What is Elder Law?
Elder law is an area of law that covers a number of different legal issues affecting older people, their caregivers, and family. Elder law attorneys work with seniors, on legal issues they commonly face as they age, especially with health, housing, financial well-being, and long-term care.
- Choosing someone to help you make health care decisions
- Getting help in managing your finances
- Choosing someone to manage your affairs if you become incapacitated
- Putting an estate plan into place
- Planning ahead for your long term care needs
Download the Elder Law Basics Presentation for 2020
Other Estate Planning Documents
- Power of Attorney
- Health Care Proxy
- Will
Power of Attorney
- Principal (you) appoints an Agent (spouse, child, friend) to manage your financial and legal affairs if you become incapacitated
- If there is no Power of Attorney and you become incapacitated, then you must petition the court to have a Guardian appointed
Health Care Proxy
Allows you to appoint an agent (family or friend) to make health care decisions for you if you become incapacitated
Living Will
This is a separate document that can be signed separately or with your Health Care Proxy that gives your agent your wishes as to end of life care
Last Will and Testament
- Your Last Will and Testament directs who receives your property after your death
- Executor– a person who oversees everything, gathers assets, pays debts, and then distributes balance to beneficiaries
- Probate Process – your will must be submitted to the court, appropriate people notified of the existence of the will, and if no objections the court appoints an Executor.
