The field of elder law actually does not benefit only seniors. While seniors may be more likely than other demographic groups to be concerned with the issues that elder law attorneys assist with, younger people can also benefit from getting professional help from an elder law lawyer. Unsworth LaPlante, PLLC provides legal assistance to people of all ages on all types of elder law matters. Some of the many issues that elder law attorneys can address include incapacity planning; making advanced healthcare decisions; asset protection; financial planning; and estate planning.
If you want to make sure you have a secure future and that your family will be cared for even if tragedy strikes, give us a call at 802-879-7133. You can also contact us online. We can provide personalized advice to you and can answer general questions which you may need answers to about elder law including:
- When should you talk to an elder law attorney in Vermont?
- What kinds of things can an elder law attorney do?
- How does a Vermont elder law attorney help you?
When Should You Talk to an Elder Law Attorney?
You should talk to an elder law attorney in Vermont or New York if you want to make certain that you have a plan in place in case you become incapacitated. There is an unfortunate chance that illness or injury could leave you unable to communicate or to make decisions on your own behalf. In such circumstances, your family could be forced to make medical decisions for you and to go to court to petition for guardianship to manage your assets. If you have a plan, your family is spared the need for court action and your wishes regarding medical care will be clear.
You should also talk to an elder law attorney if you have any assets that you want to keep safe. Your assets could be lost if you have to pay for costly nursing home or home care services that insurance doesn’t cover. A significant portion of your assets could potentially have to be used for the payment of estate taxes if your estate is large enough and you pass away without a plan. You could also end up working your whole life, only to have your heirs squander their inheritance or lose it to bankruptcy or divorce. With a plan in place, you can avoid all of these undesirable outcomes.
If you have minor children you want to ensure are cared for, a loved one with a disability who you want to provide for, or any concerns about your family fighting over your assets if something happens to you, you should also speak with an elder law attorney.
What Kinds of Things Can an Elder Law Attorney Do?
An elder law attorney helps you to identify the different legal tools that can protect your assets; that can give you control over your future even if you get sick; and that can protect your family. With help from a legal professional in the field of elder law, you can:
- Create a power of attorney so you have the ability to name an agent in charge of managing your assets if you become incapacitated.
- Create advanced directives so you have the opportunity to decide what kinds of medical care to accept and decline, and who should make medical choices for you under emergency circumstances.
- Create trusts to protect assets, to ensure you don’t lose your money due to nursing home care, to control your assets even after you have passed away, to provide for young children or a person with a disability, and to reduce estate taxes.
- Create a last will and testament to leave final instructions and have control over how your assets are distributed.
These are just a few of many different things which an elder law attorney can help you to do. An experienced attorney will discuss your goals as well as your current situation and plans for the future in order to help you to identify the best approaches to take to making yourself and your family as secure as possible.
How Does a Vermont Elder Law Attorney Help You?
Unsworth LaPlante, PLLC provides comprehensive elder law services to clients in areas throughout Vermont including in Burlington, Essex Junction, Montpelier, Rutland, White River Junction, St. Johnsbury and Newport. We also provide elder law services in the Capital Region of New York with an office in Albany. When you are ready to make sure you have a plan in place to protect your family and to ensure a secure future for yourself and your loved ones, give us a call in Vermont at 802-879-7133 or in Albany, New York at (518) 389-6020 or contact us online.
