Elder Law Attorneys Are Not Just For The Very Old and Sick

Elder Law attorneys can also focus on preparing for the
financial planning in the event one becomes chronically ill or disabled. This
is a hugely important issue to bring up in a discussion with an Elder Law
attorney who can help you understand how "just doing nothing" until
funds run out is often a terrible option.

Hiring an Elder Law attorney is practically a necessity for anyone
facing the aging process, particularly when a debilitating disease or condition
is likely to be involved states Aging
Care

The special legal issues handled by an Elder Law attorney
are:

• Health
  and personal care planning (health care powers of attorney, living wills)
• Financial
  representation (financial power of attorney, financing
  housing options, estate, income and gift tax matters)
• Will
  and trust planning (planning for elderly or disabled through special needs
  trusts)
• Planning
  for long-term care (determining public benefits such as Medicaid for long-term care needs and
  protecting assets)
• Capacity
  (avoiding or handling a guardianship and conservatorship court process)
• Rights
  of residents in long-term care facilities (nursing home claims)
• Retirement
  and employment matters (age and disability discrimination, grandparents'
  rights)

An Elder Law attorney can help you to retain as much control
of your own life as possible by helping you make decisions for yourself in
"Advance." He or she will draft documents so YOU get to decide:

• Who
  will make decisions about your health care if you are unable to
• Who
  will handle your financial affairs if you are unable to
• How
  your friends and family will come to understand your wishes and avoid
  arguments over who should get to be in charge.

An Elder Law attorney will also determine whether you need
legal documents to assist you with funding long-term care, such as

• Special
  Needs Trusts
• Medicaid
  planning to pay for nursing home care