When you hear the phrase “elder law attorney,” you probably only think of end-of-life matters, but elder law attorneys handle a wide variety of legal matters that you may not have assumed. Nearly all of us will require assistance from an attorney at some point in our lives, and having an experienced elder law attorney is important, especially as you get older and accumulate more assets. 

So what areas do elder law attorneys specialize in?

Estate planning. It doesn’t matter how many assets you own or how large your bank account is – everyone needs to have a comprehensive estate plan in place. Your estate plan should include instructions on how you want your assets to be distributed after you’re gone, who you would want to make medical and financial decisions on your behalf if necessary, and other personal matters. This plan will alleviate stress of your loved ones and give them clear directions on what to do during a difficult time. 

Medicare planning and applications. Medicare is a vast, complex healthcare program for people 65 and older, and the application process has a reputation of being notoriously difficult. There are also financial requirements you must meet in order to be eligible for Medicare, and the criteria can be confusing to navigate without consulting an attorney. If you’re planning on applying for Medicare, we recommend hiring an elder law attorney to help.

Employment discrimination. Discrimination against older adults in the workforce isn’t talked about nearly enough. Not to mention, many people in this situation may feel they don’t have enough evidence to press charges. The Age Discrimination Act protects older people from being discriminated against at work or while looking for a job. If you or a loved one believe you’re being discriminated against because of your age, please speak with an elder law attorney as soon as possible. A reputable elder law attorney can help build your case in accordance with The Age Discrimination Act.  

Elder abuse or fraud. Older adults, especially those who require more hands-on care in their daily lives, are unfortunately more vulnerable and can be more easily taken advantage of. Many of us can’t fathom abusing or committing fraud against someone we love, but elder abuse and elder fraud cases are distressingly common, especially when large sums of money are involved. 

NJ estate planning you can trust 

Elder law attorneys can support you and your loved ones in a number of areas. Whether you’re in the beginning stages of estate planning, or you want to know how to best plan for Medicare eligibility, or you have questions about contesting a will, we recommend speaking with a reputable elder law attorney who can answer your questions and give you clear guidance. 

For more information about how our team at SCC Legal can help you with estate planning or another legal matter, please contact us today. Discover why so many people in New Jersey choose us as their trusted elder law attorneys.