An elder law attorney advocates for the rights of seniors and assists the client and their family in navigating the maze of federal, state, and local laws, rules, and regulations. They are aware of available financial assistance, both government and private, and knowledgeable of laws that pertain to civil rights and well-being of seniors.

Although elder law and estate planning often overlap it is important to understand the difference between the two. Elder law targets the protection of assets in the face of long-term care costs while the client is living. Estate planning concentrates on legal tools necessary to use while living and on the distribution of assets after death. An elder law attorney should be an accomplished estate planner, so they are able to protect their clients’ wealth and administer their estate plan properly.

Elder law covers an extensive range of legal and financial matters that affect senior citizens and disabled people. An elder law attorney’s objective is to provide peace of mind for clients and their families by navigating through these complex, often-changing, and location-variable laws. Each case and person is unique, therefore, it is important to choose an attorney who is well versed in many disciplines including, but not limited to:

• Disability Planning
• Durable Power of Attorney
• Elder Care & Nursing Home Future Planning
• Deed Preparation & Real Estate
• Estate & Trust Administration
• Estate, Gift & Income Tax Planning
• Financial Planning in a Crisis
• In Home Care & Community Based Medicaid
• Insurance & Irrevocable Medicaid Trust
• Last Will & Testament
• Living Will & Healthcare Proxy
• Medicaid Eligibility, Exemptions, Asset-Protection Plans & Application Process
• Nursing Home Placement
• Post-Medicaid Planning
• Review Nursing Home Admission Agreements
• Revocable & Living Trusts
• Supplemental Needs Trusts for the Disabled

Hiring an Elder Law attorney may save you considerable amounts of precious time, thousands of dollars, and help avoid depletion of wealth and potential lawsuits. Additionally, an elder law attorney can skillfully protect assets you spent a lifetime accumulating. If you are wondering whether an elder law attorney may be able to help you, we invite you to contact us.

If you have any questions, please contact Robin Folts.

By Robin Folts, Esq.