We might learn more and more with every passing year, but there are some long-term questions that always keep us guessing. These questions can turn into burning anxiety that just won’t leave us alone – and typically, these questions have to do with what happens after we die.
People think about their mortality all the time, and while the really big questions are a little more complicated to answer, there are more practical concerns that we wonder about too: Who will take care of my children once I’m gone? And who will take care of me if I’m no longer able to take care of myself?
Getting older means having more experience, but it also means placing greater importance on planning out the best possible future for your family and friends. Fortunately, an elder law lawyer can answer any questions you might have, and you can reach out to qualified attorneys who can help you make sure your loved ones receive the care they need after your passing.
As an elder law lawyer in Warwick, RI from a firm like McCarthy Law, LLC can explain, an elder law lawyer provides more than just guidance with your will or living trust. Read on to learn a little more about how an elder law lawyer can help you, and understand the basics of what services these attorneys can provide.
Wills are Just the Beginning
A will is an important document that contains a list of your assets and the instructions for what should be done with them. Without a will, you’re opening up your family and friends for infighting, drama, and potential legal battles. When you work with an elder law lawyer to draft a will, you’re taking an important step to ensuring things go just a little smoother after your death.
An elder law lawyer won’t just stop at creating a will, though. If your family has a history of debilitating mental illnesses such as dementia or Alzheimer’s, you and your elder law lawyer can work together to create a durable power of attorney. When you establish a durable power of attorney, you are choosing a trusted individual to act in your legal interests should you become incapacitated.
If you have any dependents (like children, elderly relatives, or relatives who are mentally impaired) you can also work with your elder law lawyer to establish guardianship. When you elect a guardian, you’re choosing a trusted individual to watch out for your relatives if you’re no longer able to do so yourself. The right legal counsel can help you determine who is the best fit, and can also help you decide whether your relatives require a guardian of the person or a guardian of the estate.
When someone is named a guardian of the person, it means they’re responsible for the physical wellbeing of your relative. On the other hand, a guardian of the estate is named to handle only the finances of the person in question. It can be a delicate decision, and one that requires all the right legal documents to be filed. Fortunately, elder law lawyers are trained to help you with these choices.
Contact an Elder Law Lawyer Today
It’s never too late – or too early – to ensure your last wishes are carried out. Reach out to a qualified elder law lawyer to learn more about how you can protect your loved ones.