For older adults, estate planning and elder law can be complex and often confusing. Thankfully, working with an experienced estate planning and elder law attorney makes it easier to navigate the rules and regulations while protecting your interests and those of your loved ones.
Let’s take a closer look at what to expect when working with an estate planning and elder law attorney, the benefits of doing so, what to look for in an attorney, questions to ask, and tips for working with an attorney.
What Is an Estate Planning and Elder Law Attorney?
Estate planning and elder law attorneys specialize in providing legal guidance to their clients related to estate planning, trusts, wills, guardianships, and other related matters. These types of lawyers also provide advice on issues concerning medical care, long-term care planning, and other matters specific to aging adults.
It’s essential to work with an experienced, reputable attorney for these services because they have the expertise to ensure that your legal needs are taken care of correctly. They’re responsible for staying up-to-date on their understanding of the law — and any changes to those laws — to make sure your rights are protected.
Working with an estate planning and elder law attorney gives you direct access to comprehensive legal services that are tailored to meet your unique needs.
Benefits of Hiring an Estate Planning and Elder Law Attorney
When it comes to estate planning and elder law matters, working with an experienced attorney can provide you with a number of benefits.
Extensive Law Knowledge
These attorneys have years of experience in dealing with these types of legal matters. This means they have the expertise necessary to navigate the complexities of the law and provide you with sound advice when it comes to creating a plan that will best protect your interests.
Staying Up to Date on Legislative Changes
Estate planning and elder law attorneys are up-to-date on all the latest laws and changes to any rules and regulations pertaining to their areas of practice. They can provide you with the most current information about the law and how it applies to your situation, ensuring that all your legal documents are handled appropriately and thoroughly.
Personalization
Cookie-cutter legal forms downloaded online aren’t going to answer all your questions and tailor themselves to meet your unique needs. Estate planning and elder law attorneys provide comprehensive legal services just for you and are ready and willing to answer your questions and guide you through the entire process.
You should expect these lawyers to be knowledgeable about all aspects of elder law including trusts, wills, guardianship, healthcare directives, long-term care planning, tax issues related to estate planning, and more.
Questions to Ask an Estate Planning and Elder Law Attorney
When choosing an estate planning and elder law attorney, make sure you are working with someone who has demonstrated experience and knowledge in this area of law. It is essential that they have a good reputation among their peers and clients and have a thorough understanding of elder law.
If you have circumstances that may be unusual or complex, make sure that your elder law attorney has specific expertise in the area(s) that are most relevant to you.
When meeting with an estate planning and elder law attorney for the first time, ask questions so that you can get a better understanding of their areas of expertise and how they will handle your case. You want to feel comfortable with your lawyer, and that includes understanding how they respond to your questions.
Some questions you may consider asking include:
- “What are your areas of expertise?”
- “How will you keep me informed throughout the process?”
- “What type of estate planning documents will the attorney create?”
- “What can you do to help protect my financial interests?”
- “How will you help me understand something if I find it confusing?”
Tips for Working with an Estate Planning and Elder Law Attorney
When working with an estate planning and elder law attorney, follows these tips to help ensure a successful relationship:
Do Your Research
Investigate the attorney before hiring them. Even a little basic online research into their background, client reviews, and areas of expertise should reveal whether the attorney is reputable and worth working with.
Be Ready with Questions
When meeting with your attorney, prepare a list of questions ahead of time and bring them with you. Many clients can be anxious about legal matters, so be ready beforehand to make the most of your time with the attorney. Asking the right questions is key when it comes to finding out what type of services your attorney will provide and how they will handle your case.
Come Prepared
When meeting with your attorney for the first time (or any time), make sure that you bring along any documents or information that may be relevant to your legal needs — things such as financial documents, existing legal contracts, or copies of bonds or other investments.
Working with Auld Brothers Law
Working with an estate planning and elder law attorney is an invaluable resource for older adults looking for help in navigating the complexities of these areas of law.
Auld Brothers Law offers all the experience and expertise mentioned above, and our firm is well versed in all matters related to estate planning and elder law. The best place to start your journey with an elder law attorney is with an initial free consultation.
Contact us today to set up a time to meet and talk about your legal needs.