The Elder Law attorney is focused on many disciplines, including:

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• Conservatorships and/or guardianships delegating management and decision-making to another in case of incompetency or incapacity.

• Contract evaluation for independent and/or assisted living facilities and other contracts

• Coordinating benefits from both private and public resources such as the Veterans Administration and Medicaid

• Disability planning, including use of durable powers of attorney, living trusts, “living wills,” for financial management and health care decisions.

• Ensure the client’s right to quality care is upheld

• Estate planning and management of one’s estate during life and its disposition on death through the use of trusts, wills, and other planning documents.

• Insurance

• Preservation and/or transfer of assets to avoid spousal impoverishment prior to entering a nursing home. There is a five-year look back period

• Probate of a Will

• Real estate planning, sale, or rental management.

• Wills & trusts

 

What to consider when choosing an attorney:

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1. Select an attorney that regularly practices in the area of Elder Law and is knowledgeable about current laws, regulations, and techniques. Attorneys who regularly work with the elderly appreciate the complex social, emotional, and financial decisions their clients will face. Keep in mind that an Elder Law attorney must be knowledgeable in multiple areas including Medicare, Medicaid, Veteran’s affairs, senior housing, estate law, probate, trust administration, and health care decision making.

2. Ask your friends, colleagues, and other professionals if they know or have heard of an Elder Law attorney. Ask other professionals, such as accountants, financial advisers, trusted medical professionals, other attorneys, or other professionals affiliated with aging communities.

3. The Orlando Senior Help Desk 407-678-9363 is happy to refer you to Elder Law Attorneys in the Orlando area.