Hiring an elder law attorney or Medicaid lawyer to assist you with elder care or Medicaid planning for the nursing home can be difficult. First, you have to ensure that the lawyer is qualified and experienced and that they have a strong understanding of your particular situation. When hiring an attorney, it is essential to do your research and consider a few key factors. This blog post will discuss five key things to consider when hiring an elder care attorney or Medicaid lawyer when planning for a loved one in a nursing home.
Expertise
Make sure the lawyer or professional you are considering has the necessary experience and expertise to help with your needs. It’s best to look for a lawyer focusing their practice in elder law or Medicaid planning, depending on your needs. It’s also important to ask about the lawyer’s experience. A lawyer with years of experience in the field will be better equipped to provide advice tailored to your unique situation.
Specialization
Not all elder law attorneys offer Medicaid planning services, and not all Medicaid focused lawyers are elder law attorneys. It is crucial to find a lawyer that specializes in both areas and is familiar with state law. Missouri and Kansas have very few official “specialization” designations for lawyers. Estate planning, elder law, and Medicaid are not areas with official state or bar designations so you must do your own due diligence since any lawyer can make the claim of focusing on these areas.
Elder law attorneys are also called elder care attorneys or estate and trust attorneys, and they help persons prepare for long-term care and end-of-life planning. These lawyers help older people with a wide range of legal tasks, including asset protection, planning for retirement, estate planning, creating wills and trusts, making a power of attorney, and naming guardians.
Medicaid attorneys assist in the nursing home Medicaid application process and planning for preserving assets, and Medicaid eligibility.
Fees
As with any legal service, it is important to understand what the fees will be before you hire an attorney. Ask questions about the fee structure and payment options before making a commitment.
Communication
Finding an attorney or planner that you feel comfortable communicating with is essential. Ask how they prefer to communicate, how often they will update you on your case, and their policy on returning phone calls or emails.
Reputation
As with any professional services, look into the individual’s reputation in the field of elder law and Medicaid planning. Check reviews from other clients, ask other professionals for referrals, and research the attorney’s past cases.
When looking for an elder law attorney or Medicaid planner, taking the time to do your research and understand what you need from the service provider can make all the difference in the outcome of your case. A qualified elder care attorney and Medicaid lawyer can help ensure that you receive the best possible care and coverage available to you under the law.
At Paths Law, our team of experienced attorneys can provide comprehensive legal advice and services related to elder law, Medicaid, and VA benefits. We strive to provide each client with security in legally planning for the inevitable and unforeseen regarding their passing and long-term care needs. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you.
