Elder law is a broad term encompassing a range of legal issues that arise as we get older and face the realities of mental or physical incapacitation, paying for assisted living or nursing home care, and making your wishes known to family members or caregivers. At the Miller Law Office, PLLC, we can sit down with you before a health crisis occurs so that you are prepared for whatever may come. We can also help you make important and difficult decisions that need to be made after a crisis has occurred.
Elder Law Services at Miller Law Office, PLLC
You may have had a will or living trust in place for many years, but, if you’re like most people, you haven’t given much thought to the special issues that can arise as you get older and become less able to care for yourself. If you have elderly parents who haven’t made plans for their care, you may have to act on their behalf. When you meet with our elder law team, we will go over everything you need to consider in your plan, including the following:
- Long-term care planning and nursing home issues. You have probably already gotten an overwhelming amount of information about assisted living and nursing homes. We can help you understand the options and what is best for you.
- Medicaid benefits eligibility. To get Medicaid coverage for a nursing home, your health, income, and assets must qualify. Many people are not eligible because of their assets. We may be able to help you convert your countable assets to non-countable assets to help you qualify for this valuable assistance.
- Veterans benefits planning. Are you a Veteran? Do you know if you qualify for “aid and attendance” benefits? Find out when you meet with our elder law team. We may also be able to get benefits for the surviving spouse of a deceased Veteran. Don’t miss out on these valuable benefits.
- Nursing home Medicaid applications. Our team understands the complicated process of applying for Medicaid benefits and can help determine if you qualify. We will also help you fill out the application to improve your odds of approval.
- Asset protection. Long-term care costs can quickly drain your savings and other assets unless you put a plan in place to protect them. We will explain the options available to you for asset protection depending on your stage of life and help you make the best decisions.
- Wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and advance directives. As we do in our estate planning practice, we can provide any of these services you need to get your estate in order, no matter what your age.
- Miller Trusts. Officially called a Qualifying Income Trust, this is a tool to help you meet the Medicaid income eligibility. Income flows through the trust so that you can pay your bills while maintaining eligibility for Medicaid.
- Lady Bird Deeds. This is a special kind of life estate deed that gives the owner continued control over his property until his death. Once the owner dies, the property is transferred to the beneficiaries without going through probate.
- Financial and health care decision support. Along with the legal documents you need, we also provide advice and support as you make these important decisions for yourself, your spouse, or for your elderly parents.
- Probate and estate administration. When a loved one has passed away, we will be by your side to help you through the administration of the estate or the probate process, if necessary.
If you find this list to be overwhelming and a bit scary, give us a call. We will put your mind at ease as we explain your best options.
We Focus on Pre-Crisis Planning and Crisis Management
Whether you are planning ahead for yourself or a loved one, or are in the middle of a health or financial crisis, our team will break down your options and help you make the best possible decisions. It’s never too early—or too late—to contact Miller Law Office, PLLC for your elder law concerns.