Elder Law and Probate
Elder Care and Probate
Caring for an aging parent or spouse can be challenging, and we are here to help. If your loved one still has capacity, we are glad to help with Powers of Attorneys, Living Wills and other estate planning and end of life documents. If your loved one has lost capacity, we can help you navigate the often-confusing world of Conservatorships and Guardianships. If your loved one has passed away, a probate may be required to transfer assets to the appropriate heirs and pay final expenses. While probate does not need to be expensive, it is often confusing, and emotional. Parker Law Group is here to help you navigate through the probate process.
Elder Divorces
Unfortunately, we see far to many seniors being forced into divorce. This is a heart wrenching situation that faces may seniors, typically because one spouse needs Medicaid. When this happens, a family may be forced to choose between allowing one spouse to be left indigent so the other can receive care, or divorce so that the assets can be split equitably in order to provide both spouses the care they need. We would much rather help your family with its estate planning than an Elder Divorce, but should your family find itself in this unthinkable situation, we are experienced in this area of law and will be glad to help without judgment.
Experience has its Advantages
Our attorneys have both legal experience and real world experience, and that can be very valuable in Elder Law. While having a comprehensive estate plan is valuable, unless your plan takes into account retirement accounts, separate property, Medicaid, HIPPA, capacity and long term care, it may not help your family avoid the costly and emotionally difficult world of probate. Our attorneys are dedicated to planning for our clients at every stage of life.
Banks and Google are not Lawyers
Sadly, there is a lot of bad information on the internet, and yes, from your bank teller. Often times we are tasked with undoing the well intentioned yet negative consequences of bad information. For instance, we do not recommend that an aging parent add a child or caregiver to a bank account or title of real property. While doing that may avoid probate, it creates a host of other issues surrounding taxes, liability, Medicaid and family drama. There are other ways to avoid probate without the usually negative side effects. Before adding another person to the title of your assets or allowing yourself to be added, call us for a free no obligation consultation.