The duties of an Elder Law Attorney are to provide legal advice and representation for seniors, their families and caregivers. The elder law attorney will help the client navigate through complex legal issues that arise in later life. A typical day would include providing legal advice on estate planning, wills, trusts, Medicaid eligibility, long-term care insurance, guardianship and conservatorship. They may also be asked to represent clients in court proceedings or at hearings with state agencies or other third parties.
What is Elder Law?
Elder Law is a term used to describe the legal aspects of aging. Elder law attorneys help people with issues such as estate planning, wills and trusts, Medicaid eligibility, and long-term care decisions. Elder law attorneys often specialize in one area of elder law, such as Medicaid or estate planning. They would not typically represent clients in court but rather provide legal advice and counsel to their clients before they make any final decisions.
Types of Elder Law Cases
Elder law attorneys specialize in assisting older adults and their families with legal issues that arise as a result of aging. Elder law attorneys often do not handle cases related to estate planning, wills, trusts, probate, guardianship or conservatorship. Instead, they focus on areas such as: – Estate Planning: This is the process where you make plans for your assets and financial affairs after your death or disability. You can choose to have a will or living trust drawn up that outlines how you want your property distributed among heirs after you die. – Medicaid Planning: If you have decided to apply for Medicaid benefits, an elder lawyer can help provide guidance.
The Duties of an Elder Law Attorney
The duties of an elder law attorney can vary depending on their experience and specialty, but they generally include the following: -providing legal counsel to elders and their families about estate planning, wills, trusts, guardianship and power of attorney; -assisting elders with Medicaid applications; -helping clients deal with financial matters such as taxes or asset management; -reviewing advance directives like living wills and durable powers of attorney; -preparing for the client’s incapacity by appointing a guardian and/or conservator.