Elder Law
Trusted elder law attorneys in Nassau and Suffolk counties
Elder law applies to the often complicated and sometimes difficult financial, medical, and residential issues and decisions that are facts of life for older Long Islanders and their families. The Law Offices of Kyle Norton, P.C. provides advice and legal assistance on these important matters, including—
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Housing and healthcare options for the elderly
There are many choices of living arrangements and levels of healthcare for the elderly. Our lawyers are well-informed about the available options and have extensive experience helping individuals and families make decisions about:
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Guardianships and alternatives
If a person is no longer able to make responsible decisions about his or her own life or care, one solution is to request that the court appoint a competent adult as a legal guardian. The guardian then makes financial, legal, and healthcare decisions for the dependent person, who is known as a ward. New York law provides for the protection of the ward by requiring these decisions be reported to the court. The court has the authority to remove a guardian who is not adhering to the law or is doing an irresponsible or inadequate job of caring for the ward's affairs.
The law also provides some less restrictive alternatives to guardianship:
- Power of attorney—You grant legal rights to a person you designate to make decisions, but only when you become incapacitated.
- Representative or protective payee—You authorize another person to manage certain benefits you receive, such as Social Security, veteran's benefits, pensions, or public assistance.
- Revocable trust—You set up a living trust with a relative, friend, or financial institution as your co-trustee. Your co-trustee takes over only if you become incapacitated.
Our lawyers listen to your concerns and advise on the relative benefits of the different options based on your unique situation.
Medicaid Planning
One of the greatest fears of older Americans is that they may end up in a nursing home. This not only means a great loss of personal autonomy, but also a tremendous financial price. Depending on location and level of care, nursing homes cost between $35,000 and $150,000 a year.
Most people end up paying for nursing home care out of their savings until they run out. Then they can qualify for Medicaid to pick up the cost. The advantages of paying privately are that you are more likely to gain entrance to a better quality facility and doing so eliminates or postpones dealing with your state's welfare bureaucracy--an often demeaning and time-consuming process. The disadvantage is that it's expensive.
Careful planning, whether in advance or in response to an unanticipated need for care, can help protect your estate, whether for your spouse or for your children. This can be done by purchasing long-term care insurance or by making sure you receive the benefits to which you are entitled under the Medicare and Medicaid programs. Veterans may also seek benefits from the Veterans Administration.
Save your home. Change your life. Get a fresh start.
For effective, professional help with your legal and financial issues, you need an experienced lawyer who is knowledgeable about all of the provisions of the law and genuinely wants to help. Request our free newsletter and/or sign up for our seminars using the message field on our contact form. Call our emergency legal hotline at 877-871-6179 or contact the Law Offices of Kyle Norton, P.C. online for assistance with planning for your own later life or for help with the laws affecting your aged relatives.
Your initial, in-person consultation is free.
