The short answer: Floridians 60 and older can get free legal advice by phone from the Florida Senior Legal Helpline at 1-888-895-7873, if they meet its income guidelines. Every county also has a legal aid partner funded for people 60 and older, listed below. If you do not qualify for free help, The Florida Bar's Lawyer Referral Service sets up a first 30-minute meeting with a lawyer for no more than $25.
Florida Senior Legal Helpline
- Who it serves: people 60 and older who live in Florida or have a legal problem in Florida, and who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents. Income guidelines apply.
- What it helps with: civil problems such as housing, consumer debt and scams, family matters, government benefits, Medicaid and Medicare, and advance directives. It does not take criminal, traffic, personal injury or workers' compensation cases.
- How: call 1-888-895-7873, weekdays 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., or apply online any time for non-emergencies. Interpreters are free.
The helpline is run by Bay Area Legal Services and paid for by the Department of Elder Affairs. (Sources: Bay Area Legal Services and Elder Affairs.)
Legal Aid for Seniors by County
The Older Americans Act sets aside money for legal help for people 60 and older, which Florida's Area Agencies on Aging pass to these local legal aid organizations. (Sources: Elder Affairs and Elder Affairs list of local partners.) Help depends on the kind of case and available staff.
FloridaLawHelp.org, built with Florida's legal aid organizations, has plain-language guides, a seniors section, and a search for legal help by location. (Source: FloridaLawHelp.org.)
Hiring an Elder Law Attorney
For Medicaid planning, trusts, guardianship or a complicated estate, you may want a private elder law attorney.
- Lawyer Referral Service: The Florida Bar matches you with a lawyer by issue and location. The first 30-minute consultation costs no more than $25. Call 800-342-8011, weekdays 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., or ask online. (Source: The Florida Bar.)
- Board certification: lawyers board certified in elder law by The Florida Bar have practiced at least five years, spent at least 40 percent of their practice on elder law for three years, completed 60 hours of elder law education, passed peer review and passed an exam. (Source: The Florida Bar.) Search certified elder law lawyers.
- Our directory lists 32 legal services providers in Florida. Browse legal services, and check any lawyer's status with The Florida Bar before hiring.
Ask about fees in writing before you start. Many elder law attorneys charge a flat fee for documents such as a will or power of attorney.
Common Legal Problems for Older Floridians
Questions About Legal Help for Seniors
Is there free legal help for seniors in Florida?
Yes. The Florida Senior Legal Helpline, 1-888-895-7873, gives free legal advice by phone to Floridians 60 and older who meet income guidelines. Older Americans Act legal services through each county's legal aid partner also serve people 60 and older. Both handle civil problems, not criminal cases.
What does an elder law attorney do?
Elder law attorneys handle legal issues common in later life, such as Medicaid planning for long-term care, guardianship and its alternatives, powers of attorney, health care directives, wills and trusts, and protecting older adults from exploitation.
What does board certified in elder law mean in Florida?
The Florida Bar certifies lawyers in elder law who have practiced at least five years, spent at least 40 percent of their practice on elder law in each of the last three years, completed 60 hours of elder law education, passed peer review, and passed a written exam. You can search the list of certified elder law lawyers on the Bar's website.
How much does the Florida Bar Lawyer Referral Service cost?
The service matches you with a lawyer, and the first 30-minute consultation costs no more than $25. Fees after that are agreed between you and the lawyer. Call 800-342-8011, weekdays 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Disclaimer: This guide is general information, not legal advice.