As you mature and change, so do your needs. If you or a loved one is over the age of 65, it may be time to begin the process of end-of-life planning. Facing your future can be frightening and uncomfortable, but having a dependable estate planning lawyer behind you can make all the difference.
A Raleigh elder law attorney will provide you with the resources you need to make the right financial plans for you and your loved ones. We want to hear your vision and understand what is important to you so that you can feel confident your future is in trusted hands.
It is never too early to start planning for long-term care. Getting an early start is important in structuring assets in the most advantageous way possible. The sooner Raleigh residents begin long-term planning with an elder law attorney, the better prepared they are to establish and work toward their goals.
An individual can start the process well before they need that type of assistance, but once long-term care is more imminent, legal guidance becomes necessary. The type of care needed can affect what benefits are available, and proper planning is required in order to protect one’s assets.
A well-crafted estate plan can be like an intricate puzzle. There are many pieces to consider, but a diligent elder law attorney in the area can outline possible options and help fit together an effective and personalized strategy. Considering all the available choices is the best way to ensure an end-of-life plan fits an individual’s wishes and needs for the future.
A guardian is defined by the North Carolina Judicial Branch as “a legal relationship in which a person is appointed by the court to make decisions and act on behalf of a person who does not have adequate capacity to make such decisions involving the management of personal affairs, property, or both.”
The guardianship process can be confusing to navigate alone, but many gain peace of mind through the process of appointing a loved one to care for them. If an individual is considering filing a petition for incompetence and appointment of a guardian, a nearby elder law attorney can help with the legal nuances. Once a guardian has been appointed, a lawyer can also assist the appointed guardian with court filings and bond renewals.
Advance Directives include a person’s Healthcare Power of Attorney and Durable Power of Attorney, sometimes referred to as Financial Power of Attorney. These documents name an individual or entity to make legal, financial, and healthcare decisions on someone else’s behalf if they are incapacitated.
An elder law attorney can help Raleigh residents name the individual, bank, or trust company entitled to make their legal or financial decisions in the case of a Durable Power of Attorney. When drafting a Healthcare Power of Attorney, an experienced lawyer can help counsel someone in choosing the person responsible for making medical decisions.
Wills and trusts are valuable in ensuring that the intended beneficiaries receive one’s assets when they pass away. There are several factors to consider when establishing a will and/or trust, so individuals considering these options should contact an attorney in their area to explain the legal differences and advise on the best choice for their situation.
If you or your loved one is approaching old age, it is important to get a head start on estate planning, long term care, and guardianship. Based on how you envision spending the rest of your life, you will need to allocate assets accordingly.
Those who wish to draft or update their estate planning documents should contact a local lawyer as soon as possible. A Raleigh elder law attorney can help you take control of your future and build secure plans for your loved ones. Call today to learn how we can work with you toward your goals.