Often when you have a loved one that requires extra care, you can be faced with a number of different issues. Financially, your situation may feel as if it is reeling out of control, and the legal issues also can seem like an impossible maze. When your loved one has Alzheimer’s, the situation can be even worse, and it is important that you make the right choices for the benefit of your loved one, as well as the rest of your family.
Take steps to ensure that you are informed of what your loved one’s rights are and how to navigate the maze of legal issues. The main problem that you are likely to come across is finding an attorney that is experienced in elder law and estate planning.
A qualified elder law attorney should have experience in a number of different areas, including Medicaid eligibility, Social Security and disability benefits, along with the various areas of estate planning, such as trusts and Durable Power of Attorney.
Not everyone with Alzheimer’s needs an elder law attorney, but if needed, it is a good idea to know what to look for before you hire one. It is important to realize that not all attorneys will have experience in the area of elder law and estate planning. When you interview an attorney, you will want to ensure that he or she has experience in elder law. In addition to this, you will want an attorney that has several years of experience working in elder law.
When you are interviewing prospective attorneys, you will want to ask them questions about their experience in elder law, and get upfront information about what their fees will be. If you cannot get clear answers to your questions, you will probably want to look elsewhere to find representation.
When hiring an elder law attorney, it is important to understand that, although you may be the person hiring them, they will be representing your elderly loved one and that person’s best interest.
Don’t rush out to hire the first lawyer you find; take your time and make sure you are getting someone with the experience that your loved one needs from an attorney.
Michael Robinson, Estate Planning Attorney
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