People are living longer and should know about Elder Law.

People are living longer. The 2000 census reports that the number of persons 65 years of age and over is expected to double by the year 2030. The fastest growing segment of the population today consists of people who are 85 years of age and older. AARP has completed several studies on the aging population. One study found that approximately one in every eight, or 12.4 percent of the population is an older American, and that people reaching the age of 65 have an average life expectancy of an additional 18.5 years.

Growing old has its share of challenges and opportunities. Older adults often face a unique set of legal concerns ranging from health and long-term care needs, to issues of abuse and neglect. Your elder law attorney should be a valued partner in addressing your needs and wants as your family representative in advocating for your welfare.

Our firm is knowledgeable about health and long-term care planning i.e., public benefits including Medicaid and Medicare. We handle surrogate decision-making, including powers of attorney; guardianship and conservatorship (disposition of older persons' legal capacity), and administration of estates, including wills, trusts and probate. We pay attention to applicable tax consequences or the need for more sophisticated tax expertise.

Elder law is different from traditional estate planning in that more emphasis is placed on preparing for the contingencies of an extended lifetime. This includes planning for the time when finances, health, mental capacity and support structures may change. The elder law attorney works in a cooperative environment calling upon family and professional caregivers, medical professionals, social workers, and financial and tax consultants. It is imperative that your attorney be caring and empathetic as well as a knowledgeable professional.