elderlaw

                        What is Elder Law?

When estate planning is focused on the care of individuals who are contemplating their declining
years and are facing the prospect of long term custodial care and long term illness, we are
practicing Elder Law. Frequently, advice and planning are requested as to avoid impoverishment
and to allow the protection of assets on behalf of spouses and other family members.

                What documentation is involved?

Elder Law planning may call for revision of earlier estate work and for the exploration and search
for other benefits and entitlements such as social security disability, "Mass" health as well as other
public and private retirement and living benefits. We may recommend the transfer of assets by
the use of wills, trusts, deeds, insurance policies and annuities among others. Prepaid funeral
plans may be recommended, as well as long term care and supplemental insurance.

        How does an Elder Citizen secure benefits?

Emphasis may be placed in securing benefits. We may assist with the application for Medicaid or
MassHealth, as it is called in Massachusetts. Similarly, we can apply for SSI and Social Security
Disability or creation of Special Needs Trusts.

                What else is involved with Elder Law?

Another phase of Elder Law is to provide assistance to protect the clients so that their rights are
enforced against nursing homes, or the abusive individuals are removed or restrained from
interfering or intimidating the client. We may be called in to represent clients in their disputes with
the benefits being provided by various agencies, whether at home or while institutionalized.