Upcoming Events 

2025 - FSGA Gulf Coast Annual Spring Conference

Presenter: Daniel Hooper Smith, Esq., Board Certified in Elder Law by The Florida Bar
Presented to: FSGA Gulf Coast Spring Conference
Date: Friday, June 6 · 8:30am - 4pm EDT. Doors at 8:15am 
Location: Sarasota Memorial Hospital, South Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL, USA

 Sign Up Here!  

Course Description: 

• Why should guardians attend this program: 
  • Learn about a few of the obscure and rarely used sections of the law as they pertain to guardianship
  • Gain knowledge in evaluating whether a certain action a guardian intends to take requires extraordinary authority from the Court
  • Receive key insights on avoiding conflicts of interest that may arise in guardianship administration
• What will they learn from this program:
  • Understand some of the more obscure and rarely used sections of law that pertain to guardianship administration and how they may assist you as guardian
  • Learn how to anticipate whether a certain action you need to take as guardian requires “extraordinary authority” (i.e., an additional Court order) granting the action to be taken and whether it should be obtained prospectively or retroactively
  • A guided approach to identifying conflicts of interest that may arise in guardianship administration and proposed solutions to remedy these issues

Learning Objectives:

1. Learn key obscure and rarely used sections of the law as they pertain to guardianship  
2. Learn when extraordinary authority is required from the Court for guardian action and how to approach the question of obtaining approval prospectively or retroactively
3. Learn how to identify potential conflicts of interest that may arise in guardianship administration and proposed solutions to remedy these issues

Featured Presenter 

Daniel Hooper Smith, Esq.   
Partner | Board-Certified Elder Law Attorney 

Daniel Hooper Smith, Esq. is a partner/shareholder attorney at Advocates in Aging, Law Office of Wiesner Smith PLLC in Sarasota, Florida, Board Certified by the Florida Bar in Elder Law, focusing on elder law, Medicaid planning, veterans benefits, wills, trusts, and estate planning, special needs planning, probate and trust administration, guardianship, and assisted living/nursing home issues. Daniel is licensed to practice law in Florida and Virginia. Daniel is also a VA Accredited Attorney, and represents veterans and their families in appeals of VA Benefits decisions.

Daniel received his law degree with honors from the George Mason University School of Law in Arlington, Virginia. While in law school, he was an Articles Editor for the George Mason Law Review, a Writing Fellow in the Legal Research, Writing, and Analysis program, and was selected to be a member of the Supreme Court Clinic.

During law school, Daniel interned for the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission in Washington, D.C and the Alabama Securities Commission in Montgomery, Alabama, helping to bring justice to victims of financial fraud and abuse. Prior to joining Advocates in Aging, Daniel completed a federal judicial clerkship with the Honorable Paul M. Black of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Roanoke, Virginia. Following his clerkship, Daniel practiced at a distinguished law firm in Roanoke.

Estate Planning Through the Lens of an Elder Law Attorney

Live Webinar | $59   
July 14, 2025   
2:00 PM – 3:00 PM ET   
Earn 1.0 Live CLE Credit in Florida (General Category)   
Teleconference/webcast format qualifies for live credit in Florida

 Sign Up Here! 

Course Overview 

This one-hour CLE course introduces the fundamentals of estate planning from an elder law attorney’s point of view. Ideal for attorneys looking to expand their knowledge, the program offers strategies for evaluating a client’s financial situation and advising them accordingly—especially when planning for incapacity, creditor risks, or ethical concerns unique to older adults. 

Participants will explore essential estate planning tools and terminology, including key documents and legal standards for proper execution. The course will also address how attorneys can guide clients based on income, asset structure, and possible future challenges, such as disability or diminishing capacity. Ethical considerations, particularly relevant to elder clients, will also be discussed with practical guidance on how to navigate them. Whether you're new to estate planning or looking for a refresher, this course provides a comprehensive look at the basics through a real-world, elder-focused lens. 

You Will Learn How To:

• Identify essential client information during the intake process
• Understand commonly used estate planning terms and documents
• Recognize the key components of a standard estate plan
• Advise clients based on asset analysis and financial needs
• Proactively plan for incapacity, creditor issues, and disability
• Spot ethical dilemmas and learn strategies for resolution

Featured Presenter 

Our very own- Daniel Hooper Smith, Esq.   
Partner | Board-Certified Elder Law Attorney 

At Advocates in Aging: Law Office of Wiesner Smith PLLC, Daniel Hooper Smith, Esq. brings a compassionate and client-focused approach to elder law and estate planning. As a partner at our Sarasota-based firm, Daniel is dedicated to guiding individuals and families through the complexities of aging, asset protection, and long-term care planning. 

Daniel is Board Certified in Elder Law by The Florida Bar, a distinction that underscores his expertise in areas such as Medicaid planning, veterans benefits, special needs trusts, probate, and guardianship. He is also a VA-accredited attorney, committed to assisting veterans and their families in navigating the appeals process for VA benefits. 

Licensed to practice in both Florida and Virginia, Daniel combines legal proficiency with a deep understanding of the personal challenges faced by seniors and their loved ones. His approach is rooted in the firm's mission: to provide caring and capable representation that empowers clients to make informed decisions about their futures. 

Whether you're seeking to draft a will, establish a trust, or plan for long-term care, Daniel is here to offer personalized solutions tailored to your unique needs. At Advocates in Aging, we treat our clients like family, ensuring that your legacy and well-being are protected every step of the way.

Daniel’s Recent Presentation at the Suncoast MS Support Group – Sarasota County

Daniel recently had the opportunity to present to the Suncoast MS Support Group in Sarasota County. His presentation focused on providing valuable information and resources to help individuals living with MS navigate important aspects of their journey.

If you’re interested in viewing Daniel’s presentation, you can access his PowerPoint here.

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