Elder Law, Medicaid Planning, and Special Needs Planning

Our elder law attorneys and paralegals assist families and individuals in a variety of legal matters when preparing for long-term care, including applying for Medicaid and planning for older adults and individuals with special needs. Our team will begin with a discussion to understand your family’s unique situation and circumstances, outline your options, and recommend next steps.

Elder Law

We know the special concerns that arise as we age, from assessing options to pay for long-term care to understanding how decisions will be made for loved ones with incapacity.  We are committed to helping you work through the following complex matters cost-effectively:

• Review of existing assets and income
• Discussion of long-term care options
• Review and update current estate planning documents to ensure proper and competent decision making in the future
• Guardianships and conservatorships
• Asset sheltering, divestment, and transfer of asset strategies

Medicaid Planning

We understand the Medicaid planning process can be stressful and, at times, confusing. Our team of attorneys and paralegals will walk side-by-side with you through the process, including:

• Assessing long-term care options
• Determining countable assets and spend down
• Curing or mitigating any gifting or divestment issues
• Legally sheltering assets
• Preparing and filing the Medicaid Application and all relevant proofs
• Communicating with the Department of Health and Human Services to navigate audits and obtain approval
• Appealing improper Medicaid decisions
• Planning for the at-home spouse’s well-being and financial security

Special Needs Planning

Planning for a loved one with special needs carries many unique stressors and problems.  Through careful and considerate Special Needs Planning, our team can assist in maximizing assets available to your loved one with special needs. We assist with the following:

• First Party (or d(4)(A)) Special Needs Trust, including Self-Settled Special Needs Trusts
• Third-Party Special Needs Trust
• ABLE Accounts
• Revising estate plan documents of family members to include special needs planning
• Navigating government regulations and benefits
• Educating Trustees on appropriate distributions and assisting with Trust Administration

The goal of our elder law attorneys and paralegals is to be an advocate for our clients and a source of comfort to families who are navigating the complex world of aging and long-term care.