Business Details
22 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Board-Certified Elder Law Services in Clearwater, FL
Walt Shurden Elder Law is a dedicated legal practice specializing in elder law, providing tailored solutions for over 25 years. Our focus areas include estate planning, Medicaid eligibility, probate, and trust administration, designed to protect clients' assets and ensure their future security. As a Board Certified Elder Law Attorney by the Florida Bar, Walt Shurden combines extensive legal expertise with a deep understanding of the financial and emotional challenges faced by seniors and their families. Our team prioritizes personalized service, guiding clients through complex legal processes with clarity and compassion.We emphasize proactive planning to safeguard assets against long-term care costs while maintaining eligibility for vital benefits like Medicaid. With a proven track record of assisting hundreds of Florida families, we offer practical, ethical solutions that align with individual needs and goals. Our commitment to community education and active involvement in legal and nonprofit organizations underscores our dedication to elder law advocacy and client empowerment.
Services
Estate Planning
Medicaid Eligibility
Probate
Trust Administration
Details
- Year established: 2004
Highlights and features
- We offer 25+ years of specialized elder law expertise and Florida Bar Board Certification.
- Our team provides personalized Medicaid eligibility strategies to protect assets and benefits.
- We simplify complex probate and trust administration processes with clear, actionable guidance.
- Client-focused approach prioritizing transparency, ethical practices, and family-centered solutions.
- Proven track record assisting hundreds of Florida families with estate and long-term care planning.
Associations and certifications
- Florida Bar
What people say
Amazing attorney
Made a difficult task run smoothly
Ethical and forthright
Exceptional team
Highly recommend
Services
Estate Planning
Customized estate plans safeguard assets and ensure Medicaid eligibility. We create revocable trusts, wills, and advance directives tailored to individual family dynamics and long-term care needs. Our approach balances legal compliance with practical solutions for wealth preservation.
Medicaid Eligibility
Strategic Medicaid planning protects assets while securing eligibility for long-term care benefits. We navigate income and asset tests, implement legal exemptions, and provide documentation to qualify clients for nursing home or in-home care funding.
Probate
We guide personal representatives through Florida probate processes, including formal and summary administration. Services cover asset distribution, debt resolution, and court compliance to efficiently settle estates while minimizing family conflict.
Trust Administration
Successor trustee support includes trust accounting, beneficiary communication, and tax compliance. We ensure fiduciary duties are met through transparent asset management and distribution in accordance with trust terms and legal requirements.
People
Walter B. Shurden
Board Certified Elder Law Attorney
Board Certified Elder Law Attorney with 25+ years of experience. Former accountant and CPA, graduated from Mercer University Law School in 1998. Active in Florida Bar CLE committee and local nonprofits. Specializes in Medicaid planning and estate litigation.
Jennifer Ake
Medicaid & Probate Paralegal
Florida Registered Paralegal since 2018 with 20+ years of experience in Medicaid and probate cases. Manages administrative operations and client communications. Graduated from St. Petersburg College with an Associate Degree in 2007.
Questions
What estate planning documents are essential for seniors?
A revocable trust, will, durable power of attorney, and healthcare directives are critical. These documents ensure asset protection, medical care preferences, and smooth inheritance processes.
How can Medicaid help with nursing home costs?
Medicaid covers skilled nursing facility care for eligible individuals. We help restructure assets and income to meet eligibility requirements while preserving family wealth.
What's the difference between probate and trust administration?
Probate is court-supervised estate settlement for wills, while trust administration manages trust assets outside probate court, offering privacy and faster distribution.
Can I qualify for Medicaid if I own a home?
Yes, primary residences are generally exempt from Medicaid asset limits. We help structure ownership to protect real estate while meeting eligibility criteria.
What happens if I need emergency estate planning?
We prioritize urgent cases, including terminal diagnoses. Our team expedites document preparation to protect assets and establish care directives within tight timelines.
