As the population of seniors grows, understanding and recognizing elder law is more important than ever. National Elder Law Month was created to provide knowledge about estate planning, advanced medical directives, guardianship issues, and other legal matters related to aging.

What is National Elder Law Month?

National Elder Law Month exists to educate and inform citizens on how to protect their rights and secure their finances as they age. This includes taking steps to ensure that your personal wishes are understood, such as establishing advance medical directives or creating a last will and testament.

At its core, National Elder Law Month is about empowering older adults and those who care about them by providing the information needed to make informed decisions regarding their estate and health care planning. It’s also about making sure everyone is aware of the resources available to them, should they need legal help with any elder law matters.

How can you prepare for your future?

First, it’s important to create an estate plan that outlines your personal wishes if something happens to you. This should include advanced medical directives, such as a durable power of attorney or health care proxy, and last will and testament.

Durable Power of Attorney

A durable power of attorney allows you to designate someone to make legal decisions on your behalf if you become unable to do so. This document is especially beneficial if you become incapacitated and unable to handle your own affairs or sign legal documents.

Health Care Proxy

A health care proxy allows you to appoint another person as your medical decision maker if you cannot make decisions for yourself due to a physical or mental disability. This document also allows you to specify end-of-life wishes and treatment preferences.

Last Will and Testament

Lastly, a last will and testament allows you to appoint a guardian for minor children, set up trusts for beneficiaries if desired, name the source of your assets, designate an executor, and ensure that all your possessions are properly distributed among your heirs in accordance with state law. This document is also important for avoiding probate and ensuring that your wishes are respected after you pass away.

Hire an experienced Elder Law Attorney

You should also consider working with an experienced elder law attorney at Russo Law Group, P.C. who can help you understand the complexities of elder law and ensure that your estate plan is up to date. As elder law attorney’s, we provide invaluable advice on how to protect your rights, secure your finances, and ensure that your wishes are known.

Now is the time!

By taking the time to understand elder law and create a comprehensive estate plan during National Elder Law Month, you can make sure you’re covered and have peace of mind knowing that your wishes will be respected. Take advantage of this important month and make sure you’re prepared for the future.

We hope this blog post has helped provide you with an understanding of the importance of National Elder Law Month, as well as some tips on what you can do to ensure your estate plan is up-to-date and properly reflects your wishes. For any additional questions or concerns, please reach out to our office at 1 (800) 680-1717 and schedule an appointment to discuss what makes sense for you and your loved ones.