Northeastern Pennsylvania Elder Law Attorneys

When You Need an Elder Law Attorney

Many attorneys who work within estate planning say there is no time too soon to utilize their services, however, when it comes to elder law in particular, when is the right time?

Consider these questions when determining whether you need to hire an elder law attorney:

• Do you or your elderly loved one have a will in place? When it comes to planning for the future, a fundamental document you’ll need to have prepared is your will. From there, you can add in additional documents like a power of attorney, living will, and other advanced directives.
• If you suspect financial abuse to your elderly relative, you may need an attorney. Whether this occurs within the nursing home, or you suspect undue influence by another relative, legal action can be taken against the offender.
• Do you or a loved one need long-term care? If you are moving and you were the primary caregiver to an elderly loved one, you may need an elder attorney to navigate potential long-term care facilities or agencies your elderly family member may qualify for in-home care.
• Are there significant assets that may be inherited by a family member that can impact their ability to receive government assistance? If yes, you may need an elder law attorney to talk you through a special needs trust or another benefit to ensure the family is cared for, regardless of everyone’s specific needs.
• Can a family member receive pay for caring for an elderly loved one? If you have had to give up much of your time to care for an elderly parent or loved one, you may be in financial hardship as it may have interred with your employment or does not allow you to work at all. An elder law attorney will be able to help you navigate caregiver contracts in order to earn some income while making sure your family is comfortable.

While this only covers some of the questions you may have surrounding your elder law attorney needs, you may likely need more guidance. The Scranton elder law attorneys of Mazzoni Valvano Szewczyk & Karam can help.

What should I ask my attorney?

If you are in the process of finding an elder law attorney, you likely will have questions about the services they offer and how much time is dedicated to your specific need, as many elder law attorneys also handle other practice areas.

Some questions you may want to as your elder law attorney include:

• What are your fees?
• What is your elder law specialty?
• Will I work with an attorney or a paralegal?
• How much time do you spend preparing for elder law cases?

While your initial meeting may be brief, you will know if this is the fit for you and if you truly need the expertise of an elder law attorney. But don’t be afraid to ask what services you need now and in the future. As life changes, so do your legal needs.

Mazzoni Valvano Szewczyk & Karam: Scranton Elder Law Attorneys

As we age, our legal needs become more apparent than ever before. Don’t wait until the last minute as by then, it could be too late. If you are in need of an elder law attorney don’t delay. Call (570) 348-0776 and schedule an appointment with Mazzoni Valvano Szewczyk & Karam. We can walk you through, step by step, all the legal options available to you.