Texas City, TX Elder Law Attorney

The older you get, the more complex your legal and financial needs become. Retirement planning, applying for Social Security benefits, drafting a will, etc. – all of these are things that you need to take care of so that you can enjoy the best decades of your life in peace, without worrying about your family’s future or your legacy! Our Texas City elder law attorney has helped numerous seniors and their caretakers navigate various paperwork and planning processes. Call today to discover your options and next steps! We offer free, no-obligation consultations.

What Does Elder Law Encompass?

“Elder law” is really an umbrella term for any legal issue that affects people over the age of 65! Here are a few of the most common types of elder law circumstances that The Law Office of Michelle E. Murphy frequently encounters:

Estate planning – Estate planning involves creating various legal tools, such as a last will and testament or other type of will (joint will, pour over will, etc.), a revocable or irrevocable trust, a power of attorney, an advance directive, and other documents that 

a) clarify your wishes for what you want to happen to you, your healthcare, your possessions, your money, and your family members when you pass away or become unable to make decisions for yourself 

b) ensure these wishes are legally valid and enforceable 

c) prevent probate (a long, expensive Texas court process) from occurring so your loved ones can inherit your assets right away

d) prevent your loved ones from being confused over or fighting about what you would have wanted

Medicaid planning – Medicaid planning involves shielding your assets from being counted towards your resources on the Medicaid application so that you aren’t denied! Medicaid is a government aid program that can help seniors cover the costs of nursing home care. In Texas, having to enter an assisted living facility can cost over $80,000 per year; most seniors are on fixed incomes and can’t nearly afford that amount, which is not covered by private health insurance or by Medicare. However, they may have “too much” in terms of assets to qualify for Medicaid assistance, which is resource-restricted  and intended for low-income individuals. 

If you don’t take the time to work with our Texas City elder law attorney and transfer assets legally out of your name, you may be either forced to either deplete your life savings and the inheritance you planned to leave your children and grandchildren OR have your family pay for care and become a financial burden on them. 

Guardianships – Someone may need to become your legal guardian at some point if you can no longer make sound medical and financial choices, or if you become incapacitated. This is common for seniors who develop Alzheimer’s or dementia, for example. You can plan ahead and designate a legal guardian, or sometimes families will need to petition the court in order to be granted guardian status. 

Our firm can help you with any or all of these aspects of elder law and more! 

Why Choose Our Texas City Elder Law Attorney To Help You?

When you’re dealing with any of the above complex issues, it can set your mind at ease knowing that you have a professional on your side who is highly experienced helping other people with the same things you need help with! 

Attorney Michelle E. Murphy has spent over 20 years offering compassionate legal advice and guidance to elderly adults and their families in Texas City and throughout the state. She has the knowledge necessary to explain all of your options. She will handle the paperwork for you so you don’t have to stress. She can protect your hard-earned wealth so that your family can benefit from it. She will take the time to listen to you, and she will treat you with the utmost kindness and personal attention that you deserve! 

Don’t wait until a situation becomes a crisis; let her plan ahead with your interests in mind! Call the office today to schedule a free consultation and learn more about what she can do to serve you.