You Can Trust...Elder Law Firm, Rhodes Law, P.A.

Estate & Medicaid Planning • Probate • Guardianship

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Elder Law Attorneys

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INTRODUCING BREVARD COUNTY'S NEWEST

BOARD CERTIFIED

ELDER LAW ATTORNEY

RUTH C. RHODES, ESQ.

There are 491 Board Certified Elder Law Attorneys in the State of Florida. Attorney Ruth C. Rhodes is 1 of only 2 in Brevard County.

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Your Preferred Elder Law Attorneys in Melbourne, Florida

Rhodes Law, P.A. of Melbourne, FL focuses on Estate and Medicaid Planning, Asset Protection, Probate, Trust Administration, Guardianship and Guardian Advocacy.

 

Legal Services We Offer

 

With years of experience in Elder Law, we are pleased to offer a comprehensive range of professional legal services including:

 

Wills and Trusts

 

We are a full-service law firm that focuses on estate and incapacity planning. We can help you with wills, trusts, durable powers of attorney, living wills and more. All these documents outline how assets are to be distributed after a person dies or falls ill, and they can help the estate to avoid guardianship, probate, or additional taxes.

 

We also advise on the advantages and disadvantages of setting up various types of trusts. This could include special planning for a disabled spouse or child to improve their quality of life, while maintaining their benefits.

 

Medicaid Planning

 

Medicaid helps the elderly and disabled pay for nursing home care and other medical costs. We help our eligible clients get and keep Medicaid. 

 

We also create personalized plans for our clients and their families, including the best use of personal and financial resources to meet their long-term goals.

 

Asset Protection

 

Medicaid planning and asset protection go hand-in-hand, but sometimes assets need protection outside of Medicaid. We partner with experienced professionals to protect your finances, property and well-being.

 

Probate and Probate Litigation

 

In probate and trust administration, we represent fiduciaries, personal representatives, trustees and beneficiaries. Our highly skilled staff treats every client with empathy and understanding.

 

We can liaise between the court and the fiduciary of the estate to guide them through the probate process and distribute the assets to the beneficiaries in a timely manner. We do this by closely following court orders and complying with the strict probate time limits.

 

Trust Administration and Litigation

 

After the settlor's death or incapacity, trustees have to manage the trust property for the beneficiaries according to the trust documents. Our skilled team can guide trustees through the process of effective administration.

 

Guardianship and Guardianship Litigation

 

If a person becomes unable to manage their own affairs, and no advance directives exist, we can advise on legal guardianship proceedings.

 

Relatives often consult us about their legal rights and duties in guardianship proceedings. In many cases, the adult/child and other relatives live out of state, making guardianship difficult. Our team can bridge this gap by attending any court hearings and filing all necessary legal papers outlining the client's position on the need for a guardian and the management of the ward's assets.

 

Experienced in Elder Law

 

Whatever the reason for your consultation, our Elder Law Attorneys will arm you with the knowledge and resources you need to make the best legal decisions possible.

 

Rhodes Law, P.A.

 

Rhodes Law is the Elder Law Firm you can trust. Don’t just take our word for it, read what our clients have to say.

 

“I would never trust my estate planning to anyone else!”

 

Nicholette G.

 

“Very professional and very knowledgeable on all elder law in every situation. I have referred her many times.”

 

Rose C.

 

“I am very satisfied with the professionalism and how fast they were able to handle my case. I recommend this firm to anyone who needs legal assistance.”

 

Iris D.

 

Arrange a Free Consultation Today

 

The Elder Law Attorneys at Rhodes Law are dedicated to providing excellent legal advice, strategy and planning to seniors, individuals and families in our Florida community. Call our trusted team today to find out how we can help you.

Viewed as one of the best legal firms in the Melbourne area by clients, to provide families the legal help they require.

Rhodes Law, P.A. is dedicated to helping seniors, individuals and families in our community with experienced legal advice, strategy and planning.


Our Elder Law Attorneys are focused on Brevard, FL seniors delivering the best strategy and planning for Florida families.


No matter the reason for your consultation, Rhodes Law, P.A. will spend the time needed to discuss and evaluate the facts and applicable law for your situation. We will provide you with the tools you need to make educated decisions for achieving your best possible outcome.

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Satisfied Clients

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"I have the pleasure of working with an amazing team at Rhodes Law, P.A. Ms. Rhodes also prepared all of my estate planning and the planning for my children too! I would never trust my estate planning to anyone else!"

NICHOLETTE G.

"I am very satisfied with the professionalism and how fast they were able to handle my case. I recommend this firm to anyone who needs legal assistance."

IRIS D.

"I highly recommend Attorney Ruth Rhodes.  Very professional and very knowledgeable on all Elder Law in every situation. I have referred her many of times. I have tremendous faith and trust in Miss Rhodes. I highly recommend her to any family."

