The life care plan team can include the elder law attorney, the client, elder care coordinators, geriatric care managers, nursing or medical advisors, financial advisors, and others as needed.
A Caring Team with
a Personal Approach
St. Petersburg's Expert Estate And Medicaid Planning Attorneys
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Kathleen M. Good
Attorney
About
I am honored to join the team at HKH Elder Law. I received my law degree from Boston University School of Law in 2002 and moved to one of my favorite places since childhood, Pinellas County. I was then admitted to the Florida Bar in 2003. As an Elder Law attorney, my practice includes Estate Planning, Probate Administration, Guardianship, and Medicaid Planning.
When I came to Pinellas, I began my career in public service and served more than two decades within Pinellas County Government. During that time, I enjoyed working on economic development projects that served the elder community. Many helped create greater community engagement and living conditions for seniors. Although it was gratifying, I later realized working directly with seniors was where I belonged.
I found my calling in Elder Law after my own mother suffered from a stroke and then a dementia diagnosis. My family faced a series of challenges and I found myself overwhelmed trying to navigate long-term care and government benefits. I discovered firsthand the importance of compassionate legal support during this vulnerable time. This is when I realized that I wanted to help others facing similar struggles. I finally made the transition from government to private practice in 2020.
While I enjoyed my former career, I know working with seniors is where I belong. I have respected April Hill and HKH Elder Law for years. I find it a privilege and truly honored to be part of a team that cares to serve their clients well and make a difference in the community.
As a member of the Florida Bar, I am in the Elder Law Section and the Real Property, Probate and Trust Law Section. My professional memberships and affiliations include the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, Florida Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, St. Petersburg Bar Association, Clearwater Bar Association, and the Pinellas County Guardian Association. Some organizations I have volunteered with include Better Living for Seniors of Pinellas County, Wills for Warriors, PARC Center for Disabilities, and the Alzheimer’s Association. I have also served as a Florida Guardian ad Litem for the Sixth Circuit, Pinellas County.
In my free time, I enjoy art exhibits with my family and frequent all types of music venues from orchestra concerts to drum corps competitions. I am an operatically trained vocalist and former member of the Bluecoats Drum and Bugle Corps.
Expert Firm That Takes Care of Clients Like Family
We Have The Expertise To Provide You With The Advice That You Need To Make Informed, Confident Decisions. We Are Here To Help Meet Your Needs And To Build A Trusted Relationship.
See What Our Clients Have To Say
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I was referred to HKH Elder Law by my sister-in-law (an elder care attorney in MA). It was a phenomenal recommendation; working with Jonathan Kinsella of HKH Elder Law proved to be the perfect choice.- Tom
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I highly recommend them; you will be glad to work with them on all your elder care needs.- Susan
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HKH Elder Law guided us through the complications patiently, and efficiently. The words that come to mind are professionalism, flexibility, people skills, integrity, and responsiveness. Great experience - highly recommend!- Marcia F.
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Experts in their field. Very knowledgeable. Offer free zoom meetings that cover so many subjects including Medicare, Medicaid, will, estate planning.”Experts in their field. Very knowledgeable. Offer free zoom meetings that cover so many subjects inc- Ursula R.
The HKH Elder Law Team
Committed to Helping Families
Why Hire HKH Elder Law
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We Are Client Focused & Results Driven
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When You Hire Us, You Get The Whole Team
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You Can Expect Fast Response Times
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Who is part of the life care plan Team?
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What does a life care plan do?
A life care plan explains how the elder law attorney will protect and maximize the elder’s physical, legal, and financial well-being from the day the plan is created until the end of his or her life.
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Can Medicaid take my assets after I die?The assets of a deceased person who has received Medicaid benefits are at risk of being taken by the state to repay for Medicaid services provided. Thorough consideration of Medicaid estate recovery should be part of good Medicaid planning by an elder law attorney.
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What about just putting the money into a Medicaid Annuity?
People finding themselves in a situation where a family member is going into the nursing home are sometimes led to believe that the purchase of an annuity is the best or even the only way out. This is rarely the case. In fact, the use of annuities in Medicaid planning is useful in only a very small percentage of cases. Often, the case can be handled in other ways that are more advantageous to the Medicaid applicant and family.
An annuity, when purchased, leaves the person locked into what is usually a low-yielding investment, with the remainder possibly going to Medicaid.
Medicaid laws, rules, and interpretations are constantly changing. Before you rely upon any Medicaid information or advice, you should make sure your advisor knows all the facts of your particular situation and the most current Medicaid laws, rules and interpretations.
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Can I give away money without penalty?
Most often not. There is a type of gifting that applies to federal estate tax issues but not Medicaid issues. There are a few specific times when one can gift money without penalty.
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Why can’t I just give it to my children and then apply?
Medicaid rules do not allow you to give away money within a certain time period called the lookback. If you give away money within that period you could make yourself ineligible for Medicaid for a long time.
Let's Stay in Touch!
You can find knowledgeable guidance for complex legal issues such as estate planning, wills & trusts, Medicaid, probate, elder law, and more at HKH Elder Law.