Elder Law Attorneys and Information For Seniors & Retirees

Elder law attorneys are lawyers who specialize in issues that affect seniors. They can help you with anything from retirement planning to long-term care prep and placement. An elder law attorney can even assist with the navigation of Medicare and Medicaid coverage, as well as estate planning. Here’s a basic rundown of some of the most common legal matters that elder law attorneys handle:

Estate Planning

Estate planning is the process of designating how your wealth and other assets should be transferred to heirs or beneficiaries in the event of your death or incapacitation.

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Conservatorship

A conservatorship is a legal status that a court appoints a person. It is for managing the financial and personal affairs of someone who is incapacitated or otherwise incapable of doing so on their own.

Elder Abuse

Elder Abuse refers to any knowing, intentional, or negligent act by a caregiver or any other person that causes harm or a serious risk of harm to a vulnerable adult. Laws and definitions of terms vary considerably from one state to another, but broadly defined, abuse may be: physical, sexual, neglect, exploitation, emotional, or abandonment.

Medicaid

Medicaid lawyers focus their practice on helping seniors and their families with legal and financial planning for the transition to nursing home care. They work with families needing guidance for asset protection and Medicaid qualification. Medicaid laws can be very complicated, and help may be required in determining what one's rights are in terms of eligibility and planning for the future. A Medicaid lawyer may be helpful in planning for long-term care for oneself or a family member.

Social Security Disability

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is a type of government benefit administered by the Social Security Administration. SSDI benefits are paid monthly to provide relief to people whose ability to work has been significantly impaired by a physical or mental disability.

SSDI is a benefit that is paid to people who have worked and paid taxes into the Social Security system as income replacement. To be eligible for benefits, an individual must have worked and paid into the system for a sufficient period of time. To qualify for benefits, you must have a physical impairment or mental impairment (or a combination of the two) that significantly impairs your ability to work. Children and spouses who have lost a loved one may also be eligible for benefits.

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How To Choose An Elder Law Attorney

The first step to choosing an elder law attorney is to define the issue you need help with. Once you determine your need, then you can begin your search! Get recommendations from family, friends, and coworkers, and, even look at advertisements. Be sure to pay special attention to customer reviews! Finally, check our elder law attorney directory for lawyers near you!<