Elder Law

Adding this one simple step when creating or changing a will, powers of attorney and other crucial legal documents can prevent unnecessary stress, legal problems and familial discord down the road.

Seniors and their caregivers often face legal issues that require professional counsel. Use these tips for hiring an elder law attorney who can help with government benefits, power of attorney or guardianship, estate planning, and more.

Medicaid planning is not a do-it-yourself project. Elder law attorneys are well-versed in the tricky legal, medical and financial factors that influence when a senior should apply to ensure they qualify for benefits as soon as possible.

Planning ahead benefits seniors and their family caregivers. Working with an attorney who specializes in elder law gives seniors peace of mind and allows family members to understand their roles and responsibilities before they must act on them.

It is crucial to engage in proper legal planning with family members while they are still of sound mind. An elder law attorney outlines competency criteria that must be met in order to obtain valid legal documents before a crisis strikes.

Encouraging aging loved ones to plan ahead legally and financially can make it easier for a trusted individual to step in and help them should they lose the ability to make decisions due to an unexpected diagnosis like Alzheimer’s disease or dementia.

If you anticipate needing to make medical decisions for elderly parents or your spouse in the future, make sure you have these 3 key legal documents in place.

An estate plan that will safeguard a senior’s health and finances consists of a will, advance directives and powers of attorney. Familiarize yourself with these basic legal documents before estate planning begins.

It’s easy to purchase an affordable power of attorney form online, but this option comes with some risks. An elder law attorney can explain how this tool works, help you avoid pitfalls and customize POA documents to meet your unique needs.

Seniors and their caregivers are prone to many unique legal challenges. Learn about the most common elder law issues families face and why it's important to enlist the help of an elder law attorney in a senior's care planning.

Advance care planning can make a critical difference in the lives of your parents as they age. An elder law attorney can help your elderly parents with advance directives, wills, living trusts and power of attorney before they get sick.

If you have concerns about an elderly loved one’s health and are involved in their daily care, it is very important to understand the impact of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) on caregiving for seniors.

A letter of instruction is an informal estate planning document that clearly communicates instructions and desires that are to be handled after a person dies. It guides surviving family members through personal, financial and funeral information.

Learn how to find out if a valid will exists and get tips on where to look for one so you can begin the probate process.

A senior’s income and assets must fall below certain limits to qualify for long-term care Medicaid. “Income cap” states allow applicants to use a Miller Trust to help them meet income eligibility guidelines.

Power of attorney documents allow caregivers to access personal information and make vital decisions for elderly loved ones, but some institutions require additional forms. See what other authorizations you may need to get.

A living trust is a popular financial tool that can be used for Medicaid planning, estate planning and tax planning purposes. However, a trust may not be the best the best approach, depending on a person’s long-term goals and unique financial situation.

One of the most powerful tools for managing your affairs should you become mentally incapacitated is a durable power of attorney (DPOA). Understand the legal powers and responsibilities of assigning and holding POA.

People, families and finances change over time, and these changes should be reflected in one’s estate planning documents. Consult an elder law attorney about your options for updating or cancelling a will to ensure your wishes are followed.

Sometimes even a legally prepared power of attorney (POA) document is refused by the bank. Know why financial institutions hesitate to grant POAs access to accounts and how to remedy this situation.