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Elder Law Attorney in Kansas City, Missouri

As we age, our needs change, especially when it comes to finances, healthcare, and legal matters. Elder law covers a wide range of areas that affect older individuals, including estate planning, long-term care, social security benefits, and Medicaid.   

By working with an elder law attorney at The Probate Law Center, you can protect your assets, secure your financial future, and ensure you receive the care you need as you age. Our elder law attorney in Kansas City, Missouri, can assist families in planning for the future and making decisions that ensure the financial security and autonomy of senior loved ones.   

From our office in Kansas City, we also serve senior citizens and their families in the surrounding areas, including Overland Park, Independence, Lee’s Summit, and Kansas City, Kansas.   

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What Is Elder Law?

Elder Law is a legal practice area that focuses on issues that impact senior citizens. These issues include end-of-life planning, long-term care planning, retirement planning, preventing elder abuse, establishing guardianships, and more. An elder law attorney specializing in this area can provide legal advice and assistance with a wide range of legal concerns, such as drafting legal documents, creating a power of attorney or advance directive, and helping elders ensure that they receive the care they need.  

The purpose of elder law is to help older adults prepare for financial freedom and autonomy, guide family members through key decisions that affect their elder loved ones, and protect the rights of seniors.   

Our experienced and compassionate elder law attorney at The Probate Law Center can help seniors plan for long-term care and make arrangements that ensure they receive the care they need and deserve as they age. We can assist in considering various alternatives available as per your individual needs and resources.   

When to Hire an Elder Law Attorney

There are certain situations in which older individuals may need to consider hiring an elder law attorney:   

  • They are planning to enter a nursing home to receive long-term care. 

  • They are thinking about requesting Medicare or Medicaid benefits. 

  • They are thinking about filing a social security and disability claim. 

  • They want to plan for their estate. 

  • They need assistance with day-to-day problems affecting senior citizens. 

  • They need help managing assisted living costs. 

To get help with anything mentioned above, you need to contact an elder law attorney to get started.   

Elder Law vs. Estate Planning

Many people frequently confuse elder law with estate planning. These two areas of law serve different functions. The difference between elder law and estate planning is that elder law encompasses a broader range of services than just planning to transfer assets to beneficiaries after death. Elder law attorneys help clients navigate the challenges unique to advancing age, including long-term care and Medicaid planning.  

Estate planning focuses on preparing for the eventual distribution of a person’s assets upon death and making arrangements for disability and incapacitation. An estate plan can help you achieve a wide variety of goals, including but not limited to:  

  1. Determine who will manage your assets and how they will be distributed;  

  1. Plan for your end-of-life care and make sure your medical and financial needs are met; 

  1. Minimize estate taxes and ensure that your assets are transferred to your beneficiaries in the most tax-efficient manner; 

  1. Select guardians for your minor children;  

  1. Make the necessary arrangements to avoid probate;  

  1. Protect assets from creditors; and 

  1. Make sure your plans are legally valid and will withstand challenges and disputes from family members and others. 

These and many other things can be accomplished with a well-drafted estate plan.  

Healthcare/Long-Term Care Issues

As we grow older, we tend to require more medical attention, which can lead to significant costs. Our elder law attorney in Kansas City, Missouri, can help you navigate the complex world of Medicare and Medicaid, ensuring that you receive the necessary care and benefits. We can also help you make the right decisions about assisted living and nursing home rights and care. With our expertise and guidance, you can ensure that you or your loved ones are taken care of in the best possible way. 

Establishing Guardianship in Kansas & Missouri

Guardianship is the process of appointing someone to make decisions for an individual who is unable to do so themselves. Establishing guardianship is critical, especially for older individuals who may have diminished mental capacity. Our elder law attorney at The Probate Law Center can guide you through the guardianship process in Kansas & Missouri, ensuring that the right person is appointed to make decisions on your behalf if necessary. 

How an Elder Law Attorney Can Help

An elder law attorney can provide you with specialized knowledge and guidance when it comes to end-of-life planning. They can help you create an estate plan, ensuring that your loved ones are taken care of when you are no longer able to do so. They can also help you navigate the complex world of Medicaid, ensuring that you receive the necessary benefits. Additionally, they can facilitate the guardianship process, ensuring that the right person is appointed to make decisions on your behalf. 

Elder Law Attorney Serving Kansas City, Missouri

Unfortunately, many seniors overlook the importance of end-of-life planning until it is too late. Planning for your future is vital, and with the assistance of our elder law attorney in Kansas City, Missouri, you can have peace of mind knowing that you and your loved ones are taken care of. Contact The Probate Law Center to schedule a consultation with our attorney.