how to get elder care lawyer when you live out of state

The best way to find an Elder Law Attorney is to search NELF or NAELA you will find certified elder law attorneys there, no matter what state you live in. Hiring an elder law attorney will help you through some difficult decisions to make, they will keep your best interests at heart and will also be impartial.

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How can an elder law attorney help my older adult?

A local elder law attorney can make sure that your older adult has completed all the important legal documents and that they’re compliant with state and local laws. 1. Get a referral from someone you know

How many elder law attorneys are there in the US?

It’s a growing specialization, with nearly 500 certified elder law attorneys across all 50 states.

How much does it cost to hire an elder law attorney?

Cost of Elder Law Attorneys and Medicaid Planning. There isn’t a clear-cut answer as to the cost of hiring an elder care attorney for Medicaid planning purposes. Some Medicaid lawyers offer free consultations, while others charge an initial consultation fee or offer Medicaid planning conferences that range in cost from approximately $175 – $500.

Why hire an elder law attorney or Medicaid Planning Specialist?

The costs of hiring an elder law attorney or Medicaid planning specialist might seem high in the short-term, but in the long-term, seeking assistance can protect many assets that would otherwise not be protected.

How does Medicaid annuity work?

This strategy reduces one’s countable assets, while at the same time , protecting some of them for family. Essentially, Medicaid applicants gift approximately half of their “excess” assets (assets over Medicaid’s limit) to their loved ones and then purchase an annuity with the remaining “excess” assets. (An annuity turns countable assets ...

What is Medicaid asset protection trust?

One such strategy that elder law attorneys can implement is a Medicaid asset protection trust (MAPT). This type of trust not only prevents one from becoming ineligible for Medicaid due to gifting assets ...

What is the role of a Medicaid attorney?

On the other hand, Medicaid attorneys often focus more on the legal aspects of Medicaid planning, such as creating Medicaid asset protection trusts or Qualified income trusts, which makes them the better option for this type of assistance.

How long does it take for Medicaid to pay for long term care?

Medicaid attorneys and specialists also assist with crisis planning, which occurs when a senior needs Medicaid benefits within 30-60 days.

What is a medicaid planner?

For persons who have Medicaid cases that are fairly simple and straightforward, a Medicaid planner, also called a Medicaid specialist or a Medicaid Advisor, might be a good option. Working with a professional Medicaid planner can be a lot more cost efficient than working with a Medicaid attorney.

How long does Medicaid look back?

The look back period is 5 years in all states except California (Medi-Cal has a 2.5 year look back).

What do elder law attorneys do?

What Elder Law Attorneys Do? Elder law attorneys, also called elder care attorneys, estate and trust attorneys, or Medicaid lawyers, assist persons in preparing for long-term care and death. They assist seniors in a large and diverse array of legal tasks, which encompasses retirement planning, estate planning, creating wills and durable power ...

How to find an elder law attorney?

When searching for an elder law attorney, seek referrals and advice from peers. A referral is very important, because you want to make sure you hire someone who you can depend on with very sensitive information. I encourage you to speak with your friends, family, accountant, perhaps even a lawyer you are currently working with. If you are having a hard time finding a referral; contact your local bar association. They will be able to provide you with a contact in the area you are seeking.

What is elder law?

First things first, what is an elder law attorney? Elder law attorneys can assist you with a wide range of different issues related to your senior care needs. For instance, if you are having any problems navigating through Medicaid, Veteran’s benefits, estate planning or even long-term care planning an elder law attorney can help you.

Who is Dominique from Homecare?

Dominique is the Digital Content Manager for HomeCare.com, a leader in the caregiver referral service industry. She has marketing expertise in the healthcare industry and has a passion for helping families connect with the best caregivers. In addition, she has helped lead several company's marketing programs across websites and social media platforms.

What Is an Elder Law Attorney?

Elder law attorneys specialize in working with seniors or caregivers of aging family members on legal matters that older adults face as they age. Some elder law attorneys have the designation of Certified Elder Law Attorney (CELA), a certification issued by the National Elder Law Foundation.

