Estate Planning and Elder Law Attorneys Serving Boxford, MA

According to AARP, as many as 6 in 10 adults have not engaged in any type of estate planning. While we tend to put it off because it can be uncomfortable or just not seem that important right now, it is definitely something that should not be delayed, no matter where you are in your life. If you are a senior citizen, you may also need to consider the many ways an elder law attorney can help you with your Boxford estate planning for your future.

While elder law and estate planning are separate disciplines of law, they overlap and affect one another significantly. Savvy Boxford families rely on law firms like Family Estate Planning Law Group, which has a robust team that focuses on these legal matters. Our legal team ensures any estate plan you establish is comprehensive, considering aspects associated with aging as well as death and disability.

When you work with our FEPLG elder law and estate planning attorneys, we will address many issues such as estate taxes and probate court, but also issues that go beyond that basic planning. We will help you determine how your assets could affect Medicaid/Medicare eligibility when looking for a long-term care facility. If you want to ensure a disabled family member continues to receive government support after your death, we can address that as well. Perhaps your desire is to ensure your charitable giving continues after your death.

We have a deep understanding of all these issues and more—all the issues that could affect you and your loved ones as you plan for the future. We also understand that you are unique; therefore, your estate planning needs are unique. Using methods like our unique SAVeT™ program, along with our Family Care Meeting™, we help guide you in creating a comprehensive team effort to ensure your estate plan is tailored to your specific situations. We also ensure we keep up with changes in your life situations with our ongoing client care program. Together We Plan for Life®.

Learn More About Estate Planning That Changes With Your Life

Estate planning is NOT an event, it is a process. We have developed a unique system to help you simplify, providing a smoother overall process.

Learn More About Our SAVeT™ System

What is Elder Law?

While estate planning lays the groundwork for distributing your assets after you pass away, elder law deals with the challenges you face as you age. This can include preserving your assets when qualifying for Medicaid or creating a health care proxy or power of attorney should you become incapacitated.

Planning for your long-term care needs can be a frustrating process to navigate on your own. Governmental health programs are complex, particularly if you have significant assets in your name. The FEPLG elder law attorneys help keep your eligibility by strategically protecting your assets. In situations related to incapacitation, our legal team will provide invaluable representation to ensure your wishes are properly carried out.

If you experience instances of age discrimination, elder abuse, or other age-related legal matters, we can advise you on the right course of action to take. With our assistance, you can learn what your rights are and how to report these issues, as well as create a plan for the best actions to take. Here at Family Estate Planning Law Group, we have a deep understanding of all issues related to elder law. Our experience and knowledge can help you to take control of your future by making the right decisions now.

How do you choose an Agent for Your Health Care Proxy?

A health care proxy is a legal document that gives another person—known as an Agent—the legal power to speak to your doctors regarding your condition, look at your medical records, and make health care decisions on your behalf. Your Agent will make these decisions with the goal of providing the best care for you while ensuring that care aligns with your choices and values. Your Agent is essentially an advocate who will step in to make health care decisions when you are unable to make those decisions yourself.

Depending on the level of medical disability, your Agent may make these decisions for a short time until you recover, or until your death. It is important to note that in the state of Massachusetts, a spouse, family, or friend does not automatically have the legal authority to make these health decisions for you unless you appoint them via your Health Care Proxy. Obviously, you should choose your Agent carefully, ensuring he or she understands your wishes in the event of incapacitation and will abide by those wishes.

Elder Financial Abuse

One risk we face as we get older and trust others to help us manage our affairs is becoming a victim of elder financial abuse. While internet scams to defraud the elderly of their savings and assets are rampant, in some instances family members are the perpetrators. A family member might coerce an elderly loved one into changing provisions in their estate plan to bring them greater financial gain. Not all financial abusers use the same approach when taking financial advantage of an elderly individual. Below are some common examples of elder financial abuse:

  • Purposeful asset mismanagement
  • Excessive spending of shared accounts
  • Investment scams
  • Regularly demanding money
  • Real estate fraud
  • Unlawful taking of property
  • Identity theft
  • Internet and phone scams
  • Using violence and neglect

When you have an attorney familiar with Boxford estate planning needs from FEPLG in your corner, we can help protect your assets and estate from elder financial abuse while offering concrete suggestions on avoiding these scams.

An Attorney Familiar with Boxford Estate Planning Needs Can Protect Your Family and Your Assets

Boxford communities rely on the estate planning team at Family Estate Planning Law Group. We believe your golden years should be enjoyable, safe, and financially secure. This is why our highly experienced team offers an ongoing care program, creating a relationship with your and your family to ensure they are taken care of when it matters most.  We also offer unique programs such as our SAVeT™ program and our Family Care Meeting™ to help care for your loved ones. These programs truly set us apart while setting you up with a comprehensive estate plan that will allow you to enjoy your retirement years swinging away at the Far Corner Golf Course or walking the grounds of beautiful Kelsey Arboretum.

Our goal is to give you peace of mind by helping you create an estate plan that accounts for many of the challenges you might face as you age. We provide legal services filled with compassion and a genuine understanding of your situation. FEPLG is here to build a lasting relationship with our clients while helping them navigate complex Massachusetts elder and estate planning law.

Discover how our ongoing care program and our SAVeT™ approach can provide you with the ongoing support and estate planning services you need. Contact us today to schedule an initial consultation with our team members. We also invite you to explore our blog and click here to request a complimentary consultation to find out more about FEPLG and our team members who are ready to guide you through this process.