Elder Law Attorney in White Plains, New York

Many individuals look forward to their later years, when they have fewer responsibilities after leaving the workforce and can dedicate more time to family, self-fulfillment, and life enrichment. However, there are also unique challenges individuals face as they approach what some term the “Third Age,” that span of time between retirement and the onset of age-related physical, emotional, and cognitive medical conditions. This period triggers numerous elder law issues and is often overlooked, even for those who have basic estate planning in place.

At Kent Hazzard & Freeman, our team appreciates the unique needs and concerns of older adults, as well as the families who provide various levels of assistance and support on their behalf. We can advise you on key legal topics and assist with planning strategies, so please contact our office to set up a consultation with a White Plains elder law attorney. You might also benefit from reviewing some general concepts and steps to take for yourself or an aging loved one.

Key Topics in Elder Law

You may better understand the relevant concepts and appreciate the reasons you need legal representation once you understand what falls under the umbrella of elder law. Aging adults may need to address such issues as:

• Long-term health care, including paying for services and patient rights;
• Assessing the level of care necessary for assisted living and locating a suitable facility;
• Medicare planning, such as determining eligibility and handling enrollment;
• Guardianship, which may be necessary when a person cannot manage financial affairs or health care due to incapacity;

In addition, one of the most important topics in elder law is estate planning, which can serve to support and address these issues. A will is critical, but note that estate planning is not just a strategy for handling your final affairs at death; many components are effective and deliver benefits during your lifetime. For instance, an advance health care directive enables you to appoint someone to make medical decisions for you if you become incapacitated. Through a financial power of attorney, you can name an agent to handle your financial affairs if you are unable. Together, these documents dispense with the need for guardianship.

Legal Support from a White Plains Elder Law Lawyer

Our attorneys at Kent Hazzard & Freeman are dedicated to serving a wide range of needs in the area of elder law, recognizing that our legal services can be most effective when you consider the relevant issues early on. We can advise you on long-term health care planning and leveraging Medicare benefits for payment. Our team is also skilled in estate planning, so we are ready to assist you in creating a plan and preparing documents.

Set Up a Consultation with a White Plains Elder Law Attorney

Do not make the mistake of overlooking the unique factors and challenges that you could encounter as you get on in years. You can trust our team at Kent Hazzard & Freeman to guide you in planning for your own Third Age, and we are prepared to assist with the needs of your loved ones. For more information, please contact us to schedule a consultation with a White Plains elder law lawyer.