Areas of Practice for an Elder Law Attorney

Elder law may be a legal term that you are not familiar with. That would not be surprising as it is a relatively new term that first came into circulation in the early 2000’s. It describes an area of the law that deals with issues that affect the aging population. Examples of these issues include health care, estate planning, employment discrimination, receipt of benefits, and planning for incapacity or mental incompetence.

A lawyer who works in the field of elder law has extensive knowledge about the needs of the aging population and would understand the unique challenges that face senior citizens. An attorney would be well-versed in various physical, mental, and social issues that accompany the process of getting older. Elder law covers many areas such as advocating for seniors, counseling, and planning for future needs. These attorneys stay informed about the resources that are available to their clients, such as being aware of the networks of professionals in a given area who serve and support elderly individuals.

Health and personal care planning are a part of what elder law deals with. If you would like to have a living will, or would like to speak to someone about what is involved in choosing a person to be your power of attorney, this is the professional you need to get in contact with.

When it comes to your health, you never know what the future might bring. Before you find yourself facing a serious illness that impacts your ability to take care of yourself, discuss your long-term care options with an elder law practitioner. Ask questions about what is involved in guardianship and the rights that you would have if you were to move into a nursing home.

Will and trust planning are topics that an attorney can help clients with. This is a subject everyone needs to think about, not just the elderly. Start planning for yourself and your loved ones when you are in the best of health.

If you are interested in hiring a lawyer who specializes in issues related to seniors, be sure to ask how many years they have been in practice. Inquire about what percentage of the lawyer’s practice is committed to this area of the law. Does the person further specialize in a specific area, such as nursing home claims or estate planning?

Figure out your plan for the future now. Discuss things with your spouse and your family so that everyone is on the same page when big decisions need to be made. Most importantly, think about your needs without being swayed by the opinions of others.

Start planning now, contact an attorney of elder law. Grand Rapids area residents, click here: http://www.davidcarrierlaw.com.