Heidi F. Friedman, Esq. is the Founder of Friedman Elder Law & Estate Planning Department and Veteran Aid & Planning Services (VAPS). As a VA-accredited attorney and one of the few attorneys in Florida who is Board Certified in Elder Law, Heidi has dedicated more than 20 years to helping seniors, veterans, surviving spouses, and their families navigate the legal, financial, and emotional challenges of aging. Her practice focuses on elder law, VA pension benefits, Medicaid planning, estate planning, special needs planning, and asset protection, helping families preserve what they have worked a lifetime to build while securing the care and benefits they have earned.

 

Through VAPS, Heidi works with veterans, surviving spouses, families, home care providers, senior living communities, and healthcare professionals to identify potential eligibility for VA Aid & Attendance benefits and to help families understand how those benefits may assist with the cost of long-term care.

Heidi currently serves as Chair of the Veterans Benefits Committee for the Elder Law Section of The Florida Bar. She is also a member of the Broward County Area Agency on Aging Advisory Council and an appointed member of the Broward County Dementia Care and Cure Initiative (DCCI), where she collaborates with healthcare professionals, community leaders, and government agencies to improve services and resources for seniors, veterans, surviving spouses, and individuals living with dementia.

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Heidi frequently educates attorneys, financial professionals, home care agencies, senior living communities, social workers, and veterans’ organizations on VA Aid & Attendance, Medicaid eligibility, dementia planning, estate planning, and long-term care strategies. Known for making complex government benefit programs practical and easy to understand, she provides professionals with real-world information they can use to better recognize and assist the families they serve.

Heidi’s passion for serving seniors and veterans is deeply personal. Having cared for both of her parents through the aging process, she understands firsthand the challenges families face when navigating long-term care. Coming from a family of veterans—including two brothers who served and a nephew currently serving in the United States Armed Forces—she also has a profound appreciation for the sacrifices made by service members and their families.

Whether advocating for a client, educating professionals, or working with community organizations, Heidi’s mission is to help eligible veterans, surviving spouses, and seniors receive the care, benefits, and legal protections they deserve.