ROSE C.  COMFORTS OF HOMECARE

Meet Melbourne's Elder Law Attorney

Ruth C. Rhodes

Attorney Ruth C. Rhodes is the owner of Rhodes Law, P.A., a Helping Seniors of Brevard Board Member and Brevard Alzheimer’s Foundation Board Member, and a resident business at One Senior Place.


She graduated Valedictorian from the College of Law at Florida A&M University, and has more than 23 years of experience working in the legal field with more than 15 years as a practicing attorney.

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News & Events

Visit our blog for more information on Elder Law and our upcoming events.

Elder Law: A Comprehensive Guide

04 Oct, 2024
Understanding Elder Law: What It Covers and Why It's Important Elder law is a specialized area of legal practice focusing on issues that affect the aging population. As people age, they face unique challenges that require tailored legal solutions. Elder law encompasses a wide range of topics such as estate planning, long-term care options, guardianship, retirement benefits, and protection against elder abuse. Understanding these areas is crucial for ensuring the well-being and financial security of seniors. The importance of elder law cannot be overstated. With an increasing number of individuals entering their senior years, there is a growing need for comprehensive legal frameworks to protect their rights and interests. Issues such as healthcare decisions or managing finances can become complex without proper guidance from experienced professionals. The Scope of Elder Law Elder law covers several critical aspects including Medicaid planning to help cover nursing home costs; creating wills or trusts to manage assets after death; appointing powers of attorney for healthcare or financial matters; and dealing with potential cases involving neglect or exploitation. Why It Matters By understanding what elder law entails, families can make informed decisions about future planning while safeguarding loved ones’ autonomy and dignity during later life stages. The Benefits of Hiring a Specialized Elder Law Attorney in Melbourne, FL Hiring an attorney who specializes specifically in elder law offers numerous advantages over general practitioners when it comes down to navigating this intricate field effectively within Florida’s regulatory framework – especially here locally around a beautiful coastal city like ours! A dedicated specialist will have deep knowledge regarding state-specific statutes which may impact your case differently than elsewhere across the country. The Elder Law Attorneys at Rhodes Law , P.A. are dedicated to providing excellent legal advice, strategy and planning to seniors, individuals and families in our Florida community. Call our trusted team today at (321) 610-4542 to find out how we can help you!

Wills and Trusts: Secure Your Future Today

23 Sep, 2024
Understanding the Importance of Estate Planning Estate planning is not just for the wealthy; it’s a crucial step for anyone who wants to ensure that their assets are distributed according to their wishes after they pass away. Without proper planning, your estate could be subject to lengthy legal battles or end up in the hands of unintended beneficiaries. Having a comprehensive estate plan can provide peace of mind and financial security for you and your loved ones. The Role of Wills and Trusts Wills and trusts are fundamental components of any solid estate plan. A will outlines how you want your assets distributed upon your death, while a trust can manage those assets during your lifetime as well as after you’ve passed away. Both documents serve distinct purposes but work together harmoniously within an effective estate plan. Protecting Your Legacy By setting up a will and trust you are taking a proactive step to protect your legacy. This ensures that future generations benefit from what you've built over a lifetime rather than seeing it dissipate through taxes or legal fees. The Consequences of Not Having a Will or Trust Failing to establish a will or trust can lead to significant complications for those left behind. If you die intestate (without a will), state laws determine how your property is divided—often with results far different from what you'd have wanted. Family Disputes Without clear instructions on asset distribution, family members may find themselves embroiled in disputes over who gets what. These conflicts can strain relationships permanently. Financial Burdens The absence of an estate plan often leads to higher court costs and attorney fees which deplete the value of the inheritance meant for loved ones. How to Get Started with Estate Planning in Melbourne, FL Starting the process might seem overwhelming at first but breaking it down into manageable steps makes it more approachable. Our trusted team at Rhodes Law, P.A. can advise you on the benefits of wills and trusts and help you better understand estate planning and funding issues. Contact us today at (321) 610-4542 and book your free consultation!

