What is elder law?
Elder law is a branch of law that deals with the unique legal needs of older adults. It can include everything from estate planning and asset protection to long-term care planning and government benefits.
What does an elder law lawyer do?
An elder law attorney can help you with a wide range of legal issues, including estate planning and understanding estate law, power of attorney, asset protection, long-term care planning, and government and social security benefits.
When should I consult an elder law lawyer?
You may want to consult a reputable elder law attorney if you are facing a legal issue that is specific to senior citizens. Some common examples include estate planning, asset protection, long-term care planning, and government benefits.
Elder law attorneys can also help you navigate the complex web of laws and regulations that govern older adults. This includes everything from Social Security and Medicare to Medicaid and Veterans Benefits.
If you are not sure whether you need a qualified elder law attorney, you can always schedule a consultation. During this meeting, you can discuss your specific legal needs and concerns. The lawyer will then be able to provide you with more information about whether their services are right for you.
What are some common elder law legal services?
Some common legal matters that many elder law attorneys focus on include:
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Estate planning: This includes the legal documents of wills, trusts, advanced directives (such as living wills), and powers of attorney.
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Asset protection: This involves protecting your assets from being seized by creditors or taken by the government if you need to go into a nursing home.
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Long-term care planning: This includes making arrangements for someone to take care of you if you become disabled or unable to care for yourself or need to move to an assisted living facility.
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Government benefits: This includes applying for Social Security, Medicaid, and other government benefits.
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Health care decision-making: This includes appointing someone to make medical decisions for you if you become unable to make them yourself.
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Guardianship and conservatorship: This involves asking the court to appoint someone to manage your affairs if you become incapacitated.
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Elder abuse: This includes physical, emotional, or financial abuse of elders by family members, caregivers, or others.
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Age discrimination: This occurs when employers discriminate against employees because of their age.
If you are facing any of these issues, an elder law attorney can help you understand your rights and options, and represent you in court if necessary.
Tina James, Elder Care Lawyer
As people grow older, their estate planning needs change. Elder law involves planning for increasing health care needs that arises with aging. Additionally, it involves anticipating physical or mental decline as you age. Elder law planning often includes the use of advance directives, health-care proxies, and durable powers of attorney, in addition to long-term care planning. We are committed to helping our elder law clients develop a comprehensive estate plan that ensures the maximum possible control over how their future needs will be addressed.
