questions to ask an estate attorney when a parent goes into assisted living

by Trever Kozey 8 min read

Here are 11 questions you should ask before deciding on an assisted living facility: 1. What services do you offer? Ask the representative about services available to your parent, and confirm that the facility offers services that your parent requires.

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What questions should I ask when researching an assisted living community?

Mar 07, 2014 · If you want to be comprehensively prepared for the future you should understand the facts. When you consult with an elder law attorney, your lawyer will provide you with insight and answer your questions. Let’s look at some of the questions that you should ask your elder law attorney. 1.) What is the most important elder law issue?

What questions should I ask when meeting with an estate planning lawyer?

Aug 12, 2013 · Here are 11 questions you should ask before deciding on an assisted living facility: 1. What services do you offer? Ask the representative about services available to your parent, and confirm that the facility offers services that your parent requires. 2. Is my parent’s information safe? Many people in an assisted living facility will have access to your parent’s personal …

Should you consider assisted living for your parent or loved one?

The thought of planning your estate may seem daunting. You might wonder where to start or what you should ask your attorney. To get your estate plan off on the right foot, consider the following six questions to discuss with your estate planning attorney. Use Your Time Wisely A Get-Started Guide to Seeking Sound Advice 2 3 4 5

How do I select the right assisted living community for my parent?

“Estate planning consists of three documents, and it’s not necessarily attuned to monetary funds,” says tax attorney and CPA Howard Chernoff. “It’s attuned to making provisions so people don’t have to go crazy when you die.” To that end, here the three frequently asked questions answered by someone who does this for a living.

Is elder financial abuse a problem?

Elder financial abuse is a big problem in the United States today. When you consult with an elder care attorney, you may want to broach this subject and ask any questions that may come to mind. Unfortunately, a significant percentage of the instances of elder financial abuse that take place are perpetrated by people that are close to the victims.

Can people live in nursing homes?

People who need comprehensive care will reside in nursing homes. Those who are capable of maintaining a significant amount of independence often thrive in assisted-living communities. Some people can receive the living assistance that they need in their own homes.

Is Medi-Cal a need based program?

Because Medi-Cal is a need-based program, you have to be quite measured when you are looking ahead with eligibility in mind. The objective is to gain eligibility while retaining a maximum store of assets for the well-being of your loved ones. 2.)

Does Medicare pay for long term care?

Medicare will not pay for long-term care.

What is an estate?

An estate is just a fancy name for “all your stuff” -- even if it’s not a vintage Bentley and stocks you can trace back the Dutch East India Company. It’s still worth something to someone.

Why do we need a will?

“The reason you need a Will is because you should be the one who designates who takes care of your stuff, and you should designate who should get your stuff. Because otherwise it may go to people who you don’t want to have the stuff.”.

When is a POA active?

A POA is only active when you’re alive. Once you die your family needs your Will to start settling your estate. Once submitted to Probate, which is when the court makes sure the Will is authentic, things can get complex and you’ll most likely want to hire an estate attorney to make sure everything goes as smoothly as possible.

What is a health care proxy?

A Health Care Proxy (a.k.a. Medical Power Of Attorney or Health Care Agent), which is part of an Advance Directive, is important if you want to avoid living in a semi-permanent state of limbo.

What does POA mean?

If you are in any way unable to function.”. The POA lists out your hand-selected roster of people you trust to make necessary legal and financial decisions in your stead. “You can have a POA that takes effect immediately,” says Chernoff.

Is a power of attorney necessary?

“It’s extremely important that you establish legal and financial Power Of Attorney,” he explains. “So a surviving spouse or someone else can make decisions for you if you are incapable. Not if you’re dead, mind you. If you are in any way unable to function.”