What Is Elder Law?
Elder law, one of our main practice areas, is an area of law that focuses on the needs of the elderly population and the issues that affect them. The purpose of an elder law attorney is to prepare seniors for financial stability through proper financial and estate planning, as well as preparing for long-term care.
What Do Our Elder Law Services Include?
Our Elder Law services include such necessities as:
- Estate Planning – Wills, Powers of Attorney, Healthcare Directives, Trusts, etc.
- Assistance with applying for Medicaid/Title-19 when someone needs expensive long-term care.
- Asset protection planning by transferring, gifting, or organizing any assets to ensure that there is enough money to pay for long-term care needs and protect assets for the next generation, if possible.
Medicaid Planning
Medicaid in CT can pay for skilled nursing home care, which currently costs about $15,000/month in our area, and home care, which can cost up to $8000/month for full-time live-in care.
One common issue that arises in Medicaid planning is the look-back period, which means the transferor may be penalized from receiving Medicaid if he or she has made a gift during the five-year period before applying for Medicaid. We assist clients to analyze the risks and penalties and counsel them on their options.
For the latest estate planning and elder law updates of 2024, Read THIS ARTICLE, published by Attorney Joan Wilson.
Even if the look-back is not an issue, there are often spend-down requirements, which we assist clients with in order to spend their funds as wisely as possible.
We also help clients retain assets for the spouse at home by use of Medicaid annuities and protect the family home for a child who has lived with the parents and cared for him or her for more than two years.
Our attorneys are also accredited with the PLAN of CT, which is the only entity authorized by the State of Connecticut to operate Pooled Trusts. These are often required if a client’s income exceeds the cap for Medicaid services.
Veteran Aid & Attendance Benefits
Many of our clients are veterans who served during active wartime (WWII: 12/7-1941-12/31/1946, Korea: 6/27/1950-1/31/1955, Vietnam 2/28/1961-5/7/1975).
The long-term health care needs of a veteran or a surviving spouse of a veteran may entitle that person to a stipend from the VA, known as Aid & Attendance. Attorney Wilson is accredited with the VA to apply for Aid & Attendance benefits.
Still not sure if you need Elder Law Attorney?