Elder Law Attorney in Columbus, Ohio

According to a Caring.com survey, only 44% of U.S. adults aged 55 years and above currently have an estate plan. As you grow older, getting your affairs in order involves putting a strategic end-of-life plan in place to protect your assets, investments, and future generations. Elder law is concerned with caring for our aging loved ones, seniors, and preserving their property.

If you are thinking about elder care or you need proper guidance drafting your estate plan, consulting with an experienced elder law attorney is crucial. I am committed to offering comprehensive legal guidance and advocacy to individuals and families in elder law-related matters, including estate planning, advance directives, long-term care, and guardianships. I'm available to discuss your situation and determine the ideal plan that best fits your end-of-life goals.

I proudly represent clients in Columbus, Ohio, and throughout Central Ohio. Call me today to schedule a consultation.

Understanding Elder Law

Elder law is an aspect of the law that deals with various legal matters affecting older adults, their family members, relatives, and caretakers. The purpose of elder law is to help seniors prepare for financial security and autonomy, and guide families through important decisions that concern their elderly loved ones.

An elder law attorney can advocate for older adults and their loved ones, and represent seniors in a broad spectrum of elder law matters, including estate planning, health care, Medicare/Medicaid, guardianships, and more.

Estate Planning & Elder Law

Estate planning involves planning in advance for how a person's assets and property will be managed or distributed in the event of their death or sudden incapacitation. Estate planning documents, including wills and living trusts, can help determine how to settle the decedent's final affairs and how the estate's assets will be distributed to the beneficiaries. Estate planning is important because:

• It allows you to have a say in what happens to your estate

• It can help your assets avoid probate (in the case of a trust)

• It can specify end-of-life decisions

• It can help protect your assets and provide for surviving loved ones

• It helps protect your assets and investments from frivolous lawsuits and creditors 

With a detailed estate plan, you can get your affairs in order and protect your family's future. An experienced Ohio estate planning attorney can evaluate your options and determine the best course of action.

Healthcare/Long-Term Care Issues

The purpose of long-term care is to help older adults achieve their personal care and healthcare needs over a specific period of time. In the event that you become unable to carry out your daily activities by yourself, long-term care can help you continue to live with relative independence and safety. A knowledgeable attorney can review your advanced care planning or Medicare/Medicaid options and help you make important decisions.

Guardianships

A guardianship is a legal relationship established by a probate court in which a person (the guardian) is appointed and given the legal authority and duty to care for another's person (a ward) or property due to the other person's mental incapacity or disability.

In the event that someone becomes incapacitated, guardianship allows the court to choose a person who will oversee key decisions about their life and property. The guardian will provide adequate care for the incapacitated adult and help manage their property and affairs.

Guardianship also helps avoid exploitation, and a guardian may be appointed in an elderly person's best interests.

Work with a Knowledgeable Attorney

Trying to navigate the various legal matters that arise due to aging can involve a variety of complexities. Should you become severely ill, incapacitated, and unable to voice your true wishes, creating a strategic end-of-life plan can help protect your assets and property. A knowledgeable elder law attorney can review your options and help you make informed decisions for your future.

I have the resources and experience to guide individuals and families through the complexities of elder law and estate planning. As your attorney, I can evaluate your situation and educate you about your legal options. I will help you draft important end-of-life documents and craft a strategic estate plan that best suits your unique needs. I will also work to address your needs and concerns and help you in a way that works best for you.