Understanding the possibility of not resolving your case through mediation

15 Aug, 2024
What is Mediation? Mediation is a process where parties to a dispute come together with an impartial third party, called a mediator, to try and reach an agreement. It's often used as an alternative to going to court because it can save time and money. The Possibility of Not Resolving Your Case Through Mediation While mediation has its benefits, it's important to understand that not all cases can be resolved this way. Sometimes the parties are simply unable or unwilling to come to an agreement. This may happen for several reasons such as one party being unreasonable or if there are complex legal issues involved. If you're in this situation, it's essential that you know what steps you should take next. What To Do Next If Your Case Is Not Resolved Through Mediation Evaluate Your Options: The first thing you should do after unsuccessful mediation is evaluate your options. You may want to consider arbitration or litigation instead. Arbitration involves hiring a neutral third party who will make a binding decision on your case. Litigation means taking your case before a judge in court. It's crucial that you carefully weigh these options before making any decisions because they both have their own advantages and disadvantages. Arbitration: One advantage of arbitration is that it can be faster than litigation because there are fewer procedural requirements involved. Another benefit is that the arbitrator’s decision is final and binding so there won’t be any appeals unless fraud occurred during the proceedings. However, one disadvantage of arbitration is that it may cost more than mediation since fees for arbitrators could add up quickly depending on how long the process takes. Litigation: Litigation tends to take longer than arbitration and can be more expensive. However, it offers the advantage of allowing you to present your case in court where a judge will hear all of the evidence before making a decision. Why Hiring an Attorney in Melbourne, FL is Crucial In This Situation No matter which option you choose after unsuccessful mediation, it's important that you hire an experienced attorney who knows how to navigate these legal processes. An attorney can help you understand your options better and guide you through every step of the way. An attorney from Melbourne, FL would also have knowledge about local laws that could affect your case. For example, if there are any statutes or ordinances specific to Brevard County that apply to your situation. Steps To Take When Looking For An Attorney In Melbourne, FL Research: The first thing you should do when looking for an attorney in Melbourne is research online. Look at reviews and ratings on sites. Ask Friends & Family: You may want to ask friends or family members who have gone through similar situations for recommendations as well. Schedule A Consultation: Contact Ruth Rhodes at Rhodes Law, P.A. to schedule a consultation. They can evaluate your case and give their professional opinion on what steps should be taken next. If mediation doesn't work out for resolving your dispute then don't worry - there are other options available such as arbitration or litigation. Just remember that hiring an experienced law firm like Rhodes Law, P.A. is crucial during this process because they'll provide guidance throughout each step along with having knowledge about local laws affecting cases like yours! So don't wait, call us today at (321) 610-4542 and schedule your consultation!!

Guardianship Attorney: Understanding the Importance of Advance Directives and Avoiding Guardianship

09 Jul, 2024
Understanding the Importance of Advance Directives and Avoiding Guardianship As we age or face a medical crisis, it's important to plan for our future healthcare needs. This is where advance directives come into play. An advance directive is a legal document that outlines your wishes regarding medical care if you become incapacitated or unable to make decisions for yourself. Without an advance directive, family members may be forced to seek guardianship over you. Guardianship is a legal process where someone else (usually a family member) becomes responsible for making decisions on behalf of an incapacitated person. This can be avoided by setting up an advance directive with the help of a guardianship attorney in Melbourne, FL. What are Advance Directives and How Do They Work? Advance directives come in different forms but generally include two main documents: - A living will - A durable power of attorney A living will specifies what medical treatment you want or don't want if you're terminally ill or permanently unconscious. It covers issues like resuscitation, feeding tubes, pain management, etc. A durable power of attorney authorizes someone else (known as your agent) to make healthcare decisions on your behalf when you cannot do so yourself. This includes things like choosing doctors, approving treatments/surgeries, etc. These documents only take effect when certain conditions are met (e.g., incapacity). You can always change them later if your preferences change. What Is Guardianship and How Can It Be Avoided? Guardianships are usually sought by family members who believe their loved one cannot make sound decisions about their own health/finances due to physical/mental limitations. The court appoints a guardian who then has the authority to make decisions on behalf of the incapacitated person. Guardianships can be costly, time-consuming, and emotionally draining. They also strip away your autonomy and dignity. That's why it's important to avoid them if possible by setting up advance directives ahead of time. Why It Is Important to Have a Guardianship Attorney Setting up an advance directive is not something you want to do alone or without legal guidance. A guardianship attorney can help you: - Understand the legal requirements for advance directives - Choose the right type of documents that reflect your wishes - Ensure that your documents comply with Florida law - Appoint a trusted agent who will act according to your preferences - Update your documents as needed An experienced guardianship attorney can also advise you on other related matters such as estate planning, probate avoidance, and asset protection. How To Find and Work With a Guardianship Attorney in Melbourne, FL To Set Up Advance Directives And Avoid Guardianship Finding a qualified guardianship attorney in Melbourne, FL is easy if you know where to look. Ruth C. Rhodes , at Rhodes Law, P.A. is highly respected by other attorneys practicing in the guardianship arena, as well as the judges handling guardianship cases. Guardianship proceedings can be very overwhelming, and requires assistance from an attorney well-versed in Florida guardianship law. If you need help in setting up an advance directive to ensure that your healthcare wishes are respected contact Rhodes Law, P.A. and let them help you avoid costly guardianships and achieve peace of mind knowing that you are prepared. Call us today at (321) 610-4542 and set up your consultation today!
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