Elder Law Attorneys
The field of elder law focuses on the legal issues that affect seniors and elderly adults. It is important to work with elder law attorneys experienced in this branch of the law who understand the unique legal issues that affect older adults and their family members and loved ones. At BBA Law in Shelby Township, MI, our attorneys are practiced in the intricacies of elder law and prepared to help you manage the comprehensive legalities of elder care.
Long-Term Care Planning
Long-term care planning applies to seniors who cannot fully take care of themselves and need ongoing care and daily assistance in a comfortable, appropriate setting, whether that be a nursing home, assisted living facility, or their personal home.
Handling sensitivities surrounding older and disabled adults is often difficult for caring family members, as many seniors can make their own decisions but have compromised mobility or health. The difficulties in managing the wants and needs of the senior adult is a circumstance elder law attorneys are equipped to handle with knowledge and sensitivity, especially lawyers who are comfortable with the intricacies of Medicare and Medicaid benefits and long-term care insurance.
Estate Planning and Settlement
Some areas of elder law overlap with general estate planning such as wills and medical power of attorney. With the help of your attorney, you can make major life decisions and legalize them including who receives your property and assets after your death, who will carry out your final wishes, and who is responsible for your healthcare should you be unable to advocate for yourself.
Comprehensive estate planning typically includes a living will, power of attorney, advanced medical directive, and sometimes a revocable living trust. Many people reach out to an elder law attorney to put these support systems in place to protect themselves should they become mentally or physically incapacitated.
Disability and Special Needs Planning
Aging adults who have someone in their care with disabilities or special needs are wise to meet with an elder law attorney to identify a guardian in the instance of their passing, eligibility for government benefits or Social Security disability benefits, and adequate housing and assistance for all the needs of the person with disabilities or special needs.
Guardianship or Conservatorship
If a family member becomes incapacitated and does not have a durable power of attorney or advance medical directive, it will be necessary for a family member or friend to go to court and petition to be appointed a guardian or conservator on their behalf. A guardian makes daily medical and care decisions while a conservator makes financial decisions.
Elder Abuse
As people age, unfortunately they are at risk of being targeted when it comes to physical or financial abuse. Misconduct, known as elder abuse, can include Social Security fraud, theft of assets, undue influence, or coercion to change their living will or trust, or physical abuse at the hands of their caretakers. The ability to advocate for themselves or perhaps even have a voice makes some individuals far more susceptible to elder abuse when they are living in an unsafe environment.
Get Specialized Legal Care from Elder Law Attorneys
Aging adults have different legal needs than younger adults. Though both groups may have questions about retirement, healthcare, or financial planning, seniors feel more pressure to manage the legalities of long-term care, Social Security, Medicare/Medicaid, estate planning, and end-of-life care.
The elder law attorneys at BBA Law are prepared to help manage your own senior-related matters or apply elder law as it pertains to an aging parent or loved one. Trust that our experts appreciate the emotional and financial strain that this time of life can cause. Our experts are sensitive, caring, and experienced in working with families. Contact us to schedule a consultation to discuss elder law and legal preferences.
