If you’re searching for an advocate to help you, or a loved one, maintain control of finances, health decisions, property, and assets, then an Elder Law attorney is the best option for you. Elder Law attorneys are experts at helping the elderly maintain control over their life. They can help with long-term and daily life plans as you age.
Make sure you work with an attorney specializing in Pennsylvania Elder Law because they are familiar with the state’s legal requirements. For example, Rebecca A. Auld is a Pittsburgh Elder Law attorney. She regularly works with local and surrounding community families to help them understand their rights and ensure they retain control of their lives.
Who Needs an Elder Law Attorney?
An Elder Law attorney specializes in legal matters for aging adults. Some of the legal issues they can assist with are long-term care planning, health expenses, Medicare and Medicaid planning, applying for Veterans benefits, and drafting estate planning documents.
Signs You Might Need a Lawyer’s Help
If you’re not sure you need help from an attorney, here are some common signs it’s time to contact one.
- You need help with Medicaid or Medicare planning
- You need a Power of Attorney to make financial decisions for you
- You need a Medical Power of Attorney to make health care decisions for you
- You need to transfer assets to your spouse if you’re moving into a nursing home
- You can no longer live on your own
- You’re concerned about paying for future long-term care
5 Ways a Pittsburgh Elder Law Attorney Can Help You
“Even if you think you won’t need long-term care, I’ve seen medical situations change quickly. If you’re able to start planning now, it will save you and your loved ones valuable time and stress. Throughout multiple generations, I’ve helped many Pittsburgh families plan for their later years. It’s always given them peace of mind to know they have plans in place and a trusted friend to turn to when they have questions or concerns.” – Rebecca A. Auld, Firm Principal.
Here are five ways a Pittsburgh Elder Law attorney, like Rebecca, can assist you.
#1 Health Care Plans
They can help with health care planning and costs from long-term options (locating care facilities and managing assisted living costs), patient rights, Medicare and Medicaid, and selecting a Medical Power of Attorney. They will help make sure you aren’t forced to spend your life’s savings to cover medical expenses. They can also explain nursing home resident rights and file nursing home claims on your behalf.
#2 Medicare and Medicaid Planning
There are strict guidelines for Medicare or Medicaid eligibility. Many Elder Law attorneys are experts at navigating the requirements. They’ll explain the rules and help you navigate them to avoid losing your life’s savings trying to cover expenses.
There are “spend down” rules and a five-year “look back” period that will need to be considered. Those rules will review and pull assets and money you transferred to others back into your ownership – an experienced attorney can help you avoid those situations.
#3 Living Wills
Although many hope to never be in this situation, there’s a possibility you might be unable to make your own medical decisions. If that would occur, they can draft a Living Will or an Advance Directive of what you want or don’t want. This document guarantees that your wishes are followed.
#4 Guardianships for You or Someone Else
If you become physically or mentally incapacitated, a lawyer can help you prepare for those unplanned situations. You can nominate a guardian who can have complete or limited control over your finances and medical decisions. A guardian will ensure you’re taken care of during that time, when you are no longer able, due to a physical or mental issue. Additionally, a guardian can protect an individual from being taken advantage of during that situation.
Additionally, if you have minor children or adult children with a disability, they can help you find and select legal guardians for them.
#5 Legally Binding Documents
Every state has its own set of laws, including Pennsylvania, making it necessary to work with an experienced and trusted Elder Law firm in your area. An Elder Law attorney in Pittsburgh will ensure all your documents are legally binding and upheld in court.
- Contacts
- Family Agreements
- Last Will and Testament
- Living Will
- Power of Attorney documents
- Trusts
Take the Next Steps Towards Preserving Your Future Plans
We design our Elder Law services to secure your future and make a stressful event easier on your loved ones. At Auld Brothers Law Firm, we are members of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys and the Pennsylvania Association of Elder Law Attorneys. Our memberships help to stay educated on the most recent Elder Laws so we can best serve you.Contact us to schedule a free, 30-minute consultation to learn more about how our Elder Law services can assist you.
