderstandings among consumers and professionals and encourage all adults to create a Durable Power of Attorney when they are physically and mentally healthy.

The word ‘Durable’ means that the document allows financial decisions to be made during a time when a person is physically, mentally, or cognitively incapacitated. Incapacity can result from an automobile accident causing head trauma, an advanced illness such as cancer, or cognitive impairment caused by dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. A Durable Power of Attorney allows a competent adult to delegate responsibility to make their financial decisions to a trusted person (the agent) without making that trusted person an owner of the assets. Consequently, the assets of the incapacitated adult are protected if the agent gets divorced or sued. Another benefit of the document is that it allows the incapacitated adult’s financial affairs to be handled privately without Court supervision (i.e., a guardianship), which is time-consuming and expensive.

https://www.fl-elderlaw.com/not-all-durable-powers-of-attorney-are-created-equally-avoid-these-mistakes/

Learn why every adult should have a Durable Power of Attorney to protect assets and manage finances during illness or incapacity.

12/29/2025

The ABLE Act (Achieving Better Life Experience): A Planning Tool for Young Adults With Special Needs

ABLE became law in 2014 to allow family members to make gifts (during the donor’s lifetime) for the benefit of an individual with a disability, while allowing and encouraging that person to seek employment and independent living, knowing they are not limited to owning $2,000.00 in order to maintain SSI and Medicaid assistance. The ABLE account is an alternative to a special needs trust or a pooled trust. The ABLE account can also be used in addition to a special needs trust or a pooled trust.

ABLE accounts offer a flexible alternative or supplement to special needs trusts while protecting SSI and Medicaid benefits.

11/05/2025

https://conta.cc/4hxHBHp

Email from Stephanie L. Schneider, PA You don't want to miss valuable tips for caregivers!   November 2025 Update November marks National Long-Term Care Awareness Month, a crucial time for us to refle

10/28/2025

The Legal Document You Need In Place Before You Need It!

Seeking legal advice from a Board Certified Elder Law Attorney when creating a Durable Power of Attorney is crucial. It ensures that the document is legally valid and gives your trusted financial decision-maker the authority they need when you are incapacitated. Don’t attempt this on the internet or, go to an attorney who does not specialize! A Board Certified Elder Law Attorney save you the time and expense of a costly mistake and tailor the Durable Power of Attorney to your future financial needs so you save thousands of dollars by avoiding a court supervised guardianship.

Call our office today at (954) 382 - 1997 to schedule a consultation to create a new document or review and revise your existing one.

https://conta.cc/4572uDf

10/21/2025

National Estate Planning Awareness Week serves as a critical reminder for individuals to evaluate their estate plans or, create an estate plan. This annual observance encourages everyone to take proactive steps in protecting their assets and ensuring their loved ones are cared for. Updating or creating an estate plan can seem daunting, but consulting with a knowledgeable attorney can simplify the process and provide peace of mind.

Call our office today at (954) 382 - 1997 to schedule your Estate Planning consultation & mention this post for a discount on your estate planning consultation fee.

10/21/2025

Don’t Fall For These Myths About Durable Powers of Attorney.

#1 - “Only elderly people need a Durable Power of Attorney.” False. Young people can become incapacitated in a car accident or, have a stroke.

#2 - “My Mother doesn’t need to understand what she is signing she only needs to hold a pen and sign her name.” False. A person must be sufficiently aware of their assets, income, month/date/day/year in order to sign a Durable Power of Attorney.

#3 - “I don’t need a Durable Power of Attorney since I’m married and my spouse can automatically make all my financial decisions.” False. Being married does not give your spouse access to assets or income that is only in your name.

Be proactive today and safeguard your interests by having a Board Certified Elder Law Attorney Stephanie L. Schneider create your Durable Power Of Attorney.
Call our office today at (954) 382 - 1997 to schedule a consultation to create a new document or review and revise your existing one.

https://conta.cc/4572uDf

10/20/2025

We appreciate the opportunity to participate in the 16th Annual Active Aging Expo, where we engaged with professionals and community members on the critical importance of crafting legal documents in the case of one's passing or incapacity.

The U.S. Supreme Court's ruling in Obergefell has been pivotal for LGBTQ rights, ensuring equal benefits for same-sex couples. It’s essential for families to understand these legal protections.

For expert guidance in elder law, we encourage you to reach out to our office at (954) 382 - 1997.

10/16/2025

Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in women in the United States. Learn how the Gilda’s Club of South offers complimentary services to support those struggling with cancer. Grasp how you can get involved with their educational lectures, mind-body practices, and other additional resources. The Gilda’s Club is here for anyone dealing with any form of cancer, survivors, and their families.

https://conta.cc/46MfbFO

Email from Stephanie L. Schneider, PA You don't want to miss this!   October 2025 Updates According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, 1 in 8 women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime.

10/14/2025

What Most People Don’t Know About Durable Powers of Attorney.

Establishing a Durable Power of Attorney is probably the most critical step in managing your affairs when you can no longer do that. An often-overlooked aspect is including detailed language allowing your fiduciary to proactively protect your assets and income in the event you need to qualify for Medicaid to pay for long-term care costs. Legal expertise is essential to navigate these complexities and protect your assets effectively. A well-crafted Durable Power Of Atorney can protect you, and your loved ones, from financial and legal burdens. Our firm is dedicated to client advocacy and can guide you through the intricacies of this important legal document.

Call our office today at (954) 382 - 1997 to schedule a consultation to create a new document or review and revise your existing one.

https://conta.cc/4572uDf

10/13/2025

Are you attending the 16th Annual Active Aging Expo?

Plan to visit our firm's table to learn more about elder law and how we can help you find legal solutions to your aging challenges. Don't forget to pick up a ticket while you're here to be entered into our raffle!

10/07/2025

Incapacity Can Happen to Anyone At Any Age - Are you Prepared?

A Durable Power of Attorney is a legal document that allows you to designate a trusted person to make your financial decisions in the event of your illness (i.e. stroke), accident or, lack of capacity (i.e. dementia). Since each person has different types of assets (i.e. stocks, real estate, I.R.A., 401(k), annuities) and income it is imperative that the document is tailored to your financial situation and anticipated future needs. If your Durable Power of Attorney does not sufficiently detail your fiduciary’s authority, financial institutions could deny your fiduciary access to your assets or, income. Give your loved ones the gift of being prepared.

Call our office today at (954) 382 - 1997 to schedule a consultation to create a new document or review and revise your existing one.

https://conta.cc/4572uDf