Attorneys who specialize in elder law can help protect your loved ones through a number of legal channels. Here are a few of the ways they can help.
Aging is inevitable. As your loved ones age, it's incredibly important that you prepare for a number of circumstances. Before you start the planning process, learn how an attorney who specializes in elder law can prevent financial senior abuse with a power of attorney, as well as how they can assist with guardianship issues and financial planning.
Elder Law Attorneys Can Help Prevent Financial Senior Abuse
It's unfortunate that elder abuse is a major problem, whether it's mental, sexual or physical abuse, abandonment or neglect. While it can be difficult for an elder law attorney to protect your relatives from these types of abuse (they're all a case for the police, so call if you suspect something is amiss), a lawyer can prevent financial abuse before it occurs through a power of attorney.
A senior can sign a power of attorney, appointing someone as his or her financial agent. This gives a trusted loved one the ability to make all financial decisions, while leaving other choices, such as where to live, to the senior. Many seniors are susceptible to falling for scams and fraud and this will help ensure that a senior's finances remain intact.
Plan For Your Loved One's Financial Future
Long-term care is incredibly expensive. Whether your loved one requires round the clock care or simply needs someone to stop by for a couple hours a day, the costs can start at $25,000 a year. Many families try to shoulder the cost of care themselves, but this quickly eliminates resources. Estate planning attorneys can help families legally protect their assets, while helping them qualify for services like Medicaid.
Taking Care Of Guardianship Issues
Eventually, your loved one may be unable to care for him or herself. When this happens, it's important to establish guardianship. An elder law attorney can determine whether you have a case for guardianship and will be able to put the paperwork together and help represent you in front of a judge at a guardianship hearing. This can be a stressful time, especially if multiple family members don't agree on who should be the guardian or if it's even necessary.
If you're named as a guardian for your loved one, you'll have the ability to make every decision for them. This includes how to spend their money, where they live and even medical decisions. This can protect your relatives from being harmed in an accident or losing their money because of a scam.
If you're worried about your relatives as they age, contact a lawyer that specializes in elder law for help. He or she will be able to help you determine what steps should be taken, whether it's preventing financial abuse with a power of attorney, protecting your assets through asset planning or drawing up guardianship papers. Before you meet with a lawyer, ask your friends and family members for recommendations to make sure that you're choosing someone who's knowledgeable about all issues related to elder law.
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