Planning for your future involves endless questions that you should never feel ashamed to ask. When searching online for an “elder lawyer near me,” you will likely find overwhelming options, so how can you determine who will adequately serve your needs?
You can narrow down the list and find the right lawyer for you by asking questions. Below, our experienced elder law team at Schneider, Garrastegui & Fedele, PLLC., in Melville, New York, will cover the top 10 questions you should ask an elder law attorney in Long Island before making your decision.
1. What Is Elder Law?
First, ask the lawyer what elder law is to ensure that it relates to your needs. Elder law is a blanket term that covers many different legal fields surrounding your needs as you age. Typically, elder law includes planning for your medical care, assisted living, financial requirements, and asset protection.
2. What Documents Can You, an Elder Law Attorney, Help Me Create?
Every lawyer has experience in different areas. When you speak with an elder law attorney, you should ask them what sorts of documents they can help you put together so that you can determine whether or not their experience meets your needs.
For example, here are just a few different topics that fall within elder law:
- Medicare, Social Security, and Medicaid
- Health care directives
- Living trusts, living wills, and powers of attorney
- Wills
- Estate planning
- Guardianships
- Long-term nursing home care
- Elder abuse
- Retirement benefits
3. Why Should I Still Worry About Finances When I Have Savings?
Many people do not realize the cost of an assisted living facility or homecare. A standard retirement savings account cannot cover many nursing home expenses. Depending on your financial situation, an experienced elder law attorney can help you understand whether or not you should worry about having enough funds for the future.
4. Should I Create a Power of Attorney?
You may not realize it, but you likely can benefit by creating a power of attorney. Many different types of powers of attorney exist for varying scenarios. You should discuss whether or not this legal document is right for you with your elder law attorney.
An experienced lawyer can help you decide if you should create a power of attorney to protect your health and financial assets, and which type you should use.
5. How Much Experience in Elder Law Do You Have?
You want someone with ample experience in dealing with matters similar to yours. When you search online for an “elder lawyer near me,” you may find a few scams popping up. You should ask the attorney how much experience they have in elder law, specifically with situations similar to your own.
For example, if you wish to create a living trust, you should ensure that the attorney has helped many clients do the same thing in the past. Aside from the actual attorney, you should also determine how much experience the law firm has.
6. What Documents Do I Need for Our Consultation?
Before meeting with an attorney, they often request that you bring in different legal documents like property titles, insurance information, or anything else surrounding your needs. Be sure to ask what you should bring before your appointment.
7. What Costs Should I Expect?
All law firms charge differently. Some places charge on a contingency basis, while others place upfront fees toward your total bill. You should ask about all associated costs so that you can budget accordingly.
8. Will You Offer Me Recommendations?
Making recommendations based on legal experience is a huge aspect of an attorney's job. Elder law involves many different options, so understanding what to pursue can be challenging. You need to find someone who can assess your situation to help you determine the optimal path.
9. How Should I Store My Legal Documents?
You should ask your attorney how and where to store any legal documents you create. Typically, they recommend that you make copies and keep the originals in a fire-resistant safe.
Consider Schneider, Garrastegui & Fedele PLLC for Your Elder Law Needs in Long Island
If you’re searching for an “elder lawyer near me,” save yourself the headache and consider Schneider, Garrastegui & Fedele, PLLC., for your elder law legal needs. Our hyper-focused law firm works only with elder law and real estate, so we have ample experience in the field.
To speak with an experienced elder law attorney, call us today at (631) 519-9831, or fill out our online form to schedule an initial consultation.
Copyright © 2022. SCHNEIDER, GARRASTEGUI & FEDELE PLLC. All rights reserved.
The information in this blog post (“post”) is provided for general informational purposes only and may not reflect the current law in your jurisdiction. No information in this post should be construed as legal advice from the individual author or the law firm, nor is it intended to be a substitute for legal counsel on any subject matter. No reader of this post should act or refrain from acting based on any information included in or accessible through this post without seeking the appropriate legal or other professional advice on the particular facts and circumstances at issue from a lawyer licensed in the recipient’s state, country or other appropriate licensing jurisdiction.
SCHNEIDER, GARRASTEGUI & FEDELE PLLC
135 Pinelawn Rd #250s
Melville, NY 11747
(631) 519-9831
https://isvglaw.com