What Does an Elder Lawyer Do?
Elder law covers several fields of law. Attorneys counsel older persons on wills, living trusts, tax concerns, Social Security benefits, Medicare and Medicaid coverage, nursing home and in-home care, power of attorney concerns, medical directives and other legal matters.
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Wills
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A will is a legal document with directions explaining how to distribute personal property and real estate after someone's death. An elder lawyer gives advice on how the will should be prepared and executed. Having an elder lawyer draft the will gives assurance that the senior's voice will be heard and their wishes carried out after death.
Medicare and Medicaid
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Medicaid and Medicare are federally funded programs that pay medical and nursing home expenses for the elderly. An elder lawyer can assist an elderly person in determining their eligibility for Medicaid or Medicare services. An attorney can also assist with appeals or representation at hearings when funding is denied.
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Power of Attorney
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A power of attorney is a legal document that grants one person the right to empower someone else to manage their legal affairs and guide their health care in the event of disability or serious illness. An elder law attorney can draft a power of attorney when an elderly person is in good health or at the early stage of sickness. In addition, an attorney can represent whomever the client empowers to act on their behalf in court, if family members or doctors disagree on medical matters.
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