Elder Law

Elder law is a specialized area focused on the legal issues older persons, and their families, commonly face in their later stages of life, including income security, housing, guardianship, end-of-life issues, elder abuse, and more.

The population of Americans aged 65 years or older will double during the next 25 years to about 72 million, according to the Centers for Disease Control. Forget Law Group is dedicated to making sure seniors enjoy the same rights and recognition under the law as anybody else.

We all age differently but there are some common experiences that come with growing older. In these instances we can be proactive in planning and making sure you know what rights you have.

Estate Planning

No matter your age, it is important not to procrastinate when it comes to estate planning. This includes preparing a will, establishing trusts and any other matters related to determining how your belongings, including possessions and real estate, will be passed to your loved ones. A well prepared estate plan will help eliminate or reduce various taxes, ensure that assets go to the right beneficiaries, and avoid unnecessary costs and delays.

Health and Wellness

As we age, our health and wellness needs change. Medicare is a federal program that provides basic healthcare insurance for older and disabled individuals. Medicaid is a state and federal medical benefits program for qualified low-income people. Some older individuals can qualify for both. Forget Law Group will help you and your family access the best possible care.

While nursing home care costs can add up quickly, Medicaid can be very helpful to help pay for your loved one’s long-term care. Applying for Medicaid can be confusing and difficult in the best of circumstances. Forget Law Group is here to assist you and your loved one through the application process.

Power of Attorney and Guardianship

The time may come when you are no longer able to make your own healthcare and financial decisions. If that happens, creating a plan to make sure your wishes are followed while you have the capacity will help protect you. A durable power of attorney document is a way of assigning another person to act on your behalf if you become disabled or incapacitated. This person has the authority to make health care decisions, do financial transactions, or sign legal documents.

In some cases, the court may appoint someone to make decisions for you in what is called a guardianship because you’re unable to understand and make decisions on your own. Normally, this is a last resort. To obtain a guardianship, someone must file a petition with the court explaining why the person needs a guardian, and who is qualified to be appointed.