Elder law attorneys do much more than assist their clients with estate planning. If you’re a senior citizen facing legal issues and don’t know where to turn, a lawyer from MacVean, Lewis, Sherwin & McDermott, P.C. in Middletown, NY, will help. Below, they offer information about the services an elder law attorney can provide.

What Does an Elder Law Attorney Do?

1. Advance Directive Preparing

An advance health care directive is a legally binding document that states how you would like your family to proceed if you become unable to make medical decisions for yourself. The most common type of advance directive is a power of attorney, which allows you to establish who can make various health or financial decisions for you should you ever become incapacitated.

2. Medicaid Planning

Medicare does not cover nursing home care, but in some cases, Medicaid may. An elder law attorney can help you determine if you qualify for this kind of financial assistance and will help you apply if you do.

3. Probate Strategizing

Probate is the process by which the court distributes an individual’s assets after they die. Navigating probate is complicated and often time-consuming. An elder law attorney can help you plan your estate in such a way that some or all of your assets don’t have to go through probate when you pass. By avoiding probate, your beneficiaries will receive their inheritances sooner, and they will avoid the lengthy legal process and countless headaches that often accompany probate.

If you need help with any of the above, turn to an elder law attorney from MacVean, Lewis, Sherwin & McDermott, P.C. in Middletown, NY. Visit their website to learn more about their additional areas of practices, include DWI law and employment law, and call (845) 343-3000 to schedule an initial consultation today. You can also connect with the law firm on Facebook.