Many lawyers specialize in certain areas of the law because it allows them to develop a deep understanding of the various relevant laws. Some lawyers might focus on federal criminal cases. Others may specialize in commercial contracts. Elder law is also a specialization, and it’s crucial that families understand what an elder law planning lawyer can do.
Sometimes elder law gets lumped into estate planning. Yet while estate planning deals with planning for death, elder law focuses on drawing up plans for living.
As people age, they may suffer from various ailments and conditions that will make it difficult for them to care for themselves. For example, someone might suffer Alzheimer’s disease. In this case, the senior citizen will almost certainly not be able to take care of him or herself.
Families can use elder law to help ensure the well-being of senior citizens. Someone may need to set up surrogate decision-making, for example, because the person under their care can no longer make sound decisions. A relative might also need to take control of finances to ensure that everything is in proper order. Keep in mind that many scammers target the elderly.
With elder law, a child or other loved one can safeguard an older individual’s well-being. This can help ensure that their golden years truly are golden. If you think elder law is needed to protect your family, it’s wise to speak with an elder law planning lawyer right away.