UNDERSTANDING

Understanding
Elder Law

Elder Law is not just one area of the law. It encompasses a broad spectrum of concerns and strategies to ensure that senior citizens and their families are protected and prepared. This includes long-term care planning, asset protection, Medicaid readiness, and standard estate planning. It’s a specialized area, focusing on the unique needs and challenges faced by seniors and their families.

COMMITMENT

Our Commitment
to You

At Safe Harbor Law Firm, we pride ourselves on being compassionate allies to seniors and their loved ones. We understand the worries that come with aging – the rising costs of healthcare, the need to protect one’s assets, and the desire to have affairs in order for peace of mind. Our goal is to ease these concerns and provide comprehensive solutions that allow our clients to face the future with confidence.

cost Management

Managing the cost of long-term care

Americans are living longer than ever before. This is good news, but there is a downside: the majority of us will require long-term care at some point in our lives and 20 percent of us will need long-term care for five years or more. Long-term care is expensive. How expensive? Consider the following statistics:

The median cost of nursing home care in the United States for a private room was more than $100,000 per year in 2018

In certain situations, long-term care costs considerably more, and costs are expected to rise in the future. Many families exhaust their life savings within two years of a family member entering a nursing home.

Fortunately, there are options other than going broke to pay for the cost of long-term care. We can help you qualify for assistance from Medicaid and other sources to obtain the care you need while simultaneously preserving your life savings. We can help you plan in advance for the possibility of needing long-term care in the future. We can even protect your hard-earned assets if you are already in a nursing home or must move to one soon.

Planning

Long-term care planning / Medicaid planning

Long-term care planning, also known as Medicaid planning, is for people who are healthy now but want to ensure that if they become incapacitated they will be able to get the care they need without losing their life savings. We can design a plan that allows you to protect your assets and adequately manage your financial and personal affairs in the event of incapacity or disability. With such a plan in place, you ensure that you will be well cared for if you become incapacitated. You will likely enjoy greater peace of mind as well.

Our Process

Your Journey with Us

Beginning the conversation about elder law needs can be daunting. But at Safe Harbor, we aim to make the process seamless. Here’s what you can expect:

1.

Consultation

A dedicated session where we understand your unique needs and concerns.

2.

Customized Planning

Post consultation, our team will craft a plan tailored to your situation.

3.

Implementation

Once you’re comfortable with the strategy, we’ll put your plan into action.

4.

Periodic
Reviews

Laws and personal situations change. We regularly review and update your strategy to ensure it’s always optimal.

Get Started with your Estate Planning today.

Service Offerings

  1. Long-term Care Planning: We help strategize for the potential future need for extended care, ensuring that it doesn’t drain your financial resources.
  2. Medicaid Planning: Tailored strategies to ensure that you qualify for Medicaid support without unnecessarily diminishing your assets.
  3. Asset Protection: Safeguarding your hard-earned assets from potential lawsuits, creditors, and other unforeseen threats.
  4. Traditional Estate Planning: Planning for the efficient transfer of your assets, ensuring your wishes are carried out.

Additional Resources

Understanding Medicaid: Helping Seniors and Their Families Cope with the High Cost of Long-term Care (PDF Download)

Frequently Asked Questions

Elder Law

Elder Law is a specialized field of legal practice that addresses issues relevant to senior citizens and their families. This includes long-term care planning, Medicaid strategies, asset protection, guardianships, and standard estate planning, among others.

While there is overlap, Estate Planning focuses mainly on the distribution of assets after death and certain financial preparations. Elder Law covers a broader range of topics, including planning for long-term care, addressing potential incapacity, and ensuring eligibility for governmental benefits like Medicaid.

It’s never too early to begin planning. Proactive planning can provide more options and flexibility, ensuring you’re better protected and prepared for the future.

Even if proactive planning hasn’t been done, there are still legal strategies and tools we can employ to protect assets and qualify for benefits. Each situation is unique, so it’s essential to consult with an Elder Law attorney.

Elder Law encompasses various strategies to safeguard assets, from specific trusts designed to protect property and savings, to tactics for qualifying for Medicaid without depleting all your resources.

Medicaid planning involves strategies to ensure an individual qualifies for Medicaid support for long-term care while preserving as many of their assets as possible. This might involve spend-down techniques, asset transfers, or the use of specialized trusts.

It’s advisable to review your plan periodically, especially when there are significant changes in your financial situation, health, or family dynamics. Additionally, staying updated with evolving laws can ensure your strategy remains effective.

While there are DIY resources available, Elder Law can be intricate, with high stakes involved. It’s generally recommended to work with a specialized attorney to ensure that all legal intricacies are handled correctly, and your interests are fully protected.

Yes, certain asset transfers or the establishment of trusts can have tax implications. It’s crucial to discuss these potential consequences with an attorney who can guide on tax-efficient strategies.

At Safe Harbor, we prioritize a personalized and compassionate approach. We understand the unique challenges and concerns that seniors and their families face. Our mission is to craft tailored solutions that provide peace of mind and security for the future.

Reviews

What Our Clients Say

Embark on a Protected Journey

It’s never too early or too late to start planning. Whether you’re just beginning to consider long-term care or need immediate solutions, Safe Harbor Law Firm is here to guide and support you. To begin your journey with us, reach out for a personal consultation and let’s lay the foundation for a secure future.

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