Allentown, PA Elder Lawyer

Elder law is a wide field of legal practice that focuses on the needs of seniors, their caretakers, and their family members. As people age, there are a variety of important issues and processes, such as estate planning (getting affairs in order), Medicaid planning (protecting assets from the possibility of nursing home costs), guardianship (designating someone who to make decisions in the event of incapacitation), and more that need to be attended to in order to ensure that their golden years are as smooth and peaceful as possible! If you need the services of a compassionate and experienced Allentown elder lawyer, call Daly Law Offices. We can work with you to explain what you need to know and help you take the legal steps necessary to lay the best foundation for the future ahead.

Our Allentown Elder Lawyer Can Assist You With….

Estate Planning 

One of the most critical legal steps for seniors to take is what is known as estate planning. This is essentially determining how their assets will be managed for the remainder of their lifetime, in the event of their incapacitation, and after their death. Estate planning is how seniors can make their wishes known and how they can preserve their life savings to pass directly to the people they love most. Seniors living in or near Allentown need more than just a Pennsylvania-complaint will to create an estate plan; they also need a trust, a power of attorney, a health care proxy and other legal tools. Daly Law Offices can help elderly clients draft a customized, clear, and comprehensive plan for the future that will set their and their families’ minds at ease! 

Medicaid And Medicaid Crisis Planning

About 50% of Americans who are currently over the age of 50 will enter a nursing home at some point in their lifetimes. In Pennsylvania, the average cost of a nursing home is about $12,000 per month, and that is not covered by most private insurances or by Medicare. Medicaid is a government assistance program that can cover nursing home costs, but it is income-based. By planning ahead and protecting assets using trusts and other tools, seniors can protect their life savings and avoid becoming a financial burden on their families. Planning and applying for Medicaid can be an extremely complex process; Daly Law Offices can help elderly clients navigate the confusing landscape and prepare for the potential costs of long-term care. 

Many seniors and their families don’t realize that nursing homes are so expensive or that they aren’t covered by Medicaid, so they don’t plan ahead in time to qualify (Medicaid has a 5 year “look back” period). If you or your elderly loved one needs nursing home care now, but you cannot afford the costs, your Medicaid application has been denied, or you’re not sure where to turn, turn to us. You do have options, and we will use our legal knowledge and experience to minimize your stress and give you peace of mind!

Guardianships

There may come a time in seniors’ lives where they are no longer able to care for themselves. When that time comes, the court can appoint an individual, likely a family member or caregiver, to serve as their legal guardian. Guardians are responsible for deciding where the elderly individual will live, arranging for medical care, managing their finances, keeping them involved in recreation and social activities, and more. Petitioning for guardianship can be complicated and expensive. Working with our Allentown elder lawyer guarantees a quicker, more efficient outcome. 

Financial Representation

One aspect of retirement that is often overlooked is income and earnings. As seniors age, it may become necessary to apply for government benefits, Social Security benefits, disability, veteran’s aid, and other similar means of financial assistance. These applications can be lengthy and legal in nature, which is why having an attorney can prove helpful. Our Allentown elder lawyer can also lead seniors through financial planning, including tax planning, securing their assets from creditors, heavy taxes, and court costs. For seniors who want to learn the best way to leave an inheritance to their children or to causes they care about, we can assist with that as well! 

Why Choose Daly Law Offices

Attorney Joshua N. Daly has 15 years of experience helping Pennsylvania seniors and their families achieve the best legal results. His skill and reputation for excellence has earned him membership of the prestigious National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA), Pennsylvania Association of Elder Law Attorneys (PA l ELA), and Estate Planning Council of the Lehigh Valley, in addition to being awarded the Lawyers of Distinction 2022. When you work with our Allentown elder lawyer, you will receive an unmatched level of committed attention and quality service. Daly Law Offices provides practical solutions, professional integrity, and peace of mind for all of our clients! We’re focused on you and helping you plan for the future so you can enjoy the final decades of your life without worry. Call today to book your free consultation and discover more about how we can assist you with any aspect of elder law.