Bethlehem, PA Elder Law Attorney

When you reach retirement, the number and complexity of legal issues that you and your family need to deal with increase dramatically. Seniors need to worry about making a will and trust, applying for and receiving government benefits like Medicare and Social Security, and protecting their assets if they need long-term care. They also need to have plans in place for making decisions if there comes a time when they are no longer able to live independently or are no longer able to make their own choices. Caretakers of seniors may already be trying to navigate these issues on behalf of seniors or who are ill or incapacitated, or who didn’t take the time to plan ahead and get all the correct documentation in place.

No matter the issue, Daly Law Offices provide legal services in a compassionate and knowledgeable manner that allows you and your family to breathe easier and fully enjoy the golden years. Call our Bethlehem elder law attorney to learn more about what we can do to serve you!

Our Bethlehem Elder Law Attorney Can Assist You With….

Estate Planning 

Seniors need a comprehensive estate plan to both preserve their assets while they are alive and pass them down to their loved ones after their death. To effectively manage and transfer your assets, you will need a will, a trust, a power of attorney, an advance directive, and other legal documents that reflect your values and make your wishes known to your loved ones. Otherwise, a court will have to get involved, and you will have no control over how your wealth is distributed. Not only does your estate plan determine where your assets go, but it also reduces the chances of family friction and legal battles.

Your estate plan also helps your family care for you while you are still alive. You may be unable to make financial and healthcare decisions on your own at some point; your estate plan will include designations of family members you trust to act on your behalf. Our lawyers will work with your family on a comprehensive estate plan to give you the peace of mind that comes with knowing that you are protected when things may change or you are no longer here. We can also help you review your estate plan periodically or when you have life changes and make changes as necessary. 

Medicaid And/Or Medicaid Crisis Planning

Nursing homes can cost an average of $12,000 per month in Pennsylvania, These costs aren’t typically covered by private health insurance or by Medicare; if you don’t have an alternative way to pay, you will either lose your life savings to the nursing home or become a financial burden on your family (or potentially, have to go without the care you need and deserve). In any of those cases, your family won’t be able to inherit what you spent a lifetime building for them. That’s why it is critical to plan ahead using a Medicaid trust to preserve and protect your assets! 

Medicaid is a government financial aid program that can cover much of the costs of long-term care; however, there are strict income and resource requirements. Many seniors may find themselves in a difficult position of not having enough money to pay for care, but having too much money to qualify for Medicaid. By working with our Bethlehem elder law attorney, you can use legal tools like trusts to shield your assets so they won’t affect your eligibility and then have us guide you through the complex application process. Medicaid has a look back period where it considers gifts and trust transfers to count towards your assets, so every senior needs to act sooner rather than later. If you believe that you cannot afford nursing home care, and your Medicaid application has been denied, you can speak with our attorney about your legal options (there is hope, and you do have options).

Guardianships

If there is no power of attorney in place, and a senior is not able to make decisions on their own, their family members may need to have the court appoint a guardian to make decisions on behalf of the senior and to care for/arrange care for the senior. Guardianship proceedings are complex and often difficult. There is a high bar to showing a court that a person is incapacitated and guardianship is necessary. Guardianship proceedings can be expensive and possibly contested. Even after a guardian is appointed, that person will need help and advice in fulfilling their legal obligations. Our firm can help with guardianship proceedings and in advising guardians about how to perform their role. 

Financial Representation

As you age, things become much more complex financially. Relying on government benefit programs is not as easy as it sounds because these programs can have difficult applications that can confuse people who need the benefits the most. These programs can include Social Security, Medicare, veterans benefits, disability benefits, and other types of financial assistance. Not only may the applications be difficult, but you may have financial issues and income limitations pertaining to some of these benefits. You may also have tax planning issues. Our attorneys can help you with any financial challenges you are facing, including protecting your assets from creditors and other things that may threaten your wealth and your legacy. 

Call Daly Law Offices Today For A Free Consultation!

If you need help navigating elder law, call a skilled Bethlehem elder law attorney today and book a free consultation where you can learn more about your options and next steps. Attorney Joshua N. Daly has over 15 years of experience in elder law and belongs to NAELA, the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys. He focuses on providing practical solutions, professional integrity, and peace of mind to all of his clients, and he can do the same for you!