As people age, it's normal to experience unique legal challenges that range from estate planning to navigating the complexities of health benefits regulations. Elder law attorneys provide services tailored to help senior citizens protect their interests and their loved ones. The following guide offers an overview of elder law and how it can help you navigate difficult situations.
Planning who will receive your assets after you pass away helps ensure those wishes are respected. In fact, writing a will is one of the best ways to make your preferences about the distribution of your assets legally enforceable. Preparing an estate plan also reduces the risk of conflict between your family members after you’re gone. In some cases, your estate planning attorney might also recommend setting up a trust during your lifetime (called an "inter vivos" trust). Assets held in a trust don’t have to go through probate, which simplifies the administration process.
An elder law attorney can also help you prepare a living will, which expresses your wishes about end-of-life care. For instance, you can grant or withhold consent for medical procedures and leave instructions regarding artificial life support, CPR, and other life-saving measures for certain scenarios.
As part of your healthcare plan, you may appoint someone to act as your guardian to make important decisions on your behalf if you're incapacitated. This precaution ensures a trusted friend or family member is empowered to manage your finances, make medical choices, and protect you from elder abuse.
Many seniors develop age-related disabilities that require extensive treatments. Elder law attorneys have the expertise to create strategies to protect your assets while ensuring you get the care you need. For instance, they may suggest establishing an irrevocable trust to administer certain assets. Since these trusts are crafted to meet the criteria for exceptions to the means tests of public benefits, they can protect assets while allowing you to maintain your eligibility.
If you need to turn to a trusted provider for estate planning, choose Trailhead Estate Planning in Signal Mountain, TN. This firm helps families throughout the area prepare for the future. Attorney Peter Harrison will assist with planning for incapacity, beneficiary eligibility, and estate planning, and he will design solutions tailored to your unique situation. Visit the website to learn more about his services, or call (423) 228-7029 to schedule an appointment.
Use of this website does not constitute legal advice or form an attorney/client relationship.