How Can Elder Law Enhance Asset Protection in New York?

What Key Asset Protection Services Can an Elder Law Attorney Provide?

The practice of elder law focuses on the unique legal needs of older individuals. Navigating ever-changing tax laws, rules for Medicaid eligibility, and other essential topics can feel overwhelming for many older Americans. In addition to estate planning, elder law attorneys can provide guidance to clients as they face the many challenges of aging.

Unfortunately, without careful planning and action, it is possible for an older individual’s estate to be rapidly consumed by medical costs, high taxes, and other unanticipated expenses. However, with the assistance of a knowledgeable New York asset protection attorney, you can implement strategies to protect your well-being during your lifetime and retain more of your wealth for the individuals and causes that are dear to you.

Estate Planning

While it may be uncomfortable to think about your mortality, particularly if you are still healthy and active, creating a robust estate plan is vital to ensure the continued financial stability of those you care about most. Elder law attorneys can help draft important legal documents that can allow your heirs to avoid unexpected costs and substantial taxes after your passing that could lead to a potential loss of estate funds, including:

• Will: If you die without a valid will in New York, your assets will be subject to the state’s intestacy laws. These laws dictate how your estate is distributed to your heirs. However, the succession rules can be complicated, and the court proceeding may be long and expensive for your family. Ultimately, your assets may be passed down in ways you might not have chosen, and taxes may substantially reduce your estate. By creating a will and keeping it up to date, you can ensure your wishes will be followed, and your family will have much less hassle and stress from legal issues after your passing.
• Financial power of attorney: It’s vital to make plans to protect your wealth during your lifetime as well. A durable financial power of attorney (POA) allows a trusted person to manage your property and assets on your behalf if you become incapacitated and can no longer make or communicate decisions on your own. Having a POA in place creates a smooth transition in the event of an emergency, such as a stroke or the onset of dementia. Although choosing an agent you trust for this role is key, your attorney can also build safeguards into the POA to help prevent misuse of power and protect your estate.
• Trusts: Trusts, particularly irrevocable trusts, can keep your assets safe while ensuring Medicaid eligibility. When you place assets into an irrevocable trust, they are no longer considered part of your estate. This unique aspect of a trust can be used to reduce your tax burden and help you meet asset limits for Medicaid. However, seeking the counsel of a skilled trusts attorney is essential to ensure your documents are prepared correctly and meet strict legal standards.

Medicaid Planning

The costs of nursing homes and other long-term care facilities have continued to rise dramatically in recent years. A lifetime of savings can disappear quickly if an individual requires this type of care. Medicaid is a means-tested government program that helps pay for these costs and other medical expenses. Elder law attorneys can guide seniors through the complex Medicaid application process, even if they have assets or income above the prescribed limits.

Due to look-back periods and spend-down rules imposed by Medicaid, it is best to begin planning for Medicaid long before you require it to prevent unnecessary depletion of your hard-earned savings. By starting the Medicaid planning process with a knowledgeable lawyer early, you can ensure that much of the high cost of care is paid for through the Medicaid program and not by your personal assets.

Guardianship and Advance Directives

Your legal needs change as you age, and an elder law attorney can help you prepare for whatever comes next. Planning for worst-case scenarios and preparing for potential incapacity is an important aspect of elder law. Executing advance directives, such as a health care proxy and living will, indicate the types of medical care you want in certain situations;, you can give yourself and your family peace of mind that these difficult moments will be handled in accordance with your wishes. With a durable power of attorney, health care directives help avoid a guardianship proceeding which can be an expensive and contentious court process.

Elder law attorneys can help navigate complex family dynamics, ensuring that your wishes are followed, and your assets are protected. Your lawyer can assist you in preventing painful and costly legal battles between family members over your care and control of your affairs in your later years. Enumerating your choices in a legal document may forestall economic or health ruin if you become incapable of making informed decisions.

How Can Our Law Firm Assist You?

Elder law is a complex topic with constantly changing regulations. Elder law attorneys stay current on these changes, from new tax laws to Medicaid eligibility requirements, ensuring their clients’ asset protection strategies are compliant and effective. In addition to our legal knowledge, our elder law attorneys at Davidov Law Group have a solid commitment to building lasting relationships with our clients and their families. A periodic review of your plans and documents with your lawyer or financial advisor is crucial to keeping them aligned with your goals and life situation.

Clients often have concerns about their legacy and how their loved ones will be cared for after they are gone. No matter your financial situation, we can help you build a plan that addresses your worries and protects your health and assets during your golden years and beyond. Contact our office today at 516-253-1366 to schedule your free in-depth consultation..