Elder law attorneys in New Jersey and throughout the nation help seniors and their loved ones effectively navigate concerns that relate to aging. This includes addressing challenging issues related to health care, the law, and finances. Because every case is unique to the specific person and circumstances that apply, working closely with our experienced New Jersey elder law attorneys at Rice & Quattrone, PC, is always advised.
Estate Planning and Related Legal Concerns
Estate planning addresses how the individual wants their financial legacy, or estate, to pass to their loved ones, which is generally through wills and trusts. It also deals with advance healthcare directives as well as financial and medical powers of attorney.
The more carefully you address your estate planning needs, the more smoothly you can expect things to proceed when the time arrives. Having a skilled elder law attorney backing you up also comes with the peace of mind that comes from knowing your wishes will be upheld.
Medicaid and Long-Term Care Planning
If you ultimately require long-term care, the immense expense can quickly eat through your assets. There are important elder law strategies that can help you protect your assets in the process. A primary concern to keep in mind is that Medicaid implements a five-year look-back period, which makes addressing long-term care planning well before you need it the best approach.
Guardianship
Adult guardianship is a complex legal process that is handled by New Jersey courts. When an individual is incapacitated and has not implemented a Power of Attorney before the onset of incapacity, the court can appoint a surrogate to make decisions on their behalf.
Guardianship can take two different forms. One is guardianship of the person, which gives the guardian the authority necessary to make primary decisions over the person’s health care, overall welfare, and living arrangements. The other is guardianship of the estate, which gives the guardian the authority to manage the person’s finances, including paying their bills and protecting their assets.
Probate and Estate Administration
Probate and estate administration refer to the legal process of settling a decedent’s final affairs. This includes all the following:
- Guiding the decedent’s estate through the probate process;
- Managing the decedent’s assets, handling their final debts, and paying their final taxes;
- Distributing the decedent’s assets to their heirs in accordance with their wishes; and
- Overseeing the non-probate transfer of assets that are beneficiary-based, such as life insurance and retirement accounts.
Address your related needs with a knowledgeable elder law attorney today.
Our Experienced New Jersey Elder Law Lawyers Welcome the Opportunity to Help
Our capable New Jersey elder law attorneys at Rice & Quattrone, PC are Certified by the National Elder Law Foundation. Our knowledge and experience allow us to help our clients put solid plans and financial tools into effect, and we’re here for you, too. To learn more about everything we can do to help, please don’t put off reaching out by contacting us online or giving our firm a call at 856-673-0048 today.