Elder law attorneys handle a variety of matters related to aging and estate planning. However, it isn’t just older adults who benefit from working with an experienced elder law attorney. Whether you already have an estate plan or you’re still in the planning stages, an elder law attorney can help ensure all your bases are covered and that your family will be protected if something unexpected happens to you. 

Elder law attorneys can help in a range of different situations, including:

• Applying for Medicaid or determining Medicaid eligibility. Anyone who has dealt with Medicaid knows the process can be arduous and frustrating. People are often discouraged from following through with their applications. With strict eligibility criteria and income guidelines, Medicaid applications often require assistance from those who know the process. 
• Blended family situations. This includes having children from a previous marriage, being married for a second or third (or more) time, having a disabled child or a child who has certain care requirements. This also applies if you’ve recently got divorced.
• Complex financial situations. Some examples include owning more than one business, owning property in more than one state, or if you want some of your money to be given to charity after you’re gone. This also applies if your assets are valued at a substantial amount.
• You’re a caregiver for an elderly family member. There may come a time when you can no longer be the primary caregiver for your family member and you’ll need to consider alternative options, like an in-home health aide or a nursing home. Elder law attorneys can help arrange payments for long-term care, prevent elder abuse and elder fraud, and will ensure the proper documents are in place, like Power of Attorney and Last Will and Testament. 

Update your New Jersey estate plan today

Don’t wait until later in life to solidify your estate. When someone passes away without an estate plan, their family often experiences additional emotional distress. And with no clear instructions on how to distribute the deceased person’s assets, it’s unfortunately common that disagreements break out among loved ones. 

Elder law attorneys aren’t only for older adults. They can help you plan for the later years in your life, ensure your children are taken care of, give valuable financial advice, and help you solidify plans for what will happen if you ever become unable to make medical and financial decisions for yourself. 

To learn how SCC Legal can help you with matters involving elder law, or if you have any other questions, please get in touch with our team today.