ELDER LAW

The most significant Elder Law issue that most of us need to think about as we age is, “How do I plan for the possibility that I may become incapacitated or disabled”?

Some of the techniques used to plan for possible disability include durable powers of attorney, revocable living trusts and/or health care directives. In those documents you are delegating decision making to another person in whom you have confidence. Failure to plan ahead can result in your becoming subject to a judge-supervised guardianship.

Another planning technique used by couples concerned about Elder Law issues is the use of a will containing a special needs testamentary trust. Special needs testamentary trusts can provide powerful protection to keep the surviving spouse from being made destitute by his or her long-term care costs.

Elder law also includes understanding what Medicaid’s rules are as those rules impact long-term care costs. Understanding Medicaid is especially important if one cannot qualify for or afford long-term care insurance.

In addition to planning for incapacity, Elder Law also encompasses planning for how to pass your estate to your heirs. Relevant questions are:

• What is probate and should I avoid it and how?
   

• How does Community Property law impact my planning?
   

• Is my estate subject to federal or state estate tax?
   

• If my estate is subject to estate tax, can I eliminate or reduce my estate tax exposure?
   

• Do my children have special “life issues” like disability, money management problems or spendthrift spouses?
   

• How can I best plan for the protection of my children with special “life issues”?

These are all issues to review with a good Elder Law attorney. How To Select The Right Attorney

She is a frequent speaker in the community on the subjects of Elder Law, Guardianship and Estate Planning in Washington state.

Call (360) 816-2485 or click here to schedule an appointment or to get more information.

805 Broadway Street, Suite 1000
Vancouver, WA 98660
Voice: (360) 816-2485
Voice: (503) 283-3393 ext. 2485
Fax: (360) 816-2486

Elizabeth A. Perry is a Vancouver, WA Elder Law Attorney who has been helping seniors and their families since 1976. Her practice emphasizes guardianships, probate, Revocable Living Trusts issues, wills and Estate Planning.

The information you obtain at this site is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as specific legal advice. We would be happy to have you contact us to schedule an appointment for individual advice regarding your situation.

Elder Lawyer and Trust Attorney in Vancouver, WA serving Clark County, Cowlitz County, Klickitat County, Pacific County, Skamania County, Wahkiakum County, and Lewis County. Practice areas include: Guardianships, Revocable Living Trusts, Estate Planning, Probates and Wills.