The Services of Elder Law Attorneys Benefit Seniors and Their Families

As a legal advocate for aging adults and their loved ones, an elder law attorney or certified elder law attorney specializes in elder law. Generally, elder law involves a wide variety of issues relating to the elderly or disabled. Under the umbrella of elder law, you will find topics such as guardianship, retirement, health care planning, long-term care, Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, and other matters related to aging. 

An older family member who legally prepares for their aging process helps their family members by addressing day to day issues that affect their actual care through proper legal documentation should the senior become incapacitated. Seniors often falsely assume that a close family member, including a spouse, will automatically be able to make decisions on their behalf if something goes wrong with their finances or health. Postponing legal document preparation through an elder attorney generally winds up being more problematic and expensive to a senior’s estate and wellness.

Many seniors find making legal preparations uncomfortable at first, as the task forces them to confront and assess their mortality. Further into the process, many aging adults experience relief, having removed the fear of the unknown of aging to the best of their ability. Legal preparation can keep a senior from health or financial ruin if they become incapable of making informed decisions regarding these matters. In the absence of legal documents, their family is left with the expensive and time-consuming process of petitioning the courts for legal authority to act on their loved one’s behalf – referred to as establishing a guardianship. By planning early and making sure the correct legal documents are prepared, the stress on the senior and the senior’s loved ones is greatly reduced.

Personal choices regarding end-of-life care and the disposition of assets and property outlined in legal documentation guarantees that your wishes will be respected by law. This documentation is especially important for seniors when a family member might seek control over the process, whether moral or self-serving, to follow their whims when handling your well-being when you are most vulnerable. Besides adhering to your expressed wishes, having your choices documented relieves family members from guessing what you want.

When preparing for your aging process, seek out a well-regarded attorney who specializes in elder law. While many general practice attorneys may have some experience with elder law topics, regulations are ever-changing and complex. It is best to find an attorney who specializes in elder law so that you get the best and most up-to-date advice.

Proactively address your aging process with a qualified elder attorney to make sure your wishes are carried out now, and in the future, regardless of what happens to your health. Both you and your loved ones will garner invaluable peace of mind knowing that your wishes are known and legally documented. Please contact us at our Forty Fort Pennsylvania office or give us a call at 570-288-1800. We would be happy to help you with your planning and we look forward to hearing from you.