ELDER LAW

Elder Law

Elder Law
Elder Law is the field of law that deals with specific legal issues faced by the elderly population.While the golden years are supposed to be filled with the joys of retirement, grandchildren and travel other complexities may be encountered as we age. Life expectancy has improved significantly over the past several decades. As a result, our chances of becoming mentally and physically incapacitated before our demise have increased as well. This circumstance has led to a growing need for legal representation in planning estates, protecting vulnerable seniors from financial exploitation, seeking appointments as conservators and guardians for the elderly, long term care planning, planning for eligibility for Medicaid while preserving assets for the well spouse and the children. Seniors and their families face unique legal issues and complex laws and regulations. To meet these challenges, a unique area of law – elder law has taken on greater value to millions of aging Americans and their caregivers. This area encompasses many different legal disciplines, including estate planning, business succession planning, asset protection, Medicaid planning, guardianships and conservatorships. We strive to help our aging clients preserve their assets and maintain dignity and control as they grow older. Proper planning through powers of attorney can help make sure someone you trust is able to immediately make decisions during this stage of your life. At Legacy & Trust Legal Counsel, PLLC we are knowledgeable on the wide array of issues that impact the elderly and can assist you or your loved ones with the following matters:

  • Estate planning: The priorities and issues seniors face in their estate planning are affected by the circumstances and needs associated with our clients’ golden years. We offer estate planning documents and strategies tailored to this distinctive time in our clients’ lives as part of our estate planning work on behalf of our clients.
  • Special needs planning: We help clients establish special needs trusts to enhance the lives of those with special needs. Funds set aside in a special needs trust can be better preserved, while not affecting an individual’s ability to qualify for or remain eligible for public benefits programs.
  • Long-term care planning: We are available to help clients prepare for long-term care needs, whether through proactive or crisis planning. Most individuals do not realize how expensive long-term health care is. Long-term healthcare cost can wipe out your savings if you don’t plan ahead. Proper planning and preparation is needed to ensure that you or your elderly loved ones have adequate resources to receive the necessary care and attention through the later stages of life.
  • Asset protection and preservation: We are committed to helping our clients maintain the highest degree of financial independence and stability as possible. We inform and guide clients through difficult decisions about their future health care and avoid costly mistakes. We will carefully examine exactly what an individual’s options are, depending on need, age and resources. Depending on the specific factors, we can examine the use of government benefits such as Medicaid.
  • Guardianships and conservatorships: We are committed to representing clients whose loved ones need assistance with or are unable to make their own financial or legal decisions. Guardianships and conservatorships grant a person legal authority to make medical and financial decisions on behalf of an incapacitated adult. We help clients protect and care for their loved ones and support guardians and conservators in fulfilling their important roles and legal responsibilities
While we communicate with caregivers, including spouses, children, doctors, social works and home aides, our focus remains our elderly clients. We work diligently to make sure the seniors we represent are protected and continue to enjoy a high quality of life as they age.
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