Elder Law
Growing older is an intimidating process. It certainly is not for the young and inexperienced. You have worked hard your whole life, and you deserve love, care, dignity, and respect as you age. We want to help guide you so that you are not taken by surprise at what the legal system may have happen to you. We also want to ensure that your powers of attorney receive the guidance and information that they need to care for you, and for your assets.
When you come to us as an elder law client we take a wholistic view of you and your family. We are happy to work with all types of situations that may arise. You may be the elder themselves are seeking our help, or a loved one seeking help for someone else. We will establish a plan to help serve you or your family member through the coming years. Contact us today to set up a free telephone consultation so that we can work together to help you or your loved one.
Every family has different needs, but commonly those needs include one or more of the following:
Guardianships and Conservatorships: If an elder has not signed a medical or financial power of attorney, but they need someone to make decisions on their behalf, then we will file for guardianship (taking care of their health and living placement) and/or conservator (taking care of the finances). Often when a person needs one, they need both. Fortunately we can file for both together at the same time, even if there will be two different people serving in those roles. Typically these actions are streamlined and go through court without undue trouble.
A person may need a conservator or guardian if they do not have the mental capacity to make decisions for themselves. This can be because of dementia, traumatic brain injury, Alzheimer’s, or simple aging. People who are not elders may also need guardianships or conservatorships if they can’t make decisions for themselves. Common reasons for this include: they have a permanent disability, an accident, or they have mental health or addiction concerns.
Typically I am approached by the loved one who wants to seek the guardianship or conservatorship. I will represent the proposed guardian or conservator through the process in court and beyond.
Estate planning: An estate plan is essential for every person, but particularly every elder. The most important part is to ensure that your wishes are followed. Please see more information about our estate planning services HERE.
Long-term planning: We are all going to need more care as we age. In order to ensure that you can receive the care that you need, we will help you review your options. We will work together to put together a long-term plan for your care.
“Meggin assisted our family with the settlement of an Estate and Family Trust. She communicated to us what the process would be in very simple terms we all could understand. Meggin is very receptive to questions and providing immediate answers to make the process as easy as possible. She kept us well informed in a very professional and friendly manner.”