As you get older, you are invariably going to have questions about the legal issues that seniors typically face. The best way to obtain answers would be to discuss everything in detail with a licensed elder law attorney.
Elder law attorneys focus on legal matters that impact senior citizens. There are a number of pressing issues at the present time. One of them is the matter of long-term care.
Nursing Homes and Assisted Living Communities
When you look into the statistics, you find that most of the senior citizens in America will need living assistance eventually. If you ultimately reside in a nursing home or assisted living community, you are looking at some very big expenses.
The majority of seniors will qualify for Medicare, but Medicare does not pay for long-term care.
Elder law attorneys offer long-term care solutions. For many, Medicaid planning is the answer. Medicaid is a government health insurance program that will pay for long-term care.
It is a need-based program, so there are income and asset limits. If you plan ahead effectively, you may be able to gain eligibility while keeping a significant store of assets in the family.
Elder Financial Abuse
Elder financial abuse is another pressing elder law issue. Elders are often victims of scam artists, con men, creditors, and opportunists. There are legal steps that you can take to reduce your exposure to financial abuse.
Finding the Right Elder Law Attorney
Now that we have explained why you may want to speak with an elder law attorney, we can address the question that serves as the title of this post. One way to locate the right attorney would be to ask around among your trusted colleagues, friends, and family members. You may get a word-of-mouth recommendation that points you in the right direction.
You can also use the Internet to identify a qualified elder law attorney. There is a professional organization called the American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys. It is comprised of licensed elder law and estate planning attorneys.
The Academy has a database that you can search to find a licensed elder law attorney in your area.
If you are looking for an elder law attorney in the Davenport, Bettendorf, or Quad City area, you have found a viable resource. We are members of the American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys. Our firm offers free consultations, and we would be glad to answer all of your questions.
You can visit our contact page to send us a message requesting a consultation. At the consultation we will listen carefully as you explain your concerns, respond to your questions, and help you put a plan in place if you decide to go forward.
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