Senior Law: Elder Law Attorney

Senior Law: Elder Law Attorney

An elder law attorney is the most important professional to connect with before starting the long-term planning process. Lawyers in this practice area assist with many of the same concerns that an estate planner or financial adviser might assist with. However, an elder law attorney specializes in law that pertains specifically to aging adults and the unique challenges they face including:
  • Access to affordable housing
  • Securing public benefits
  • The establishment of trusts
  • Conservatorships
  • Post-mortem distribution of assets
Seniors should work with these professionals when planning or updating their wills, before making major financial decisions and in their efforts to document their plans for guardianship and personal care.

Establish Feasible Goals

Given their considerable experience with the senior demographic, elder law attorneys are especially adept in helping seniors recognize what lies ahead and how to best prepare for it. An elder law attorney can outline the different documents that aging adults should have signed and filed along with the benefits of each. This professional can also explain the legal and financial benefits and drawbacks of specific long-term plans and savings management strategies, including how these things might affect a senior's access to public benefits.

Understand Senior Rights And Responsibilities

All seniors should have a clear understanding of the laws that directly impact their long-term plans. Understanding how this area of law is structured and the protections that it provides is key for making informed decisions. Lawyers can explain why guardians or conservators should be named, what happens when someone dies without a will and why certain smart financial decisions are absolutely essential. Having to sift through complex legal jargon on their own can make seniors feel both frustrated and overwhelmed.

An Elder Law Attorney Can Advocate For Client Rights

Advocating for client rights and helping seniors identify benefits, resources and programs that will support and enhance their life qualities are also things that elder law attorneys do. These professionals are extremely knowledgeable concerning reverse mortgages, long-term, live-in care facilities, family conflicts, health care proxies, living wills and more. With their help, it is possible for seniors and their loved ones to structure long-term plans that supply optimal protection and benefits.

Elder Law Attorneys And Special Needs Clients

Those who practice in this area of law are also adept in dealing with special needs. These attorneys can advocate for their clients and they can assist aging adults in connecting with outside sources such as financial planners, case workers and eligibility and social workers. With the help of an elder law attorney, aging adults can make sure that no important steps or resources are overlooked and that all the right efforts have been made for ensuring long-term physical and financial health.

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