Think You Don't Need A Lawyer As You Age? Think Again

If you're like most people, you probably think a lawyer's main job is to get up in court and say, "I object!" While some attorneys do work in litigation, there is a specific type of lawyer that specializes in helping people as they age. Getting older happens to everyone and although you can try, you can't avoid it! If you're worried about taking care of yourself and your family, there are several ways an elder law attorney can help.

Elder Law Attorneys Assist With Estate Planning

Estate planning is one of the biggest aspects of an elder law attorney's practice, but what exactly does estate planning entail? A lawyer will know what needs to be done, including making a will or updating an original will. They'll also be able to help you appoint someone with the authority to make medical and financial decisions in case you become unable, which is called a power of attorney. However that's not all that's involved in estate planning. A good lawyer will also suggest a living will, which helps spell out how you want specific medical conditions to be handled in the event that you're unable to speak for yourself.

Lawyers Can Help You Fight Age Discrimination

As Americans are living longer, many seniors are choosing to work well past retirement age. Whether they're working because of necessity or a choice, seniors can easily become a target of age discrimination in the workplace. If you think you've been unfairly discriminated against because of your age, an elder law attorney can help you determine whether you have a case against an employer for age discrimination.

Attorneys Plan For Special Situations

While no one wants to think about dying, the truth is that most people do spend an extended period of time in the hospital. An elder law attorney will be able to help you plan in case you need long-term medical care, including planning for Alzheimer's disease. Long-term care can put a great deal of strain on family members, especially if they're struggling to pay for professional help and elder law attorneys will be able to help clients maximize care, while keeping as many assets intact whenever possible.

Attorneys Assist With Guardianship

It's heartbreaking to see a loved parent suddenly unable to make decisions for him or herself. However, in these situations, it may be necessary to apply for guardianship of the parent in order to protect their estate. If you suspect that your mother or father is no longer capable of making their own decisions, but they don't have a power of attorney, it might be necessary to apply for legal guardianship. An elder law lawyer will determine if this is a possibility.

If you're worried about taking care of yourself or your aging parents, the best thing to do is to talk to a few different attorneys. Make sure to meet with more than one and get recommendations from friends and family members to ensure that you're working with someone who has your family's best interests at heart. While it's true that aging is inevitable, it's possible to alleviate some of the stress of aging with just a little planning, and a specialized lawyer offers this assistance.