ELDER LAW

Elder law is a poorly defined practice area but is frequently understood to encompass those legal challenges most often confronted by the elderly as they become more vulnerable. The truth is that everyone should plan for the unfortunate but very real possibility of diminished capacity. Whether legally incapacitated or simply in need of assistance, the longer we live the more likely we will need some sort of help.

We offer the following elder law services:

Advance Planning

• Durable Powers of Attorney and Advance Health Care Directives to avoid the need for court supervised guardianship
• Public benefits planning to preserve assets for future care costs and for future generations
• Long term care guidance

Management of Financial Affairs and General Well-Being – We help vulnerable individuals and their designated representatives with the management of the principal’s financial affairs and general well-being. We have the systems and staff to efficiently assist with the following tasks:

• Bookkeeping and basic accounting services – pay bills, deposit checks, maintain ledgers and accounting reports, etc.
• In-person visits with the principal to check in, collect mail, deliver necessities, and provide updates to the representative and family unable to visit
• Asset management
• Tax planning

Guardianship – When an individual has not adequately planned for his or her incapacity, court supervised guardianship may be an unfortunate necessity. We counsel family members regarding the requirements and alternatives to guardianship, coordinate court appointment, and assist with post-appointment administrative obligations.