Friendswood, TX Elder Law Attorney

If you are over the age of 65, or you are the caretaker of someone who is, then you may have a variety of special legal needs to address. Some elder law issues can be especially challenging to navigate, which is why you need to enlist the assistance of a compassionate, capable Friendswood elder law attorney who can give you reliable advice and help you find the best solutions. The Law Office of Michelle E. Murphy is here for you and your family! Call today to schedule a free consultation and learn more about what our firm can do to serve you.

What Is Elder Law?

Elder law is an area of legal practice that includes a variety of legal obstacles seniors may face or things they need to take care of in retirement/the final decades of their lives. It encompasses, but is not limited to:

Estate planning –  Estate planning is the process of getting various legal documents together such as wills, trusts, powers of attorney, advance directives, and others. These documents determine what will happen to your family and to your assets when you pass away or can no longer make independent decisions. They will determine “who gets what” and also who will get to have the final say when tough choices need to be made. 

Medicaid planning – Medicaid planning is the process of converting your assets from “countable” to “non-countable” so that they can be  shielded from Medicaid’s income and resource requirements and won’t render you ineligible for government aid if you need to enter a nursing home or pay for long-term care. Typically, this involves the creation of specific types of trusts and other complex legal paperwork, as well as knowledge of Texas Medicaid laws. In order for Medicaid planning to be as effective as possible, it needs to be completed up to 5 years in advance from when you apply.  

Guardianships – Seniors can appoint a future guardian to serve as their legal caretaker, or caretakers of elderly loved ones who are already unfit to make decisions (and who didn’t have a designated guardian or power of attorney in place) can go through a court process to appoint themselves or someone else as a guardian. It can be a confusing and time-consuming process.  

Asset protection –  Seniors who have accumulated significant amounts of wealth over their lifetime may require additional legal protections in order to minimize taxes, deter creditors, and more. This process is similar to estate planning, but is designed to protect your assets at any point in your lifetime. 

And more. 

Why Is It Important For Seniors & Caretakers To Work With A Friendswood Elder Law Attorney?

People become more vulnerable when they age in every way – not only physically, but also financially and relationally. Without proper planning and wise decision making, elderly adults could lose all the money they have worked to save, and they could cause conflict or stress for family members who love them. Our Friendswood elder law attorney will take the time to get to know clients so she can give them personalized advice that will steer them in the right direction and protect them from risk. She can explain all of the options available! 

Because elder law issues frequently involve extensive paperwork, it is in your best interests to work with an attorney who is familiar with all of the documents you need, who has attended law school, who knows the current state laws, and who can ensure that any documents you create will be legally compliant, effective, and personalized to your unique needs. A lawyer will help you accomplish your goals and guide you every step of the way to the best resolution so you can enjoy your golden years in peace.

Trust The Law Office of Michelle E. Murphy To Help You

Elder law can be emotional and sensitive; Friendswood elder law attorney Michelle E. Murphy understands this, and takes a personal approach to helping seniors and their caretakers. She cares about her clients, and is dedicated to providing the highest quality advocacy and representation for them. She has over 20 years of legal experience, and has the ability to serve clients virtually (which can be helpful for seniors for whom it is difficult to leave home). Call her today to get your questions answered during your free consultation and get peace of mind!