Elder Law

Discover a wealth of resources dedicated to the complexities of legal issues affecting older adults. Visitors will find informative articles, expert video interviews with elder law attorneys, and concise legal glossary definitions that cover topics such as estate planning, guardianship, Medicaid, and long-term care. Whether you're seeking guidance on wills, trusts, or elder abuse, this category provides essential insights to help you navigate the intricacies of elder law with confidence.

70 posts

What Happens If You Die Without a Will?

June 2, 2025 • By Jack Gilbert

If you die without a will, your estate is distributed under your state’s intestacy laws, typically prioritizing a spouse and children first. A probate court appoints an administrator and follows statutory shares, which can exclude unmarried partners and friends. This article explains intestate succession, probate steps, and how outcomes vary by state and family structure. […]

Banking and Finance Law Banking/Finance/Securities

Avoiding Probate: Strategies for Estate Planning

May 30, 2025 • By Jack Gilbert

Avoiding probate can transfer many assets outside court using tools like revocable trusts, beneficiary designations, and joint ownership. These strategies reduce delays, fees, and public disclosure while keeping control during life. This article outlines practical estate planning options to bypass probate and protect heirs. The fundamental principle underlying avoiding probate: strategies for estate planning rests […]

Civil Rights Elder Law

7 Common Causes of Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect

May 29, 2025 • By Jack Gilbert

Nursing home abuse and neglect often stem from 7 common causes, including understaffing, poor training, and inadequate supervision. These breakdowns can lead to missed care, unsafe conditions, and preventable injuries for residents. This article explains each cause and the warning signs families should watch for. A nursing home is a type of assisted living facility […]

Elder Law Estate Planning

Wills vs. Trusts: Which Is Right for You?

May 28, 2025 • By Jack Gilbert

A will directs how your assets are distributed after you die, while a trust can manage and transfer assets during your lifetime and often avoid probate. The right choice depends on factors like the size and complexity of your estate, privacy needs, and whether you want ongoing control or incapacity planning. This article compares wills […]

Elder Law Estate Planning

Can An Estate Planning Lawyer Help With Medicaid Planning?

March 16, 2025 • By Jack Gilbert

Yes—an estate planning lawyer can help with Medicaid planning, including strategies to protect assets and improve eligibility while complying with federal and state rules. Because Medicaid has strict income and asset limits and a five-year “look-back” on many transfers, mistakes can trigger delays or penalties. This article explains how these lawyers structure plans, what tools […]

Child Custody and Protection Consumer Protection

5 Common Mistakes to Avoid in a Divorce

March 6, 2025 • By Jack Gilbert

Divorce outcomes can be derailed by a handful of common, avoidable mistakes that cost time, money, and leverage in negotiations or court. Missteps like hiding assets, venting on social media, ignoring temporary orders, or acting without legal guidance can quickly escalate conflict and undermine your position. This article explains five frequent divorce errors and offers […]

Elder Law Estate Planning

Power of Attorney: Legal Authority and Responsibilities Explained

March 2, 2025 • By Jack Gilbert

A power of attorney (POA) is a legal document that authorizes 1 person (the agent/attorney-in-fact) to act for another (the principal). It can cover financial, healthcare, or limited tasks and typically ends at death unless revoked earlier. This article explains POA types, agent responsibilities, and how to create and use a POA correctly. A power […]

Asset Protection Elder Law

Estate Planning Lawyer: Securing Your Family’s Future

March 1, 2025 • By Jack Gilbert

An estate planning lawyer helps you create a legally enforceable plan using tools like a will and trust to protect assets and reduce probate delays. They tailor documents to your family, finances, and state law to ensure your wishes are carried out. This article explains estate planning basics, the attorney’s role, and key strategies to […]

Civil Law Explained Consent Laws

Guardianship Laws: Protecting Vulnerable Individuals

February 19, 2025 • By Jack Gilbert

Guardianship laws let a court appoint a guardian to make legal, financial, or healthcare decisions for an adult who can’t safely manage their own affairs. The goal is to protect vulnerable individuals while preserving as much independence and due process as possible. This article explains who may need guardianship, how petitions and hearings work, what […]

Elder Law Estate Planning

Power of Attorney: Choosing and Using Legal Representation

February 9, 2025 • By Jack Gilbert

A power of attorney lets 1 person (the principal) legally authorize another (the agent) to act on their behalf. Depending on the type—durable, medical, limited, or springing—the agent can handle finances, healthcare decisions, or specific transactions. This article explains how to choose an agent, set clear limits, and use or revoke a POA safely. In […]

Elder Law Estate Planning

Elder Law Essentials: Legal Considerations for Senior Care

February 6, 2025 • By Jack Gilbert

Elder law covers the legal planning seniors need to protect health, finances, and personal wishes, including Medicaid eligibility, powers of attorney, and long-term care arrangements. It helps families avoid costly gaps in care, reduce disputes, and ensure decisions can be made smoothly if capacity declines. This article explains core elder law documents, long-term care and […]

Asset Protection Elder Law

Estate Planning Checklist: Securing Your Family’s Future

January 26, 2025 • By Jack Gilbert

A complete estate plan typically includes 5 core documents: a will, revocable trust (if needed), durable power of attorney, health care directive, and beneficiary designations. Together, these tools protect assets, clarify decision-makers, and reduce probate delays and family disputes. This article walks you through the full estate planning checklist and next steps to secure your […]

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