Elder Law

It's great to be healthy, especially as a senior, but simply because you are fit right now doesn't mean you may not need long-term care when you get older. The worst mistake you could make is overlooking the need for Medi-Cal planning.  You may not have health issues right now, but who can predict how healthy you will be in 50 years? Not to mention the possibility of unexpected illnesses or injuries that could leave you with medical issues that require long-term care.  According to some … [Read more...] about Even the Healthy Need Medi-Cal Planning

As the title suggests, an elder law attorney specializes in legal issues relating to elders.  This specialty became more well-known beginning in the 1980s when the legal issues seniors were facing had become more complicated in many ways.  Changes in Medi-Cal laws and an increase in nursing home care needs among seniors, among other issues, made elder law attorneys more popular.  You may be wondering why you would need a Los Angeles elder law attorney.  Here are a few examples. What is an Elder … [Read more...] about Why Would I Need an Elder Law Attorney?

If you are considering whether you need to establish a conservatorship, you aren't alone.  Many people have loved ones who may be in need of regular, formalized assistance with their affairs.  There are pros and cons to establishing a conservatorship in California.  There are also many alternatives that may be more appropriate for your loved one's situation.  Discuss your options with your elder law attorney before making a decision. What is a conservator? A conservator is someone appointed by … [Read more...] about Pros and Cons of a Conservatorship in California

When people start to consider the need for government benefits, many clients become confused about the difference between Medi-Cal and Medicare.  Which one do you need?  Medi-Cal lawyers are more than capable of explaining the differences and advising you on which type of benefits you need, or which type you are eligible for. What is Medicare? Medicare is a federal health insurance program available for individuals who are age 65 and older, disabled, or dialysis patients.  Unlike Medi-Cal, … [Read more...] about Do I Need Medi-Cal or Medicare?

The fact that we live in a highly mobile society can make some legal issues more complicated to resolve.  Dealing with the conservatorship of someone in another state is only one example.  A senior may have more than one residence in different states, or may live with different family members in various states at different times each year.  A conservatorship might be established in California, then the conservatee may move to another state with their child.  While that may not typically cause … [Read more...] about The California Conservatorship Jurisdiction Act

A recent story illustrates that financial elder abuse impacts a wide spectrum of the population and frequently occurs even within the best families. According to this article, Chase Caro has admitted that he stole $310,000 from his grandparents. Chase Caro ended up liquidating three CD’s without their permission, set up a joint trust fund in his name and theirs, and then began to withdraw money for his personal use. Chase Caro is the son of one of my favorite authors, Pulitzer-prize winning … [Read more...] about Financial Elder Abuse Occurs Even in Famous Families