Whereas estate planning is a broad legal discipline that encompasses various end-preparations for asset distribution and protection after death, elder law specifically focuses on end-of-life care and on ensuring that an elderly person’s estate is in good legal shape prior to them passing away. With that in mind, progressing through this kind of planning effectively and efficiently often requires guidance from a legal professional who focuses on this area of trusts and estates law.
If you have any questions about elder law or want to start the planning process, speaking with a Manhattan elder law attorney should be a priority. Once retained, your dedicated estate planning lawyer could work tenaciously and tirelessly on your behalf to put you and your family in the best possible position in medical, financial, and personal terms.
Elder law services in Manhattan generally center around ensuring that an elderly individual has access to the health care they will need to live comfortably for the remainder of their life. In practice, this often means applying for Medicare and Medicaid coverage and seeking benefits provided by the Social Security Administration. This can also involve dealing with injuries caused by a healthcare provider or nursing home staff member’s negligence.
It is also crucial to put instructions down in writing for what kind of medical care an elderly person wants to receive in the event that they become incapacitated prior to their death. Depending on an individual’s preferences, these can involve specific directives about particular methods of care they want to receive and physicians they want to be treated by, designations for healthcare powers of attorneys, or a combination of both.
Finally, in extreme situations, it may be necessary to establish a guardianship or conservatorship for an elderly person who is unable to act in their own best interests due to substantial cognitive decline. A Manhattan elder law attorney could discuss what options would be best for a particular person during an initial consultation.
Another critical aspect of elder law is ensuring that an elderly person’s estate is in good financial shape. This can entail various actions depending on the circumstances, from granting financial power of attorney to a trusted loved one to making preliminary decisions about which beneficiaries will receive what estate assets after the testator’s death.
As a Manhattan lawyer experienced with elder law could explain, many elderly Kansas residents can benefit from setting up trusts prior to their incapacitation or death. By relinquishing direct control of certain pieces of property and following the proper legal procedures, it may be possible to avoid certain tax obligations and more proactively ensure that specific property ends up going to specific beneficiaries.
Elder law is an immensely complex area of state law, and it can be very difficult even for someone with past experience handling matters like this to effectively protect their best interests while complying with applicable state regulations. Fortunately, assistance is available from seasoned legal representatives who have the expertise necessary to protect your interests and rights no matter what your unique circumstances are.
A conversation with a Manhattan elder law attorney could clarify your options and put you on track towards putting a comprehensive plan in place for your future. Call today to schedule a meeting.
