When Do You Need An Elder Law Attorney?
Elder law is the practice of assisting aging clients and their families with finding estate planning and care solutions, all while protecting their assets. For many people, this means planning for a time when an elderly person can no longer care for or make decisions for themselves. Long-term care is expensive, and many people cannot afford it outright. They rely on aid through the federal Medicaid program.
The rules to qualify for Medicaid are complex and ever-changing. At Stillman & Associates, LLC, attorney Matthew Stillman can help you navigate the Medicaid maze and find the solution that works for you and your family. He is well-known throughout the area for his work in elder law and Medicaid planning. When other lawyers need help interpreting the law in this area, they turn to him. He represents clients in Connecticut in their elder law concerns, as well as traditional estate planning.
Crisis Medicaid Planning: Getting Help When Time Is Critical
Unfortunately, health can decline rapidly and require a quick response. When a loved one suddenly needs long-term care, there is often little time to sort through the legal, financial and care-related decisions. In these situations, attorney Stillman can help you review your options, guide you through the Medicaid application process and identify care facilities that may meet your loved one’s needs.
Many families do not realize they have several options available, even in a time of crisis. Through crisis Medicaid planning, Mr. Stillman can help you explore strategies that may protect assets, preserve eligibility and reduce delays in securing care. Families may find this type of planning especially important when they need to place a family member in a nursing home immediately or when they have not prepared in advance.
If you do not already have important legal documents in place, such as an advance medical directive or a durable power of attorney, Mr. Stillman can help you address those matters with careful guidance.
Proactive Long-Term Care Planning In Connecticut
There are a variety of ways to protect your assets if you can plan far enough ahead for your long-term care. The Medicaid program has very strict asset limits for eligibility. If your current assets are over the limit, you may need to spend down some of your money to reach the eligibility threshold. Mr. Stillman will help you identify the best way to do that.
In addition, Connecticut’s Medicaid program has a five-year look-back period, meaning that you can spend or transfer your money and other assets only in a very specific way in the five years before you apply for Medicaid. If you do not follow the very strict guidelines, you may have to account for that money before you become eligible.
Mr. Stillman can advise you regarding how other services and benefits coincide with Medicaid and long-term care. For example, if you are eligible for veterans benefits or have long-term care insurance, you may have different options available. He can also help you establish a conservatorship for a loved one.
Discuss Your Needs With Stillman & Associates, LLC, Today
Attorney Stillman is here to help. The sooner you get started, the more options you will have available. To schedule an appointment with him, please call his Guilford law office at 860-764-2980 or send him an email. He serves individuals and families across central and eastern Connecticut.