Elder Law Attorneys in Simpsonville, SC, Representing Clients with Dignity and Respect

Most lawyers choose practices that focus on a specific area of the law. An elder law attorney specializes in a particular client and demographic. These lawyers are trained in many areas that pertain to senior citizens, including federal and state laws, local regulations, and disability services.

At The Law Office of Rhett Burney, we pride ourselves on knowledge of all aspects of elder law. Our team is experienced in advocating for the rights of seniors and people with disabilities while maintaining a respectful and cordial relationship. If you have an elder law case and need our help, give us a call today at 864-523-2032 to learn more about our services.

What Kind of Clients Do Elder Law Attorneys Represent?

While an elder law attorney’s name implies that they only serve older adults, that’s actually not the case. Most clients are indeed senior citizens, but elder law lawyers are also well-versed in representing younger clients with disabilities.

Any individual who needs assistance with a case pertaining to laws that govern older adults or people with disabilities could benefit from an elder law attorney. And, if you have an elderly family member, consulting with an elder law attorney about their rights can help give you the peace of mind you’re looking for.

What Can an Elder Law Attorney Help Me With?

Older people and people with disabilities often have to keep track of an ever-changing legal landscape. The laws that pertain to them can be confusing, and advocating for themselves can be challenging.

Our team can help you with cases that involve things like:

• Paying for housing, including retirement communities, assisted living facilities, living with family members, and home equity conversion.
• Estate planning, like wills, trusts, and minimizing estate and income taxes.
• Paying for healthcare and long-term care, including using Medicaid, Medicare, and veterans benefits to do so.
• Planning for disability, like drafting financial and healthcare powers of attorney.
• Planning for retirement, including income distribution and benefits coverage.
• Navigating insurance plans, including health insurance, life insurance, disability insurance, Medigap, and long-term care.
• Elder abuse, including preventing and stopping physical abuse, financial abuse, or neglect.
• Advising guardians, conservators, representative payees, and executors of an estate.
• Legal capacity counseling, including explaining how capacity is determined and representing those who do not have legal capacity.
• Preparing a special needs trust (SNT) for the benefit of disabled adults or children.

And more. If you do not see your issue listed above but you’d still like legal representation, contact our law office today to see how our team can help.

What’s the Difference Between an Elder Law Attorney and an Estate Planning Lawyer?

Elder law attorneys and estate planning attorneys share some overlap, which is why they often need clarification. However, some critical differences can help you choose one or the other for your specific needs.

An estate planning lawyer mainly focuses on the distribution of assets after the individual is deceased. These lawyers can help you draft wills, trusts, and other estate documents, but that is their primary focus. Typically, they do not focus on the needs of the individual while they are still alive.

An elder law attorney primarily focuses on preserving assets and personal benefits while the individual is still alive. An elder law attorney can assist with estate planning, but their primary responsibility is taking care of the individual right now and ensuring their needs are met. This could include housing, medical care, power of attorney, and more.

Should I Hire an Elder Law Attorney?

Elder law cases can be tricky, especially because laws tend to differ from state to state (and even county to county). Navigating these laws can be difficult for any individual, but especially for someone who is elderly or someone with a disability. Leaving the legal side of your case to our experienced team will improve your quality of life and give you peace of mind.

With an elder law attorney on your side, you can rest assured knowing that your best interests are being advocated for and your rights are protected. If you have an elder law case that you’d like to pursue, contact us at The Law Office of Rhett Burney by calling 864-523-2032 today.