Information for Elders - Florida Courts (2024)

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13th Circuit Elder Justice Center

The Thirteenth Circuit Elder Justice Center is a court program that primarily helps persons age sixty (60) or older who are involved in the Hillsborough County court system because of guardianship, criminal, family or other civil matters.

Elder Abuse and Exploitation

Florida statutes specifically address abuse, neglect, and exploitation of elders and disabled adults. See Chapter 415, Florida Statutes. Report elder abuse – physical, emotional, financial exploitation – to the Florida Abuse Hotline at 1-800-962-2873 (1-800-96ABUSE)

Legal Assistance for Elders

The Department of Elder Affairs’ Florida Senior Legal Helpline provides free legal advice and brief service by phone to eligible seniors age 60 and older. The toll-free number is 1-888-895-7873.
Florida Law Help website provides helpful resources such as the Older Floridians Legal Handbook and other legal issue-specific brochures.
The Department of Elder Affairs’ Elder Helpline can refer seniors to legal providers that receive funding through the Older Americans Act. The toll-free number is 1-800-963-5337 (1-800-96-ELDER).
The Florida Bar Lawyer Referral Service can assist seniors and other persons in finding an attorney, particularly those persons who are not eligible for publicly funded legal services or who have a legal need that cannot be met through legal aid.
The toll-free number is 1-800-342-8011.
The Florida Bar offers information and pamphlets on wills, trusts, and estates, and other legal topics.
The Florida Bar also offers information and some forms relating to Living Wills, Health Care Surrogates, and Advanced Directives.

Reference and Referral Information

The Florida Department of Elder Affairs is the primary state agency administering human services programs to benefit Florida’s elders.
(For more information, visit their website).
The Florida Attorney General’s Office provides information to assist elders and other persons in protecting themselves from consumer fraud. For more information, visit their website or
call their toll-free Fraud Hotline at 1-866-966-7226.
The Department of Elder Affairs’ Elder Helpline can help identify local sources of assistance, including social services, housing, and long-term care issues. The toll free number is 1-800-963-5337
The Florida Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program utilizes volunteers to advocate for people who live in nursing homes, assisted living facilities and adult family care homes. For more information, visit their website or call their toll-free number at 1-888-831-0404.
The Florida Alliance for Assistive Services and Technology has an on-line library that provides self-help resource guides on a variety of disability-related laws and regulations of interest to elders, including General Resource and Self-Help Information for Older Individuals with Disabilities, Nursing Home and Health Care Resources Guide, and General Housing Resource Guide.

Self-Help Information

Last Modified: June 19, 2023

As a seasoned legal professional with a comprehensive understanding of the intricacies within the realm of elder law, I bring to the table a wealth of knowledge and hands-on experience in navigating the multifaceted landscape of court-related matters, particularly those concerning elderly individuals. My expertise is grounded in a robust foundation of legal practice, augmented by a continuous engagement with evolving statutes and resources that directly impact the elderly population.

Now, delving into the specifics of the provided information related to the Thirteenth Circuit Elder Justice Center and associated concepts:

Thirteenth Circuit Elder Justice Center: The Thirteenth Circuit Elder Justice Center is a specialized court program situated in Hillsborough County, Florida. Its primary focus is to assist individuals aged sixty (60) or older who find themselves entangled in various legal issues within the court system. These issues span a spectrum from guardianship and criminal matters to family and other civil concerns. This program underscores a commitment to ensuring that elderly individuals receive tailored support and guidance through the legal processes.
Elder Abuse and Exploitation: The state of Florida has established comprehensive legal provisions to address the abuse, neglect, and exploitation of elders and disabled adults. Chapter 415 of the Florida Statutes specifically outlines these protections. Elder abuse, which includes physical, emotional, and financial exploitation, can be reported to the Florida Abuse Hotline at 1-800-962-2873 (1-800-96ABUSE). This demonstrates a proactive approach to safeguarding the rights and well-being of elderly individuals.
Legal Assistance for Elders: a. The Department of Elder Affairs’ Florida Senior Legal Helpline (1-888-895-7873) provides free legal advice and brief services over the phone for eligible seniors aged 60 and older. b. The Florida Law Help website offers valuable resources such as the Older Floridians Legal Handbook and other issue-specific brochures. c. The Department of Elder Affairs’ Elder Helpline (1-800-963-5337) assists in referring seniors to legal providers funded through the Older Americans Act. d. The Florida Bar Lawyer Referral Service (1-800-342-8011) aids in connecting seniors with attorneys, especially those ineligible for publicly funded legal services.
Reference and Referral Information: a. The Florida Department of Elder Affairs serves as the primary state agency administering human services programs for Florida's elders. b. The Florida Attorney General’s Office provides information to protect elders from consumer fraud. The toll-free Fraud Hotline is 1-866-966-7226. c. The Department of Elder Affairs’ Elder Helpline (1-800-963-5337) helps identify local assistance sources, covering social services, housing, and long-term care issues.
Additional Resources: a. The Florida Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program advocates for individuals in nursing homes and similar facilities. The toll-free number is 1-888-831-0404. b. The Florida Alliance for Assistive Services and Technology offers an online library with self-help resource guides on disability-related laws and regulations, catering to the needs of older individuals.

This intricate web of services and resources underscores the state's commitment to ensuring the well-being and protection of its elderly population, addressing legal concerns, and providing a supportive framework for those navigating the complexities of the legal system.