Teresa K. Bowman, Esq., has practiced exclusively in Elder Law since being admitted to the Florida Bar in April 2006. Teresa is a member of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, the Association of Florida Elder Law Attorneys, the elder law section of the Florida Bar Association, and an active member of the Florida Association of Women Lawyers. Teresa is a frequent speaker on issues affecting those dealing with illness or disability in Sarasota County and has spoken at statewide and national conferences as an advocate for seniors.

We Offer

♦ Estate Planning to include preparation of:

  • Revocable Trusts
  • Last Will and Testament
  • Durable Powers of Attorney
  • Advanced Health Care Directives
  • Living Wills

♦ Long Term Care Planning Consultation to include areas of:

  • Medicaid Eligibility
  • Veterans’ Benefits
  • Preservation of assets
  • Planning for incapacity

♦ Special Needs Planning to include:

  • Preparation of testamentary special needs trusts
  • Preparation of self-settled special needs trusts to maintain Medicaid benefits
  • Preparation of third party special needs trusts to plan for those on Medicaid

♦ Estate Administration to include:

  • Probate of large and small estates
  • Trust Administration

I want to control where my money goes when I die.

Estate Planning and Trusts

Most people want to know that they have minimized taxes on their estate. They want their assets directed specifically per their wishes. We will explore the various estate planning options to give you assurance that your family will avoid any unnecessary stress at your death and your assets will pass to those you love.

Dad needs long term care. Can we can afford it?

Long Term Care Planning

I offer an in-depth evaluation of the current financial situation to advise you of your options. State and federal Medicaid laws are complex and navigating the system can be difficult. Careful analysis and planning can help.

My husband was a Vet. Am I eligible for VA benefits?

VA Benefits and Eligibility

We can determine your eligibility for the benefits which are available for qualifying veterans or spouses. New rules are on the horizon, it’s best to review your options sooner rather than later.

My grandson is disabled. Can I provide ongoing support for him?

Special Needs Planning

Parents or grandparents may establish a special needs trust under their will or a trust to leave funds for a disabled or special needs child. We will consider financial capability and the various trusts which can deliver the support you desire.

We Provide These Services

Elder Law Services Fee Schedule

Estate-Planning-Questionnaire

Long Term Care Planning Questionnaire

I offer an in-depth evaluation of your current financial situation to advise your of your options if you, or your spouse or partner become seriously ill and require long term care. Medicaid laws are a combination of state and federal laws as both state and federal dollars make up the Medicaid budget. Medicaid rules are complex and navigating the system can be difficult. Your best course of action is to seek advice from someone who is knowledgeable and not only knows the laws, but the rules and policies of the state agencies involved.
An up to date estate plan is imperative in today’s world. The typical individual needs a power of attorney, health care directive and living will, and a last will and testament.

Families
In addition to the above, growing families need to address issues such as care of minor children, minor children with special needs, or the need for a trust.  Every family has particular needs and wishes and once the goals are defined I can create an estate plan in line with those goals and desires.

Small Business Owners
Who will run your business if you can’t? Many small-business owners have not thought about this and it is a valid concern. If you can’t run your business will it continue to provide income for your family? Will your spouse have the authority to sell the business if needed? What if he or she can’t? These are some of the questions you should ask yourself when planning.

While there is a backlog within the VA to approve benefits they are paid retroactive to qualifying veterans or spouse. Benefits can be in the form of low income pension, housebound pension, or Aid and Attendance. There are income and asset limitations and service requirements. I can offer a review of your situation to determine eligibility. There are new rules on the horizon for veterans seeking benefits so you should review your options sooner than later.
Special needs planning allows parents or grandparents to establish a trust under will or a trust to leave funds for a disabled child. Trusts created with the funds of another are called “Third Party Trusts” and the funds are not subject to payback provision from Medicaid at the beneficiary’s death. These can be created upon death testamentary (will or trust) or may be established during the lifetime of the beneficiary and funded for future use.

First party trusts, or “Self-Settled Trusts” are created used the funds of the beneficiary but under current law must still be created by a parent, grandparent, guardian or court. These funds are subject to a payback provision at the beneficiary’s death if funds remain and there is a Medicaid lien.

Special Needs Trusts for the Disabled

In addition to Third Party Trusts and Self-Settled Trusts, Pooled Trusts are also available for the disabled who may inherit funds, receive a settlement and do not wish to establish a self-settled trust. Pooled trusts are professionally managed but do allow those on Medicaid to keep benefits they currently have or qualify for benefits, if they meet other criteria.

Planning for the end of life involves more than just creating documents. Not only do you need to name someone to act for you when you cannot make medical decisions for yourself, you need an advocate who knows your wishes and will take the necessary steps to see that those wishes are followed. Before that happens you have to have a conversation with those you love to express your wishes. We can help facilitate that conversation if necessary and help you clarify and understand your rights with regard to end of life.
Probate

Probate is necessary when there is no other way to pass assets from the deceased owner to the surviving family members. In probate, your will is a set of instructions as to who will administer the estate (the Personal Representative) and who will get your assets, both tangible assets (your personal property) and the rest, residue and remainder (cash and real property assets). If you do not have a will your assets pass “intestate” meaning they will pass to your heirs. Setting up your estate to pass outside of probate can be accomplished in many cases. However, there are circumstances where probate cannot be avoided or may even be desired.

Trust Administration

A trust must be administered after death but your successor trustee does not need the oversight of the court. Trust administration however can be just as complex as probate dependent upon the trust assets.

Why Choose TK Bowman P. A.?

Elder law attorney Teresa K. Bowman is an exceptionally dedicated professional with the ability to apply her knowledge of the law to solve problems and provide protection for her clients. At the same time she has compassion and listening skills from teaching for 15 years in elementary school classrooms.

What Client’s Say

In October 2009, my fiancé (and future wife) and I wanted to have estate documents prepared. Upon the recommendation of friends, we contacted an elder law firm in Sarasota, FL. We were assigned to Teresa K. Bowman, an estate planning and elder law attorney. Over the course of several months, she helped us to develop and refine our documents to our exact specifications and requirements, with our complete satisfaction. During the next few years, various modifications to our documents were required, and she helped us to implement these changes, always with absolute professionalism and precision, and with a warm, friendly manner. Incidentally, Teresa Bowman, serving in the role of Justice of the Peace, presided over our wedding ceremony in May, 2010. It was the first wedding ceremony she had ever performed, so we trust that it is just as memorable an event for her as it was for us.

In 2014, when Teresa Bowman established her own Estate Planning and Elder Law practice, we, of course, transferred our accounts to her new firm. She has since implemented additional modifications to our estate documents, with the same high level of service that we have come to expect and appreciate. We would have absolutely no reservations in recommending Teresa Bowman and her firm to anyone who has need of the services she renders.

Robert G. and Judith L. Hores