While it may not be common knowledge, there are major differences between elder law and estate planning. Both are services that most people will need at some point in their lives, so in this article our NJ elder law attorneys discuss the differences between these two areas of legal practice, and also explain when you might need each one. If you have any questions please contact our team and we will be happy to help.

All about Elder Law

In short, Elder Law is about putting protections in place for people as they age. Seniors can be considered a vulnerable population for several reasons, and unfortunately, elder abuse – financial, mental, emotional, and physical – is not unheard of. Elder Law covers the following areas:

• Planning for future medical care. Many of us will need assistance as we age, and it’s normal for older adults to have complex medical and health needs. Seniors need to budget for potential future care needs like assisted living, as well as decide who will make decisions for them if they become incapacitated. 
• Determining Medicaid eligibility and applying for Medicaid. Despite the popularity of Medicaid, the application process can be very complicated, and many older adults need help determining if they are even eligible to enroll. 
• Preventing discrimination and abuse. Whether it’s a questionable assisted living situation, or you suspect someone is accessing your loved one’s finances illegally, talk to an elder law attorney right away. 

All about Estate Planning

Estate Planning lays out in detail a person’s wishes for after they pass away. Creating an estate plan isn’t only for seniors – we recommend that people of all ages work with an estate planning attorney to decide how their assets will be distributed upon their death. 

Having an estate plan makes things easier for your family during what is often a very emotionally difficult time. Documents like a Last Will and Testament give your family clear instructions on what to do with your assets, and they’ll be grateful that these family decisions don’t need to be taken up by the courts. 

For more information about New Jersey estate planning, or if you have any questions, please contact our team at SCC Legal today. Discover why so many people choose us as their trusted elder law attorneys. We look forward to hearing from you.