Lisa Conway – FLORIDA TODAY
Q: How do I know if I need an elder law attorney?
A: As our life spans continue to increase, matters related to aging and elder care sometimes require specialized legal assistance. Elder law attorneys have an important role to play in helping older adults and their families make the best use of their resources in the last chapters of life.
According to Britannica Money, “Elder law attorneys have in-depth knowledge of the statutes and regulations governing retirement, health care, Medicare and Medicaid planning, estate planning, asset protection, advance directives, and long-term care. Not everyone needs an elder law attorney, but you may find that this type of lawyer can provide the right support at critical points as you age.”
At One Senior Place, we see various family situations and every kind of senior need. Here are some examples of recent topics covered by elder law attorneys:
- How Estate Plans Protect You & Prevent Exploitation
- Shifting Dynamics, Changing Roles
- Second or Subsequent Marriages
- Elder Mediation & Sibling Conflict
- Importance of Pre-Planning & Aid and Attendance Benefit
- Planning Ahead to Avoid Crisis Planning
- Going Through the Probate Process
So what’s the big deal?
“Estate Planning is incredibly important as we travel life’s journey, because our needs and desires may change,” says Roger W. Klaffka, Esq. with the Estate Planning and Elder Law Center of Brevard.
“It’s not just about the passing of assets after death — but also about what happens in the event of failing health or incapacity.”
Estate planning organizes and designates who will receive your assets, such as money, property and possessions, upon your death. This kind of planning is not just for rich people and it can prevent confusion and reduce family disputes. Estate plans typically includes a will, power of attorney and healthcare directives.
Trusts are another legal tool, allowing for the transfer of assets to a trustee, who holds and manages them for the benefit of your chosen beneficiaries. They can also be used to manage your assets should you become incapacitated, provide for children from previous marriages or ensure that a spouse is cared for.
Advance directives let you declare your healthcare preferences should you become unable to make decisions for yourself. They remove the emotional burden of decision-making from family members, who may struggle making healthcare choices on your behalf.
Looking for more information? Join us Wednesday, November 20th in Viera for a Q&A session with a panel of Brevard’s most elite elder law attorneys. RSVP online at www.OneSeniorPlace.com or call 321-751-6771.
Lisa Conway is a Registered Nurse, Certified Dementia Practitioner and a Certified Care Manager for Senior Partner Care Services, Viera. Ms. Conway hosts a monthly seminar, ‘Senior Health Friday with Nurse Lisa.’ One Senior Place is a marketplace for resources and provider of information, advice, care and on-site services for seniors and their families. Submit your questions to AskOSP@OneSeniorPlace.com. For immediate help, call 321-751-6771 or visit One Senior Place, The Experts in Aging.
