Reasons Why It’s Important to Talk to An Elder Law Attorney

There are often legal issues which arise as we age. There may be questions regarding your healthcare, making financial decisions, to how your property should pass at your death. 

Following is a list of some of the reasons why it’s important to deal with an attorney skilled in helping families:

     1. It’s important to deal with an attorney who concentrates his or her practice on these types of issues.  Helping families through this difficult time takes a special set of skills.  Not only is it important to have an attorney who understands the technical part of the law, but it’s also critical to have an attorney who understands the emotional aspects.  You want someone you will be comfortable with, and someone who has provided the services to countless families going through the same issues you and your family face now.

     2. The attorney’s staff must also be well-trained.  While it’s important to deal with an attorney who is sensitive and understands the issues you’re facing…it’s also crucial to deal with an attorney whose practice is geared toward helping you and your loved ones.  Plus it’s important that the attorney’s staff also understands all of the challenges you are facing.

     3. You want an attorney who understands the government programs that are available to you.  In this day and age, it’s difficult for any professional to know all there’s to know about any given topic. That’s especially true when it comes to issues of government benefits i.e. Medicare and Medicaid.  It’s important that you deal with an attorney who works frequently in this area and who is used to dealing with the State.  You need an attorney who knows how to help you and your family.

     4. It’s important to deal with an attorney who knows how to help you to protect your life’s savings.  No matter the size of your estate, you worked hard to earn it.  It’s important to you and it’s important to your family that you pass along as much of it as possible.  When selecting an attorney, be sure that he or she is knowledgeable on how to help you arrange things so that you receive the care you need and so that your assets will be preserved for your family to the greatest extent allowed by the law.

     5. How to avoid probate – For many clients, one of the most important concerns in the event of their death is that they want their estate to pass to their loved ones without going through probate.  There are many ways to accomplish this, ranging from simple beneficiary designations to gifting strategies to trust planning and so on.  It is important that you deal with an attorney who understands the various ways that property passes…and who can show you how to arrange your estate to avoid probate.

6.  It is important to work with an attorney who knows the value of a dollar.  One of the biggest gripes people have in dealing with legal professionals is that they feel like they are “on the clock” and will be charged extra for every question they ask or every time they pick up the phone.  Where possible, you should consider an attorney who works on a flat fee basis.  Ideally, you want someone who will tell you to the penny exactly what will be involved and what the cost will be.  That way you can be a smart consumer and get the most for your dollar, while making sure that things are handled in the most appropriate manner. 

All of these are reasons why it is important to deal with someone who practices in this important area of the law and who has sensitivity to the needs of clients and their families. If you would like an initial consultation with an attorney who has helped hundreds of local families deal with these types of issues, then call David Wingate at The Elder Law Office of David Wingate, LLC.

Consultation

If you or a loved one has dementia, Parkinson disease, concerned about the well-being of your family or simply aging, the ability to make financial and healthcare decisions may decrease over time.

Fortunately, proper planning will assure that things are handled according to your wishes and that you’ve taken the best steps possible to protect your loved ones and to protect your family.

Call now to discuss your concerns with an attorney who understands the aging process and the special challenges a life threatening illness can present.

There are steps you can take right now to protect yourself, your family and your assets.

Call now to arrange your consultation.
301 663 9230 – Frederick
301-360-5949 – Hagerstown
240 453 0070 – Rockville