Have you ever paused at the term “elder law” and wondered about its focal concerns and parameters?
In other words, have you been more than just a bit confused by what that phrase actually means?
If so, know without doubt that your uncertainty is hardly singular; in fact, most people — and certainly high numbers of older Americans — are not particularly clear regarding the subject matter that defines elder law.
Succinctly put, elder law is simply the universe of concerns that bear special significance for America’s older population and that have legal implications.
Yes, that encompasses a will. Although people of all ages are benefited in many ways by executing a well-considered and tailored will, Californians of advanced age and their peers across the country can have a particularly strong need to address will-related concerns and respond purposefully to them.
In fact, and as we note on a page of our estate planning website discussing elder law considerations and responses at the Orange County Newman Law Group, a will is a central cog of a larger and integrated plan. Executing that plan purposefully and in timely fashion through close consultation with a proven estate administration attorney “allows you to protect and control your assets” in the event that certain scenarios come into play.
One of those scenarios certainly relates to the possibility for any person to spend time in a nursing home or other care facility. As we point out on our site, about half of all women and one-quarter of all males “will require nursing home care at some point in their lives.”
Smart and responsive planning that includes a strategy for qualifying for Medicaid (Medi-Cal in California) is a core component in many elder law scenarios.
Elder law’s varied tangents sometimes frighten and overwhelm people who must focus upon and respond to them.
That needn’t be the case. An experienced planning attorney who routinely works with clients having elder law concerns can explain the facts and help an individual or family craft a purposeful response that promotes best interests and enhances piece of mind.
