An elder law attorney is a legal professional who deals with matters that impact the lives of older or disabled individuals. Just as you have legal needs as a younger adult, you will need an attorney’s assistance as you age, but pertaining to different matters. Unfortunately, many people never seek help from an elder law attorney until a problem arises. Although some things are unpredictable, this attorney provides help with planning to ease some of the pressures of growing old or living with a disability.
Healthcare Planning
The range of cases handled by an elder law attorney is far reaching. One area of expertise has to do with healthcare planning. For instance, your attorney can draft a power of attorney, which appoints a trusted individual to make decisions on your behalf should you become too old to make these decisions, physically incapacitated, or unsound of mind. As part of healthcare planning, the attorney can assist with pursuing benefits from Medicaid, as well as other forms of disability or health funding.
Financial Planning
An elder law attorney is also qualified to help with financial planning. As an example, as your legal counsel, this person can draft a living will. That way, you have peace of mind knowing that all of your financial affairs are in order after your passing. Other areas of financial planning include the distribution of assets, minimizing taxes on gifts, and planning an estate.
Long-Term Care
An elder law attorney proves beneficial in many other types of cases. If you have a husband or wife who at some point needs short- or long-term care, a reputable lawyer will help you choose the right organization or person. In other words, instead of dealing with the added stress of identifying a qualified home healthcare provider, the attorney does it for you.
A Legal Advocate
Overall, an elder law attorney works to protect you as the client. Especially with the cost of healthcare continually rising, your lawyer will do everything possible to ensure the security of your assets and advise you of your legal rights if you or your spouse end up in a long-term care facility. Even in the workplace, this type of attorney is valuable. Today, many people work well beyond age 62. If you are among them, your attorney will prevent or take legal action if you are discriminated against based on based on your age or a disability.
As you can see, an elder law attorney offers incredible insight and skill at a time in your life when you probably need it most. For excellent legal assistance, it is essential that you hire an attorney with years of experience in this arena with extensive knowledge of current laws. You also want an individual who shows compassion. Often, dealing with the things that an elder law attorney handles is difficult, not just emotionally but also mentally and physically.
The bottom line is that an elder law attorney serves as an advocate for aging and disabled clients. Whether you need help with any of the issues already mentioned or with social security, retirement, Medicare, or guardianship, it is in your best interest to speak with someone as soon as possible.
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