Elder Law Lawyer Maryville, TN

As we get older, we start to think about ourselves and our family’s future even more. Elder law is the set of legal circumstances that anyone may face when they reach retirement age. These laws govern government benefits, long-term care, and other matters that are vital to those on a fixed income. However, you do not have to face these challenges without caring and experienced legal assistance. Our team at Carpenter & Lewis PLLC have helped individuals and families with life planning who want to have peace of mind that their future is taken care of. If you have questions about estate planning, probate, veterans benefits, medicaid, conservatorships, Social Security Disability Income (SDDI) or another related topic, then please reach out to our Maryville, TN elder law lawyer as soon as you can to get started. 

Protecting Your Quality Of Life

Our team works together to protect our client’s independence and quality of life. We can serve a variety of people in various circumstances, such as business owners to elderly orphans, or a family with a special needs relative. No matter what your situation is, you can trust our team to give you the best advice based on what your wishes are for the future. We can help prepare and review care plans, guardianships, conservatorships, power of attorney documents, Medicaid Compliant Trusts, advance directives, living trusts and wills, Qualified INcome Trusts (Miller Trusts), health care proxies, and more. Our dedicated elder law attorney is ready to speak with you about your needs and hopes for the future. 

Estate Planning Beneficiaries

Another component of elder planning is establishing an estate plan. Perhaps you already have one written, need to update it, or have yet to start. No matter what the case may be, we can help you. Estate planning is a great way to write down your wishes for how your assets are distributed to beneficiaries after you pass away. Beneficiaries can be your closest loved ones, friends, or even charity organizations you care about. Ultimately, it is your choice for who you want to be a beneficiary and who these people or organizations will receive from your estate. If you would like to know more information about estate planning, please reach out today.

Carpenter & Lewis PLLC

Elder planning does not have to be too complicated. When you have help from our team at Carpenter & Lewis PLLC, you can trust that you are in good hands. Our TN elder law attorney can guide you through the process of creating documents that will protect you now and your family’s inheritances in the future. We value every client and will do everything in our power to see they have peace of mind about their current lives and how their estate will be handled after they pass on. Do not hesitate to contact our team for individualized advice. Every person is unique in what their wishes and needs are. We are ready to offer support today!

Top Reasons To Hire An Elder Law Lawyer For Long-Term Care Planning

As people age, planning for long-term care becomes an increasingly important part of life. Whether it’s ensuring access to quality medical services, protecting assets, or preparing for future incapacities, the decisions made today can have lasting effects on both seniors and their families. Hiring a Maryville, TN elder law lawyer for long-term care planning can help navigate the complexities of aging and ensure that legal, financial, and healthcare decisions are properly managed. Here are the top reasons to work with an elder law lawyer when planning for long-term care.

1. Navigating Medicaid And Medicare

One of the biggest challenges in long-term care planning is understanding how Medicaid and Medicare work. These government programs have strict rules and eligibility requirements that can be difficult to interpret without professional guidance. An elder law lawyer can help you understand the differences between these programs, determine which benefits you qualify for, and assist with the application process. Additionally, they can help you plan your finances in a way that protects your assets while ensuring eligibility for Medicaid, which covers many long-term care costs that Medicare does not.

2. Protecting Your Assets

Many seniors worry about how they can protect their hard-earned savings and assets while still accessing necessary care. Elder law lawyers are skilled at asset protection strategies, helping you safeguard your wealth from being depleted by the high costs of long-term care. They can advise you on how to restructure your assets, use trusts, or make strategic gifts to family members in ways that comply with Medicaid’s look-back period, which examines your financial transactions over the past five years. By working with a lawyer, you can ensure that your assets are protected while still qualifying for the care you need.

3. Establishing Power Of Attorney

As part of long-term care planning, it’s important to consider what will happen if you become unable to make decisions for yourself. An elder law lawyer can help you establish a power of attorney, which designates someone you trust to make legal and financial decisions on your behalf if you become incapacitated. They can also assist with creating a healthcare power of attorney or advance directive, ensuring that your healthcare wishes are honored even when you’re unable to communicate them.

4. Planning For Incapacity And Guardianship

In some cases, seniors may face cognitive decline or other conditions that prevent them from managing their own affairs. An elder law lawyer can help families plan for these situations by discussing guardianship or conservatorship. If needed, they can guide families through the process of establishing legal guardianship to ensure that a trusted family member or professional will have the legal authority to make important decisions about care, housing, and finances.

Conclusion

Planning for long-term care is a critical step in ensuring a secure and comfortable future for seniors and their families. With the expertise of Maryville elder law lawyer from Carpenter & Lewis PLLC, you can navigate the complexities of Medicaid, protect your assets, and plan for potential incapacity. By hiring an elder law lawyer, you not only gain peace of mind but also the assurance that your legal, financial, and healthcare decisions are well-managed, allowing you to focus on enjoying life with confidence and security.