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Elder law is defined by the client rather than by specific legal distinctions. Elders face many legal issues which are almost as diverse as the entire legal spectrum. The main issues addressed, however, involve advanced planning. As people age, they become concerned about distributing their estates, establishing alternative decision makers in case of mental or physical incapacity, investigating possible long-term care needs (including the type of care and how to finance it), and otherwise ensuring a comfortable retirement. Often, people seek legal techniques for achieving these goals.
As the population ages, it is even more necessary for society to become aware of the needs of the elderly, and ways to give them support. Families with aging parents or relatives must be aware of all the rights and benefits to which the elderly are entitled-- to make the aging experience as comfortable as possible for all parties concerned.
Proper estate planning and asset distribution before death can help the whole family. If this is done properly, an elderly person can receive the full value of Medicaid and Medicare benefits and can also preserve assets for an estate to benefit children and future generations.
Children of parents who are under home care, or in nursing homes or other assisted living arrangements, should make sure their parents are receiving all the benefits to which they are entitled. The services we offer at the Law Offices of Joseph K. Jones, LLC, include:
- Medicaid Planning
- Last Wills and Testament
- Credit Shelter Trusts
- Asset Protection
- Special Needs Trusts
- Estate and Gift Taxes
- Living Wills
- Powers of Attorney
- Guardianships
- Conservatorships
Help Combat Elder Fraud
Unfortunately, many seniors today have fallen victim to individuals who seemingly want to be their friend, but in reality want to help themselves to their assets. This person doesn’t have to be a stranger. It can be anyone, including a caregiver, a neighbor, a family member or a long time acquaintance. If you know someone who you think is being taken advantage of, don’t wait, contact us immediately. There are actions that can be taken right away to protect the individual. In the meantime, here are a few helpful hints to keep yourself or a loved one from becoming a victim of fraud:
- Do not be intimidated into paying debts that you do not really owe. If you receive a phone call or a notice in the mail from someone alleging that you owe them money, make sure to verify the legitimacy of the charges, as well as the company sending you the notice. If you do not recognize the name of the company or the nature of the charges, do not be afraid to ask for help.
- Carefully review all bills, credit card statements and bank statements every month. If you see a charge that should not be there, contact the company issuing the statement immediately.
Be wary of people coming to your home and asking to come inside or make repairs. A reputable company will call ahead and schedule an appointment to come to your home. Most of the utility companies will never need to come inside of your home to make repairs, and if they do, they will let you know on the phone ahead of time. Also, make sure to ask to see the employee’s identification and check their uniform and the vehicle they are driving to make sure that they are legitimate. If you are still unsure as to the identity of this individual, do not hesitate to call the company they are representing to verify his or her identity.
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