Ever wonder what actually happens to your home, your care, and your savings if life throws a curveball before your will is even read? We brought in elder law attorney Jon Kinsella to walk us through the real world playbook: how to plan for long term care, keep control of your house, and avoid preventable court delays that drain time and money.
We start by drawing a clear line between traditional estate planning and elder law. Distribution after death matters, but so does the question few ask out loud: what if you outlive your money? Jon explains the Florida friendly tools that balance control with protection, including the enhanced life estate (Lady Bird) deed. You’ll hear why it lets an owner keep full authority to sell during life while ensuring the property transfers automatically at death, often bypassing probate and preserving homestead benefits when used correctly. For families juggling real estate decisions, that difference can be the gap between a smooth sale and months of costly limbo.
From there, we get tactical. Turning 18? You need a durable power of attorney and a health care surrogate with HIPAA authorization so someone you trust can act and access information if needed. Bought a home, moved states, or had kids? Review wills and trusts every two to four years so your documents match your life. We also tackle the hard numbers on nursing care—often $13–14k per month—and how lawful Medicaid planning can protect a healthy spouse at home while securing needed care. Along the way, John demystifies probate, why it’s sometimes helpful, and how trustees can stay out of trouble with simple prep like dedicated trust bank accounts and organized records.
If you want clarity instead of a crisis when a decision can’t wait, this conversation gives you the vocabulary and next steps to act with confidence. Share this with someone caring for aging parents, a new homeowner, or any 18 year old heading to college. Subscribe for more Tampa Bay stories and practical guides, and leave a review to tell us what planning topic you want us to cover next.
For more information and resources related to this episode, visit hkhelderlaw.com to meet all your elder law needs. You can also contact them at (727) 240-2350 to schedule a free consultation!

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