Elder Law Attorney in Cherry Hill

Helping You Navigate Complex Legal Issues While Planning for the Future

As we age, we lose more control of our safety and security. We may not have a say in our own living arrangements, healthcare, or other important decisions. Unsurprisingly, many people feel trepidation and worry about their well-being as they approach their later years. Having a plan to ensure your future or protect an aging loved one offers peace of mind you cannot obtain otherwise.

Bratton Law Group’s elder law attorneys have the skills, resources, and compassion you need to create a comprehensive plan and give you control of your future. We offer Life Care planning, estate plans, Medicaid planning, and other tools to help you ensure your continued quality of life as you age.

If you are concerned about elder law matters, contact our Cherry Hill, NJ, law firm today to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced attorneys.

Why Is It So Important to Plan for the Future?

Americans are living longer than ever before, which can often mean facing years with impairments that range from limited mobility and Parkinson’s disease to dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. These conditions prevent many sufferers from living independently and deciding on health care. These medical conditions and others related to aging can make activities of day life extremely challenging.

To worsen the problems, many seniors have too many assets to qualify for Medicaid health coverage but not enough money to pay for adequate in-home care or placement in a long-term care facility. When individuals face financial challenges in paying for necessary care, their quality of life can plummet. As a result, many older adults may suffer from additional health concerns related to neglect. A thorough plan to deal with long-term care costs can significantly ease the worry and stress that often accompany aging.

At Bratton Law Group, our elder law team includes professionals in Medicaid planning, long-term care planning, and other elder law concerns. We also have caring on-staff social workers and registered nurses who work to connect you with coordinated care, local resources, and other support. Our Cherry Hill elder law attorneys can create a plan that allows you to stop worrying about your future care or how you will pay for it.

What is One of the Most Common Elder Law Issues in New Jersey?

Many seniors need expensive long-term care as they age. Bratton Law Group has handled this issue for thousands of families and understands the legal and emotional challenges that can arise. One of the most common ones includes protecting assets from being seized by a nursing home or other long-term care facility.

When you face a serious medical condition, the expenses add up quickly, and this is especially true if you require in-home nursing care. Trying to manage your financial resources can be incredibly distressing if you worked hard for your money and hoped to pass assets on to your children or other heirs.

There are options for you to get the medical coverage you need while also preserving some or all your hard-earned assets. We can discuss your elder and estate planning options, including establishing a trust. Allow our dedicated elder care team to evaluate your legal needs professionally and create an innovative plan that will give you the peace of mind you need to face the future confidently.

How Can an Elder Law Attorney Assist Me With Guardianship Issues?

When a senior suffers from an illness or injury that leaves them unable to make their own decisions or care for themselves, you or another family member may need to step in as a guardian or conservator. Obtaining guardianship can be challenging and requires the help of a knowledgeable elder law attorney.

New Jersey has strict laws that can be overly complex and challenging to understand without legal help. The individual who requires guardianship is called the ward and is entitled to legal representation to ensure the individual’s voice is heard during court proceedings. Conversely, anyone who wishes to take guardianship should hire an attorney who will explain the legal procedures involved and help to file all necessary paperwork.

Whether you are trying to gain guardianship over a loved one or are the proposed ward, having qualified legal representation is in your best interest. Bratton Law Group has in-depth experience helping with all aspects of guardianship and fighting for the best interests of the individual who requires help.

We can help you understand all legal terms and procedures and determine which best suits your needs. Sometimes, a durable power of attorney may be an easier and more appropriate option.

Why is it Essential to Plan for the Cost of Ongoing Care?

Private health insurance typically pays for regular doctor’s appointments, hospitalization, and prescription drugs. However, it does not pay for long-term care such as assisted living or a nursing home.

Fortunately, Medicaid planning in advance can address how to pay for nursing home care or other long-term care costs. Medicaid covers these costs for those who qualify. To ensure you meet the strict qualifications, we may need to develop an asset protection plan to safeguard some of your assets from Medicaid’s accounting process. Asset protection planning assures that your financial resources remain intact, and you can pass them down to your family instead of spending them on your long-term care.

Our elder law attorneys can also assist with filling out Medicaid applications to ensure the process goes smoothly. We also have a document library to help answer elder law concerns. One such document is an Elder Law Check-up Form, available for free download.

How Can Elder Law and Estate Planning Work Together to Protect Older Adults?

Although elder law and estate planning are different legal practices, these areas often intersect as adults age. Older adults must be mindful of several issues that can be addressed through proper estate planning.

One of the most essential issues concerns incapacity planning. Estate planning is a valuable legal resource that can be used to create legal documents that protect maturing adults. For example, a durable power of attorney can be created so your designated agent can manage your affairs should you become incapacitated.

Living wills and healthcare powers can also guide the type of end-of-life care you wish to have or who can make medical decisions on your behalf. Other elements that should be included in an estate plan include creating an irrevocable trust to protect your hard-earned assets.

If you have questions about how elder law and estate planning can work to give you added protection, contact our Cherry Hill law firm to schedule a consultation to learn more.

How Can I Find Elder Law Guidance with Compassion and Understanding?

At the heart of our Bratton Law Group, our elder care team is dedicated to providing reliable legal representation with compassion and understanding. Our on-staff social workers and registered nurses can provide you with resources and support. At the same time, our attorneys guide you through planning for your future, ensuring access to quality health care as you age, and protecting your assets.

We get to know every family we work with, often talking with generations of family members to truly understand their needs and priorities. We treat our clients like family, discussing tough topics but approaching everyone with sensitivity and empathy. We can help you develop a plan that meets your current and future needs and ensures you live the best quality of life possible without jeopardizing your family’s financial future.

Growing older can be challenging for older adults and their families. For this reason, our elder law firm is dedicated to providing the highest standard of legal representation to help relieve your stress and anxiety.

How Can I Discuss My Situation with a Cherry Hill Elder Law Attorney?

The Cherry Hill elder law attorneys at Bratton Law Group advise families on several significant issues most people face as they age. When we meet with your family, we listen to your needs and priorities and craft a plan that gives you the peace of mind you need.

Whether you need help planning for your future or advice on the care and protection of an aging loved one, our elder law team can make the process more straightforward than you may think. We provide compassionate services in addition to meeting all your estate planning matters and elder care legal needs.

Contact our Cherry Hill, New Jersey law office by calling (856) 644-4283 to schedule an appointment to learn more about how we can help.