When Do You Need an Elder Law Attorney?

As you age, the legal issues that you, your spouse or your family caregivers face can change. For example, it’s important to have durable powers of attorney for financial and health needs in case you or your spouse becomes incapacitated.

What Can an Elder Law Attorney Do for You?

Elder law attorneys can help with a long list of legal matters seniors often face, including:

How Much Do Elder Law Attorneys Charge?

The cost to hire an elder law attorney depends on which legal services are needed, the city or region in which you live and the level of the attorney’s experience and education in elder law.

Tips for Finding the Best Elder Law Attorney for You

Before you hire an elder law attorney, the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA) recommends first making sure you’re facing a legal matter that requires an elder law attorney’s expertise.

Sources

Questions and Answers When Looking for an Elder Law and Special Needs Planning Attorney. National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys. Accessed September 9/22/2021.

What is a special needs trust?

Setting up a special needs trust can help to prepare for lifestyle expenses or other potential needs that public assistance benefits such as Medicaid, Social Security Insurance (SSI) and Section 8 housing may not cover.

What is an elder care attorney?

An elder care attorney can help guide family members through the process of obtaining guardianship.

Can an elder care attorney help with out of pocket expenses?

Paying for long-term care out of pocket can be financially draining, but an elder care attorney can help to mitigate those out-of-pocket expenses as well as help with financial planning. Choosing a power of attorney, someone designated as the main authority to help decide how and where money is spent, can be difficult, ...

Does your practice specialize in a particular area of elder law?

Elder law specialists focus on legal and financial issues that frequently affect seniors and their families.

How long have you been in practice and what professional credentials do you hold?

Attorneys must be licensed in the state where they practice law and must be registered by the Bar Association of that specific state. In addition, attorneys can pursue membership of specialized national consortiums, such as ElderCounsel or the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, Inc. (NAELA).

What services, documents are included in our contract agreement?

Utilizing an attorney’s services for any reason is a very personal matter. It is important for you to trust that your attorney is looking after your best interests. “Many legal professionals can provide you with an end result, such as a will, a power of attorney or an advance directive,” Smith acknowledges.

Is there an initial consultation fee and how are ongoing fees computed?

Once you have compiled a list of attorneys in your area that seem well qualified to handle your particular issues and researched their practices, arrange initial consultations with the final contenders.

What information should I bring to the initial elder law consultation?

Once you have arranged an appointment, be sure to bring all information necessary to get the most out of the time with your attorney. Fully informed, open communication will result in the best outcome for estate planning services, long term care planning, and asset protection. Information to bring:

What is elder law?

An elder law attorney, sometimes referred to as an elder care attorney, can help older adults and their families navigate the complicated financial and legal decisions they face. It’s a growing specialization, with nearly 500 certified elder law attorneys across all 50 states.

What is an elder law attorney?

From planning for the future, like making sure an estate plan is in place and establishing a durable power of attorney, to dealing with money matters in the here and now, such as tax guidance and coordinating with financial planners, an elder law attorney is typically well-versed in looking at clients’ larger financial picture.

How many people are over 65?

There are now more than 40 million Americans over the age of 65, and that number is steadily increasing. In lockstep with greater longevity, the availability — and complexity — of federal programs created to assist the aging population is also growing. That’s where an elder law attorney can help.

Do elder law attorneys specialize in every area of law?

It’s important to note that elder law attorneys do not necessarily specialize in every area of law affecting seniors. If you’re especially concerned with a matter of guardianship, for instance, or need guidance on government benefits, take care to find an attorney with experience in that area.

Who is the founder of Margolis & Bloom?

According to Harry Margolis, the founder of Boston-based law firm Margolis & Bloom and founding president of ElderLawAnswers, families should consider seeking an elder care attorney when you begin to anticipate a need for long-term care of a loved one, or if you are wondering how to qualify for government benefits.