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Biography
New York City Bar Legal Referral Service
42 West 44th Street, New York, NY 10036Monday - Thursday 8:30AM to 5:30PM
(Closed from 1:00PM to 2:00PM)
Friday 8:30AM to 1:00PM
Closed on all national holidays
Elder law in New York State is a special area of law that helps older adults and their families with important legal and financial matters. It covers things like making a will, planning for nursing home care, protecting money and property, and choosing someone to make decisions if an elderly person can no longer do so. Elder law attorneys also help with government benefits like Medicaid and Social Security. The goal is to make sure older adults are treated fairly, have the care they need, and can make plans for their future.
Lawyers who practice in the Elder Law field focus on legal issues you deal with as you grow older. Elder law covers many different areas. First, it covers the planning and writing of documents such as:
Elder law attorneys help older adults and their families plan for the future and handle legal challenges that come with aging. In addition to preparing important documents like wills and trusts, they help clients create powers of attorney and health care proxies, which allow trusted individuals to make financial or medical decisions if the client is unable to do so. Living wills are also an important part of elder law, as they let people express their wishes about medical care in case they become seriously ill or injured and cannot communicate their decisions. By helping clients draft these documents, elder law attorneys ensure that their wishes are followed and that their families can avoid unnecessary stress and confusion.
Beyond estate planning, elder law attorneys assist with long-term care planning and government benefits. Many older adults need help paying for nursing homes or in-home care, and an elder law attorney can guide them through the process of applying for Medicaid or other assistance programs. They can also advise on protecting assets while still qualifying for benefits, which is especially important since long-term care can be very expensive. Additionally, elder law attorneys help clients understand their rights regarding Medicare, Social Security, and other governmental benefits, making sure they receive the support they are entitled to.