Elder Law includes general estate planning (Powers of Attorney, Wills, Trusts), but is more particularly focused on issues that affect the growing aging population. We use a holistic approach to legal advice, taking into consideration the key issues facing seniors: housing, financial well-being, health and long-term care, and autonomy and quality of life. We are empathetic and realistic about some of the physical and mental difficulties that often accompany the aging process.
Possible situations that might need an elder law attorney include:
- Applications for Medicaid (MaineCare) when someone needs assisted living or nursing home care and cannot afford to private pay.
- Long term planning, and crisis planning, to protect assets for a spouse, life partner, or children.
- Special Needs Trusts for a disabled spouse or other family member. This type of trust can give the beneficiary a better quality of life if MaineCare or Social Security are the only source of support for the beneficiary.
- Guardian- and Conservatorship actions in Probate Court for those people who have not named a financial and medical Power of Attorney.
- Collaboration with a client’s other advisors (accountants, financial and insurance advisors, doctors) to ensure an inclusive approach to planning.
Please continue on to our Articles page for in-depth information on specific concepts.
