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Senior Resources » Elder Law

Elder Law Attorneys and Information For Seniors & Retirees

elder law attorney sitting at table talking with a senior couple

What is Elder Law?

elder law attorney consulting with a couple on their estate plan

Elder law is a specialized area of law that focuses on the legal needs and concerns of aging adults, typically those over the age of 65. It covers a wide range of legal and practical issues that affect seniors, their caretakers, and family members. The primary goal of elder law is to provide holistic legal advice and support to older adults and those who are disabled, allowing them to preserve and protect their rights, values, and interests.

Elder law is not limited to any specific legal problem but rather focuses on the specific needs and challenges faced by the elderly population. The field of elder law aims to ensure that seniors have access to the necessary legal protections and support to enhance their quality of life and overall well-being.

What is an Elder Law Attorney?

elderly couple signing a contract, presumably with an elder law or estate planning attorney

Elder law attorneys specialize in addressing various legal matters related to aging, including estate planning, retirement benefits, health care planning, long-term care options, capacity and decision-making, public benefits, conservatorship, and administration of estates. They provide guidance and assistance in navigating complex legal processes and ensure that the unique needs and concerns of older individuals are met.

Estate Planning

estate planning in a ripped piece of paper

Estate planning is a process that involves making arrangements for the distribution of your assets and wealth after your death or if you become unable to make decisions for yourself. One of the primary goals of estate planning is to provide clarity and direction regarding the transfer of your assets to your chosen beneficiaries. This includes not only financial assets such as bank accounts, investments, and real estate, but also personal belongings, sentimental items, and even digital assets like online accounts and social media accounts.

Estate planning allows you to address important matters, such as:

Guardianship

If you have minor children, you can designate a guardian who will care for them in the event of your death or incapacity. The primary role of a guardian is to provide a safe and nurturing environment for your children and ensure their physical, emotional, and financial well-being.

Will

A will is a legal document that directs how your assets will be distributed after you pass away. It includes details about beneficiaries, how personal belongings should be distributed, and how any assets (home, wealth, businesses, etc.) will be handled. It also indicates your executor – someone who will be responsible for managing all of this as well as making sure debts are paid.

Trust

A trust is a legal arrangement in which you transfer control of your assets to another person or entity to provide long-term asset protection and tax benefits for your heirs. There are different types of trusts for various purposes.

Charitable Gifts

A charitable gift is a donation of either cash or property that is made to a nonprofit organization without expecting anything in return. These donations are made with the intention of supporting the organization’s goals and helping it achieve its mission. You can choose to give these gifts either during your lifetime or through your will.

Burial and Funeral Preferences

Within your estate plan, you have the opportunity to clearly outline your preferences for your funeral or memorial service. This includes specifying whether you prefer burial, cremation, or donation of your body, as well as indicating where you want obituaries to be published and any other details about the type of ceremony you envision. Although these preferences may not necessarily be legally binding on your survivors in many states, expressing your wishes can help prevent any uncertainty or disagreements among your loved ones during a difficult time.

Power of Attorney

power of attorney on a piece of paper with eyeglasses sitting on top of the paper

A durable power of attorney (POA) is a document that names someone to act on your behalf if you become incapacitated – like if you become seriously ill or disabled. The POA can be general, which means the named person can do almost anything with your money and other things, or it can be limited, which means the named person can only do certain things. The downside of a limited POA is that it is hard to know what might be needed in the future, and the named person may not be able to help if circumstances change.

Advance Directives, Living Wills, & Medical POA

two senior adults signing legal documents with an advisor

It’s important to have one or more documents that outline your wishes for medical care if you become unable to make decisions for yourself. These documents can go by different names, but some of the most common ones include a living will, advance medical directive, or medical power of attorney. These are the legal documents that specify your medical care preferences, such as whether you’d like life support or prefer a natural death. Having these in place will ensure that your wishes are followed and can ease the burden on loved ones who might otherwise have to make difficult decisions without your guidance.

Conservatorship

elder law attorney and clients

A conservatorship is a legal arrangement where a court appoints an individual or entity to act as a conservator. This conservator is responsible for managing the financial and personal affairs of someone who is unable to make decisions or manage their own affairs due to incapacity or other reasons.

The main purpose of a conservatorship is to ensure that the well-being and interests of the incapacitated person are protected. The conservator is granted authority by the court to make decisions on behalf of the individual in areas such as finances, healthcare, living arrangements, and other important matters.

Conservatorships are typically considered as a last resort when other alternatives, such as power of attorney or advance healthcare directives, are insufficient to protect the interests of the incapacitated person. The court aims to strike a balance between granting necessary authority to the conservator while respecting the rights and autonomy of the individual.

