Elder law is a relatively new term that has only been around approximately 30 years. Elder law in California is a general term for the many legal areas regarding senior legal services and the elderly or senior population. An elder law attorney in California is a lawyer who specializes in the following:
- Advanced planning to protect assets, primarily real estate and financial investments that a person has earned, so that these assets do not prevent an aging individual from qualifying for benefits.
- Understanding and implementing the best possible services available for an aging or incapacitated person.
- Successfully guiding one through elder law services and navigating the Medi-Cal long term care system to qualify the person for benefits.
- Sheltering assets, minimizing taxes, preventing Medi-Cal recovery that could result in a forced sale or loss of home equity due to the government lien.
Medi-Cal is the only government program that covers the cost of long-term care in a nursing home (also called a skilled nursing facility or SNF). However, after your loved one passes away, Medi-Cal can go after their home and assets to recoup the costs of medical care. An elder law attorney can help you protect your assets from Medi-Cal. As an elder law attorney in Los Angeles County, we can comfortably assist when a family member currently may need long-term medical care.
It is never too early to begin Medi-Cal planning for your future or that of a family member. In fact, if you postpone planning too long, it may be too late. Laws may take effect in the future that can prevent you from effective long-term care planning. The sooner you consult an elder law attorney the better.
Our elder lawyers help each client understand public and private resources for your long-term care needs. Utilizing an elder care attorney will ensure your estate plan maximizes the recommended long-term care solution.
