Elder law is a legal practice area that focuses on providing individuals with important help they need to navigate the unique and often complex challenges they confront as they approach retirement, aging and beyond. While elder law is typically associated with estate planning, elder law attorneys also provide clients with assistance related to other areas of law, including family settlements, public benefits planning and healthcare law. At McCulloch & Miller, PLLC, our Houston elder law lawyers work closely with individuals, couples, their families, their medical providers and their financial advisors to address our clients’ varying needs. We help our clients overcome the legal issues they face related to long-term care planning, Medicaid approval, Veterans Benefits and more.
How Can a Houston Elder Law Attorney Help?Elder law touches on some of the most important issues individuals face post-retirement. While everyone’s needs are different, an elder law attorney can assist clients with the following issues:
Preserving IndependenceOne of the most common concerns among people after retirement is preserving their independence. While everyone hopes to live in their own home as long as possible, situations can arise that make this challenging. An elder law attorney can help you identify all your long-term care options and plan for how to pay for them in advance. That way, you can rest assured that you have a plan in place should the unexpected occur.
Long-Term Care PlanningLong-term care is extremely costly. While the annual cost of long-term care varies based on location, it can easily reach into the six figures. However, Medicare does not cover the cost of ongoing long-term care. This leaves those in need of care with two options: pay out-of-pocket or apply for Medicaid benefits. Of course, for many individuals and families, the cost of long-term care is unsustainable. However, at the same time, they own too many assets to qualify for Medicaid.
With careful planning, individuals can protect their assets from unnecessary depletion. Often, this involves purchasing long-term care insurance well in advance of a Medicaid application. However, there are many other Medicaid planning options available to those who take the initiative. At McCulloch & Miller, PLLC, we can help you understand the Medicaid application process and structure your assets in a way that reduces the amount you need to pay out-of-pocket for the care you need.
Additionally, the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services provides a wealth of information for seniors and care givers.
Avoid the Need for Guardianship ProceedingsWhat would happen if you suddenly became ill or incapacitated such that you could not make important decisions related to your finances. While having a will ensures that your assets are passed on according to your wishes, the legal effect of a will is not triggered until a person passes away. In the event of sudden incapacitation, family members may find that they are in a sort of legal limbo, giving them little to no control over their loved one’s finances. However, by creating a power of attorney or a trust, individuals can name trusted family or friends to make important financial and health care decisions on their behalf in the event they are unable to do so.
Contact the Law Firm of McCulloch & Miller, PLLC to Learn More About How a Houston Elder Law Attorney Can Help You Plan for the FutureIf you have questions about Medicare, Medicaid, what your long-term care options are, or how you will pay for them, reach out to the elder law attorneys at McCulloch & Miller, PLLC. Our compassionate and knowledgeable estate planning and elder law lawyers have a long history of working with clients to ensure their needs are met—today and well into the future. We offer all prospective clients an initial consultation, during which we will answer all your questions and explain what we can do to help. To learn more, and to schedule a consultation, call McCulloch & Miller, PLLC, today at 713-333-8900. You can also reach us through our online contact form.