In order to get the most protection from the rights and privileges afforded you or your loved one under the law, you must seek advice from a qualified Elder Law attorney. Commonly, most families wait too long before seeking this advice. If planning is done properly, family assets may be preserved. As Elder Law Attorneys, Emma and Gerald Hemness are dedicated to assisting families by providing legal care.

The Law Office of Emma Hemness, P.A. was founded by Emma Hemness in 1997, in Lakeland, Florida. In May of 2000, Emma opened a second location in Brandon, Florida, which is currently the firm’s main office. Emma’s husband, Gerald, joined the practice in 2003.

Since opening her law firm, Emma has focused exclusively within the area of law known as "Elder Law." She has dedicated her practice of law to helping seniors and their families address the needs of loved ones encountered as they age. This includes the preparation of necessary legal documents such as Wills, Revocable Living Trusts, Durable Powers of Attorney and Living Wills. The law office also provides advice in more specialized areas of government financial assistance for in-home, assistive living, and skilled nursing home care through the State of Florida Medicaid program, or through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, for war-time service veterans and their spouses.

Also within the scope of “Elder Law” services provided by the law office are Probate matters and, Guardianship when circumstances don’t allow for planning in advance. With the addition of Gerald’s courtroom experience, the firm also handles those difficult matters which involve conflict and litigation. The law office also provides advice regarding the ongoing care of the developmentally disabled.

Emma Hemness is a Board Certified Elder Law Attorney. She is only one of 70 elder law attorneys in the State of Florida that is Board Certified by the Florida Bar Association. In other words, Emma is a specialist among other elder law attorneys. Emma has also obtained the additional distinction of national certification as a Certified Elder Law Attorney by the National Elder Law Foundation. No other attorney in Hillsborough County has both certifications. She is the only attorney in Hillsborough County with these distinctions. In addition, Emma is a leader of other elder law attorneys as the Chair of the Florida Bar's Elder Law section, with 1,700 attorney members statewide.