Elder law is a legal specialty that focuses on issues that affect older adults and their families. This includes a wide range of legal topics, such as estate planning, long-term care planning, Medicaid and Medicare planning, guardianship, and probate.
Elder law attorneys assist older adults and their families in navigating the complex legal issues that arise as they age. They may help clients develop estate plans, including wills, trusts, and powers of attorney, to ensure that their assets are protected and distributed according to their wishes. Elder law attorneys can also help clients plan for long-term care, including nursing home care and home health care, and navigate the often-complex Medicaid and Medicare systems.
In addition, elder law attorneys may help clients establish guardianships or conservatorships, which allow someone to make decisions on behalf of an older adult who is unable to make decisions for themselves due to illness or incapacity. Elder law attorneys can also assist with probate and estate administration, helping to ensure that the deceased person’s assets are distributed according to their wishes.
Elder law is a complex and rapidly changing field, and it requires an understanding of both the legal and practical issues that affect older adults and their families. Elder law attorneys must be sensitive to the needs of their clients and have the expertise necessary to navigate the complex legal and financial issues that arise in this area of law.