New Jersey and Pennsylvania Elder Law Lawyers

Helping Families Navigate Complex Legal Issues as They Plan for the Future

Suppose you or a family member are getting older. In that case, you may be thinking about the cost of long-term care, estate planning, and who can make medical decisions on your behalf should you become incapacitated. Long-term care costs can quickly deplete your life savings before you can be eligible for Medicaid benefits.

Fortunately, elder law attorneys have the skills and knowledge to help you address your concerns and face the future confidently. Bratton Law Group is dedicated to helping families navigate elder law issues and find personalized solutions that meet their needs.

If you are concerned about growing older and how that will affect you and your family members, contact our Pennsylvania and New Jersey elder law attorneys today to schedule a consultation to discuss your concerns. A qualified legal team member will gladly meet with you to answer your questions.

Why is Elder Care Planning Important?

Elder care planning is an essential legal tool for identifying an individual’s specific needs and how they can be addressed. For example, if you are an older adult, you may consider going to a nursing home or assisted living for long-term care. However, nursing home and other long-term care costs can quickly add up. Many individuals need Medicaid to help pay for costs they cannot pay on their own.

Elder care planning can address issues such as Medicaid planning early on so that your assets can be protected for your intended beneficiaries. Other issues that should always be tackled include estate and tax planning, durable powers of attorney, and advance directives, to name a few.

Additionally, elder law attorneys provide estate planning as an essential legal service. Some key aspects of estate planning include avoiding guardianship, trust, and estate administration.
If you have further questions about the benefits of elder care planning, it is always wise to consult a qualified attorney. Contact our elder law attorneys today to learn more.

What are the Legal Advantages of Hiring an Elder Law Attorney?

Many legal issues must be considered as we and our loved ones age. Preparing for the future can give you and your family peace of mind, knowing you are prepared for any eventuality. An elder law attorney can handle some of the legal issues that clients face, including help with long-term care planning should they need to go to a nursing home or assisted living facility.
Estate planning is also a vital legal service that an elder law attorney can provide to clients. Your attorney can create a comprehensive estate plan personalized to your needs. A comprehensive estate plan should always include a living will. A living will is a legal document that defines your healthcare preferences should you become incapacitated. A well-thought-out estate plan can help your family avoid time-consuming and costly probate.

Other essential documents your attorney can create include durable powers of attorney and healthcare powers. A durable power of attorney allows your designated agent to handle your affairs should you become incapacitated. Healthcare powers allow your agent to make medical decisions if you cannot do so for yourself. Appointing an agent to act on your behalf to make financial and medical decisions can help prevent guardianship or conservatorship if you cannot do so for yourself.

Why is Medicaid Planning an Essential Part of Elder Law?

Elder law concentrates on several areas of focus that ensure older adults are prepared for the future. Several planning strategies can help you have peace of mind as you age.

One of the most common concerns for aging adults is the cost of long-term care. Sometimes, individuals have long-term care insurance that may pay all or some healthcare costs. However, if long-term care insurance is not viable, older adults may have to rely on Medicaid. Medicaid is a needs-based program; your assets and other financial resources can count against your eligibility.

Medicaid planning involves using asset planning strategies to ensure you qualify without being penalized. Irrevocable trusts and income management are just two ways that older adults can protect their assets while still being able to receive the vital care they need.

Suppose you are considering Medicaid eligibility and preserving the maximum amount of money you can for yourself and the next generation. In that case, you must seek legal representation as soon as possible. Bratton Law Group will work tirelessly to help you plan so that if you do need to enter a nursing home or other long-term care facility, you do not have to worry about losing your hard-earned assets.

Why Should I Trust Your Elder Care Law Attorneys to Assist Me With My Legal Needs?

Bratton Law Group is passionately committed to helping older adults and their children make well-informed decisions that will protect them no matter what may occur. If you choose us for your legal needs, we can work with your financial advisors to create an in-depth plan that offers maximum protection.

Our dedicated legal team will meet with you to discuss your concerns and goals. For example, if you have a special needs child, you may be concerned about them having essential financial resources after your death. Our elder law attorneys can help you create a special needs trust that will help them access funding without jeopardizing government benefits.
Our attorneys recognize that making financial decisions that affect your future can be challenging. However, our attorneys and staff work diligently to ensure that all plans we help you create are in your best interest and help you feel secure.

If you have questions about how an elder care attorney can help you plan for the future, contact a law firm at (856) 644-4283 to schedule an appointment. A qualified legal team member will gladly meet with you to answer your questions.