Meridian Elder Law Attorney

Elder Law Lawyer in Meridian, ID

As we age, new and complicated legal challenges can arise when we least expect them. A quality and forward-thinking plan can make sure you are taken care of, no matter what. Whether you live in areas like Southeast Meridian or Bridgewater, planning for your long-term healthcare, asset protection, and your family’s finances is vital. Be proactive with your future and speak with an elder law attorney serving Meridian who can advise you on these crucial matters.

At Senior Edge Legal, our skilled and qualified elder law and estate planning lawyer has been assisting clients and their families throughout Ada County for over 30 years. We understand the importance of elder law and ensuring you have the right plans and documents in place. These can provide crucial guidance for others if you reach a point where you cannot communicate your desires on your own. Now is the time to protect yourself and your loved ones.

Basic Aspects of Elder Law in Meridian

With 14.6% of the total population of Meridian being aged 65 years or older, elder law is vital to many residents. In Meridian, elder law is a specific legal area that addresses the rights and needs of senior individuals. Several aspects of elder law are important for preserving your rights, especially if you are incapacitated or otherwise unable to advocate for yourself.

At Senior Edge Legal, we are proud to offer our clients the following elder law and long-term care services:

Estate Planning

One of the most important aspects of elder law is estate planning. Estate planning in Idaho involves the creation of various legal documents such as wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and advance directives. These documents allow you to make key decisions regarding your estate, assets, or health before you pass or when you are incapacitated. At Senior Edge Legal, we can make sure your plan matches your goals.

Asset Protection

A key aspect of estate planning and Medicaid planning, asset protection is an important area of elder law and one that Senior Edge Legal excels at. After you pass, your will becomes subject to probate. The costs of probate can eliminate 5% of your entire estate’s value. Our firm can find legal ways to protect your assets from being depleted by probate expenses or the costs of long-term care.

Long-Term Care Planning

As we age, we might begin to need more involved medical attention than simply check-ups at the doctor’s office.  Senior Edge Legal can offer legal guidance on strategies involving pay options for assisted living facilities or nursing home expenses.  We can make sure you are prepared with reliable monetary resources when looking ahead to your future care.

Retirement Benefit Planning

For many people over 65, benefits obtained through Social Security are vital parts of a retirement plan. Senior Edge Legal can navigate the complex rules surrounding Social Security, plus IRAs, 401(k)s, and other retirement plans.

Healthcare Decisions

Part of elder law is making sure all your medical decisions can still be adhered to, even if you cannot make these decisions on your own. Senior Edge Legal can help you draft any necessary advance directives, living wills, or healthcare proxies. These can express your preferences for any medical treatment you may or may not want to receive.

End-of-Life Planning

Talking about the end of your life is not a pleasant conversation, but it is a vital one. Senior Edge Legal can help you make necessary and informed decisions regarding any organ donation, funeral arrangements, and any other end-of-life issues you want to address.

The Risks of Inadequate Planning

Elder law, especially areas like estate planning and long-term care planning, is essential to your overall health, care, and the protection of your legacy. However, only around 46% of Americans even have a will. Without seeking the help of an elder law attorney when creating an estate plan, you face several risks, including:

• When you pass without a will in place, the state will distribute your assets according to the intestate law of Idaho.
• Without an estate plan in place, your family is more likely to deal with disputes and legal battles following your death.
• If you do not have an estate plan and its vital tools in place, like a will or trust, your heirs may experience delays in their access to their inheritance.
• Your estate may suffer a higher tax burden without an estate plan.

Consult a Trusted Elder Law Attorney Serving Meridian Today

Planning for the future can be an emotional and complicated process, but it is crucial that you start thinking about it early, rather than when it is too late to make these important decisions. No matter your age or wealth, seeking the aid of an elder law attorney can save you from various complex legal issues in the future. Contact the office of Senior Edge Legal today, and learn how we might be of service to you and your family.