Elder Law Attorney Bartlett IL – Law Offices of Anthony R. Scifo – Free Consultation 847-628-8311
Looking for expert advice on issues relating to elder law? Please do not hesitate to call experienced elder law litigation attorney Anthony R. Scifo to schedule a confidential discussion. Our firm serves communities including Bartlett, Elgin, Rolling Meadows, Carpentersville, Barrington, Geneva, South Elgin and Crystal Lake. We work hard to protect the legal rights and the best interests of our clients and their loved ones.
An Overview of Services Provided By an Elder Law Attorney Bartlett IL
Elder law attorneys serve as advocates for the best interests of older adults and their families. At our law firm, we handle a range of legal matters that can impact older or disabled people. For example, health care and long term health care plans, retirement, legal guardianship, social security, Medicare and Medicaid.
In some aspects, elder law is a specialty area because it focuses on the distinct needs of older people. Their legal needs can frequently be different and more specific than those of younger people. An Elder Law Attorney Bartlett IL can handle financial and estate planning issues for their clients. In addition, a lawyer advises on practical matters that affect the care of seniors like assisted living and life planning. Generally, elder law attorneys have experience in managing the sometimes sensitive emotional and physical requirements of seniors or the disabled.
Just some of the issues that an Elder Law Attorney Bartlett IL can provide expert advice include:
- -Review the significance and role of wills and smart estate planning. This can include plans regarding care for a minor or care for an adult who has special needs.
- -Probate proceedings.
- -Create power of attorney.
Law Offices of Anthony R. Scifo – 847-628-8311
- -Provide assistance with health care long term care options, patient’s rights, Medicare and the issue of health care power of attorney.
- -Financial representation for planning, including durable financial power of attorney, housing, income, estate planning and gift tax issues.
- -Guardianship. Including assistance with the selection and naming of an individual to serves as a legal guardian.
- -Assistance with locating a long term care facility and managing the cost of assisted living.
- -Explanation of nursing home resident’s rights and help with filing nursing home claims.
- -Drafting a living will or advance directives such as power of attorney and long range planning documentation.
Elder Law Attorney Bartlett IL– Power of Attorney for Money Matters
Having power of attorney for an elderly relative basically means that you can manage their financial affairs. Without a doubt, finances can be quite complex. For instance, complications can develop if relatives object to the choices you make. Disputes over fiscal matters can sometimes lead to audits or risk exposure to liability. However, applying power of attorney doesn’t have to be risky. With the help of your Elder Law Attorney Bartlett IL, you’ll gain an understanding of your legal obligations. With that information, you’ll be ready to obtain the right documentation of your actions. Consequently, you’ll feel secure in your position even if a dispute winds up in litigation. It is important to organize and keep resources separate. If you combine power of attorney funds with your personal finances it can become confusing.
Elder Law – 847-628-8311
To help steer clear of this potential problem, consider opening a bank account in your elderly relative’s name. With a separate account to handle their financial matters, it is much easier to monitor bill payments and other activity. It is essential to maintain your power of attorney funds separate from your personal funds. This offers protection in the event there are questions regarding your management later on. It can be an unpleasant experience to account for expenses relating to power of attorney after the fact.
Bank practices may vary. Generally, though, it’s advisable to put the account in the name of the individual over which you have power of attorney. This keeps all matters separate, but you’ll still have control over the account. It will also be beneficial when tax season comes around. Organization can save you from hassles later on if the IRS ever contests your power of attorney status. While your bank’s policies may be different, usually you can sign checks in your elderly relative’s name. Remember to include the term “power of attorney” and also sign your own name.
Handling an estate under power of attorney entails some complex practical matters. To avoid any legal conflicts, it is important to assure that all of your actions are fully appropriate. If you have any questions about power of attorney call our firm for a free and confidential consultation.
Elder Attorney – Guardianship, Conservatorship, Advance Directives and Living Wills
Elder law often involves matters of guardianship because incapacitation on account of illness most often afflicts the elderly. Courts in Illinois are frequently called on to name a guardian for an individual who is incapacitated or has disabilities. This entails a legal procedure in which a court determines whether to declare a guardian to manage the affairs of the elderly person. This usually includes providing for the person’s fundamental needs, making medical decisions and handling their financial affairs. A conservatorship is similar to a guardianship but there can be restrictions relating to management of financial affairs only.
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Some people elect to make fiscal and health care preparations in advance in case they become incapacitated and cannot care for themselves. An Advance Health Care Directive enables people to state their wishes regarding medical treatment. Other binding forms of preparation would include the drafting of a living will or giving power of attorney to someone so they can make healthcare decisions. Granting financial power of attorney permits that person to handle financial affairs in the event of incapacitation. Issues relating to long-range health care in assisted living and residential facilities may often call for the assistance of an Elder Law Attorney Bartlett IL.
Not surprisingly, health care is a pretty big part of elder law. Seeking and receiving benefits like Medicare are important for general welfare and financial condition. Disagreements regarding medical care can be a common occurrence with respect to elderly patients.
Lawyer for Wills, Trusts, Guardianship, Probate – 847-628-8311
Many seniors depend on Social Security benefits during their retirement. Problems in obtaining those benefits, transferring them to spouses or dependents or even applying for them in the first place can often require the services of an Elder Law Attorney Bartlett IL. Disabled people can also submit an application for Social Security benefits. That process or appealing an unfavorable decision from the Social Security Administration is also sometimes part of elder law practice.
Estate planning is another area of elder law. It usually involves the transferring of an individual’s property and assets to their beneficiaries after death. This frequently takes place through the probate process, which can be complicated and time-consuming.
If you or one of your loved ones is in need of legal representation, consult with the Law Offices of Anthony R. Scifo. Whether you have questions about guardianship, estate planning, power of attorney, living wills, advance directives, Social Security or another issue regarding elder law, we are here to help.