Elder Abuse

elder abuse symbolized by a female senior standing in a dark room, looking out a window with a concerned or scared look on her face

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. While laws and definitions may differ across states, there are common forms of elder abuse that can occur: physical, sexual, neglect, financial exploitation, emotional, or abandonment.

An elder law attorney can play a crucial role in assisting with elder abuse cases. Specific services provided by an attorney may vary depending on the circumstances of each case, but here are some ways they can help:

  • Legal Advice: Elder law attorneys specialize in the unique legal issues that affect older adults. They have in-depth knowledge of relevant laws, regulations, and statutes related to elder abuse. They can provide guidance on legal rights, options, and potential courses of action.
  • Advocacy: An elder law attorney works to protect their client's rights and interests throughout the legal process. This includes representing them in negotiations, court proceedings, and interactions with other parties involved.
  • Investigation: Elder law attorneys can conduct thorough investigations. They gather evidence, interview witnesses, review medical and financial records, and assess the overall circumstances surrounding cases.
  • Legal Representation: In cases where elder abuse has resulted in physical or emotional harm, an elder law attorney can represent the victim in pursuing legal action against the abuser. They can file lawsuits, submit legal complaints, and seek compensation for damages suffered by the elderly person.
  • Collaboration with Other Professionals: Elder law attorneys often work closely with other professionals, such as social workers, medical experts, and law enforcement officials. They collaborate to ensure the best possible outcome for their clients and to provide comprehensive support in addressing the situation.
  • Prevention and Education: Beyond handling individual cases, elder law attorneys also contribute to preventing elder abuse by raising awareness and educating older adults, caregivers, and the community. Many provide resources, workshops, and counseling to help prevent future instances of abuse.

Physical Elder Abuse

This form of abuse involves the use of physical force that causes pain, injury, or impairment to an elderly person. It may include hitting, slapping, pushing, or restraining them against their will.

Sexual Elder Abuse

The elderly can also experience sexual abuse, which involves any non-consensual sexual activity imposed upon them. This includes unwanted sexual contact, forced nudity, or coerced participation in sexual acts.

Neglect

Neglect occurs when a caregiver fails to provide the necessary care and support needed for the well-being of a senior. This can include a lack of food, water, proper hygiene, medical attention, or assistance with daily activities.

Financial Exploitation

Seniors are often targeted for financial exploitation, where someone unlawfully or improperly uses their funds, assets, or property without their consent. This can involve scams, theft, fraud, or coercing the person into giving away their money or assets.

Emotional Elder Abuse

Emotional abuse involves inflicting emotional or psychological distress through verbal or non-verbal means. This can include insults, threats, humiliation, isolation, or manipulation, causing significant emotional suffering.

Abandonment

Abandonment occurs when a caregiver deserts or abandons someone under their care without arranging for appropriate alternative care. This can leave the person vulnerable to harm and neglect.

Medicaid

Word Medicaid written on a chalk board

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.

Medicare

Medicare Glossary Definition

An elder law attorney can provide valuable assistance to clients when it comes to Medicare. They have in-depth knowledge of Medicare laws and regulations and can help clients understand their rights, options, and eligibility for Medicare benefits. They can also serve as an advocate for their clients when dealing with Medicare-related issues like filing appeals and or disputes related to denials of coverage.

Social Security Disability

Social Security Card close up

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.

How to Choose an Elder Law Attorney

elder law attorney sitting at table talking with a senior couple

Remember, finding the right elder law attorney is crucial for addressing your legal needs effectively. Taking the time to research, gather recommendations, and schedule consultations will help you make an informed decision. There are several steps you can take to find the right one for your needs:

1. Define your issue.

Start by clearly defining the specific issue or area of elder law that you need assistance with. This could be anything from estate planning to long-term care planning or Medicaid eligibility. Understanding your needs will help you narrow down your search and find an attorney with expertise in your particular area of concern.

2. Seek recommendations.

Ask for recommendations from trusted sources such as family, friends, and coworkers who have worked with elder law attorneys in the past. Their personal experiences can provide valuable insights into the attorney's professionalism, competence, and effectiveness.

3. Research.

Utilize online resources to gather more information about potential elder law attorneys. Check out their websites to learn about their practice areas, experience, and credentials. Take the time to read reviews to gauge client satisfaction and the attorney's track record.

4. Look at directories.

Consult directories that specialize in listing attorneys, such as bar association directories or elder law attorney directories. These directories typically provide information about the attorney's location, contact details, and areas of expertise, making it easier for you to find lawyers near you.

5. Schedule consultations.

Once you have compiled a list of potential elder law attorneys, schedule consultations with them. This will give you the opportunity to discuss your specific needs, ask questions, and assess their compatibility and communication style. Use this time to evaluate their knowledge, experience, and how comfortable you feel working with them.


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