Experienced Bath, New York Elder Law Attorney
As people age, they begin to face a new set of legal issues. Some individuals become unable to care for themselves or to make decisions regarding their health and finances. A lawyer can help make arrangements to protect that individual's assets and to ensure that he or she receives proper treatment and care. These and other issues loosely comprise the topic known as "elder law."
I am David G. Wallace, and I have more than 30 years of experience helping clients in Bath, New York resolve the legal problems that frequently accompany old age. I provide personal, caring, responsive and straightforward service in elder law. To schedule an initial consultation, call 607-583-3062 or contact my office online today.
Preparing for the Future and Responding to Crisis
When illnesses or injuries cause people to become unable to make competent decisions on their own behalf, then a trusted relative, friend or other individual can be appointed to make those decisions for them. There are two ways this can happen:
- Power of Attorney: before becoming incompetent, an individual can use a "power of attorney" form to designate someone to make decisions for them in the event that they become incompetent. For example, spouses will often trade powers of attorney. This is a routine part of my estate planning services and usually costs around $50.
- Conservatorship and Guardianship: if someone becomes incompetent without having established power of attorney beforehand, then it is necessary to appoint someone as his or her guardian or conservator. This confers similar rights as the power of attorney, but it can cost several thousand dollars more. It is always best to plan ahead.
In addition, if you believe a vulnerable, elderly parent is receiving inadequate or even abusive care, you can use a conservatorship to take responsibility for his or her care yourself.
Medicaid and Medicare Planning
I help clients plan for the day they will eventually be qualified for Medicare and Medicaid benefits. By using trusts and other means of asset protection, you can keep your benefits from draining all the equity out of your estate.
At my Bath, New York office, I provide experienced, personalized and focused service. To learn more about elder law during an initial consultation, call 607-583-3062 or contact my office online.
