Elder Law

Planning for managing your affairs and long-term care is crucial for individuals, couples, and families.  In addition, protecting oneself and others from financial exploitation and abuse is a growing concern for many people.  Based on your specific circumstances and goals, we can explain and plan options for addressing decision-making support, arranging for long-term care, preserving assets, and protecting your wellbeing.

Planning for Managing Your Affairs

As you decide whom you wish to help you with personal matters, we can advise you regarding the best options, including powers of attorney, trusts, conservatorship, and guardianship.  One or more of the following options may be appropriate for your situation:

• Advance planning with healthcare and financial powers of attorney can designate someone to speak or act for you when you cannot do so for yourself.
• A revocable living trust can provide a tool to manage your financial affairs if you become incapacitated.
• For someone who wishes court supervision of their financial decision-maker, a conservatorship may be a good option.
• When advance planning has not happened or unforeseen circumstances arise, a guardianship may be necessary to deal with financial and personal matters for someone who has an impairment that puts them at personal or financial risk.

Long-Term Care Planning

We can advise you regarding planning for long-term care, including the costs and options for types of care, various facilities, and sources of paying for care. Payment sources may include personal assets, a reverse mortgage, long-term care insurance, and benefits through veterans or Medicaid programs.  We can assist you in planning and applying for Medicaid benefits, so that you can preserve certain assets for yourself, your spouse, and possibly others in your family.

Protecting Against Financial Exploitation and Abuse

Sometimes planning for financial security requires creative problem-solving, family efforts, or other interventions.  We can advise and assist regarding protections against known or unknown bad actors, such as scammers, someone mis-using a power of attorney or guardianship, or someone exerting coercion.