There are many ways that a Junction City elder law attorney could protect the elderly population. From helping them plan for the future to assisting them with unexpected needs, the seasoned estate planning lawyers at our firm could offer the skill and experience needed to ensure they are cared for.
If you are ready to plan for the future, an experienced legal professional might be able to help. Addressing issues like estate planning and trust administration now could ensure that your wishes are adhered to in the future.
There are certain aspects of elder law that cannot be planned for. In some cases, older individuals become unable to take care of themselves or make important decisions regarding their wellbeing. In such situations, a guardianship or conservatorship could be appropriate.
A guardianship involves a third party making crucial healthcare decisions on behalf of an older person. A conservatorship is similar, but it relates more to financial decisions like investments or debt management. A Junction City elder attorney could help in the pursuit of a guardianship or conservatorship for a loved one.
Much of elder law involves planning for what happens after a person passes away. These plans could simplify things for any surviving relatives while ensuring the final wishes of the deceased are followed.
There are numerous tools available in the estate planning process. Most plans begin with a last will and testament but often include other legal documents as well. These also often include tools that allow a person’s estate to be distributed without going through probate.
The benefits of avoiding probate are numerous. Submitting a will to probate and waiting for the court to oversee the division of the estate can be a costly and time-consuming process. Public probate proceedings could also invade the family’s privacy.
There are other aspects of an estate plan that might not immediately come to mind. In addition to wills and trusts, other planning tools could also be invaluable, such as payable-on-death contracts and life insurance policies. A knowledgeable elder law attorney in Junction City could develop a plan that takes into account all viable options.
One of the important estate planning tools that a Junction City elderly lawyer could assist with is the power of attorney. A power of attorney is similar to guardianship in that it provides for an older adult who is incapable of making important decisions about their health and safety.
The major difference between guardianship and a power of attorney is the right to select the person who will act on behalf of an incapacitated person. Unlike a guardianship—which is appointed by the court when a person can no longer act on their own—a power of attorney is executed by that person when they have the capacity to do so. The result is that a power of attorney allows an individual to select who will make important decisions on their behalf should they become incapacitated.
There are unique challenges that come with growing older. With the right legal counsel, meeting these challenges might be easier than you realize.
You do not have to make these difficult decisions on your own. Reach out to a Junction City elder law attorney at our firm for dedicated legal guidance.
