Throughout our lives, many of us have needed to hire an attorney. Early on it may have been that you needed legal counsel for your first real estate purchase or in starting a business. While later you may have required the services of a family law or tax attorney. As we enter into our senior years, many people are faced with a new set of needs which require the advice of an experienced and knowledgeable elder law attorney. Here are five reasons why you need an elder law attorney:
- Elder law attorneys are experts on their areas of the law. As with any specialized practice, it is the mission of an Elder attorney to know the laws and the developments of seniors. Having someone with this level of expertise helping you understand legal issues provides a significant advantage as you navigate estate planning, Medicare, Medicaid, and Long-Term Care plans. These areas are complicated and require the knowledge and skill that an Elder Care attorney can provide
- Elder Care attorneys are familiar with the physical and mental issues which seniors can face. They are in a position to evaluate a client’s needs from their perspective and take their conditions into consideration as they help them plan for their financial and medical futures. Elder Care attorneys are also in a position to assist if the issue of a client’s competency to make decisions arises during their representation. These attorneys know what actions to take to help their clients and protect their estate.
- Planning for your estate is a complicated process. It is difficult to determine the best way to leave assets to your loved ones while reducing the risk of taxation. An Elder Care attorney is familiar with the different estate planning tools, such as a will or trust that you can use to protect your assets while providing for your loved ones. Creating the right will or trust requires the advice and assistance of someone who is well-versed in the law as well as knowledgeable about you and what important to you. Having an advocate in your corner will help ensure your wishes are honored.
- Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security are three critical Federal programs which seniors must understand. Unfortunately, dealing with these programs usually comes with a lengthy claims and appeals processes which can be difficult to understand and work through. Moreover, without the right advocacy, you could be denied healthcare or funds to which you are entitled. An Elder Care attorney knows these programs and their legal appeals process and can help you navigate them and present your case effectively.
- Elder Care law attorneys are in a position to help you with end-of-life planning. When a person reaches a place where they must decide where to receive care before their transition, an Elder attorney is a compassionate and knowledgeable resource to help with that decision as well as others they are facing.
Our office is experienced and knowledgeable about elder issues. We understand the issues facing today’s seniors and can help as you plan for today and the future. Please contact us online or by phone if we may be of assistance.