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Seniors and their families have a lot to think about as they age gracefully. A person may or may not be in good health now, but if something changes, how will they deal with Long-Term Care and Medicaid planning? Protecting the assets that a person worked their entire life to obtain is a top priority and one of the reasons to hire us as your Seattle elder law attorney.
We can help a person receive the care they need as they age without losing the assets that they worked hard to obtain.
Our firm knows the legal issues seniors face and can help with:

We help our clients prepare for the future, guide them through Long-Term Care planning, and carefully implement Medicaid Asset Preservation Strategies® (MAPS®) to help you get the care you or your loved one needs while preserving assets.

Take a behind-the-scenes look at our ELG Estate Planning Seattle office and meet the incredible team behind the work. From your first consultation to finalizing your plan, we’re here to provide thoughtful guidance every step of the way.

What Can a Seattle Elder Law Attorney Do for My or My Family?

ELG Estate Planning helps families understand the options for care as they age, ensures their health and financial wishes are met, and provides assurance that their goals are met.
Our firm offers compassionate services and has been helping families since 2006  with strategic planning, including Medicaid, to pay for Long-Term Care that gives everyone peace of mind and preserves assets.

Long-Term Care Planning

An estimated 70% of people turning 65 today will need some form of Long-Term Care during their lives. A Seattle elder law attorney can help you or your loved one receive the care they need using multiple strategies that:
  • Protect financial assets
  • Help a person utilize Medicaid benefits
  • Avoid potential liens on assets for Medicaid benefits
Long-term care involves a person entering assisted living, adult family home, nursing home facilities, or even in-home care.

Medicaid Planning

Long-term care and Medicaid planning work together. Medicaid is how many people pay for their Long-Term Care needs, but the law is complex. You can receive benefits, depending on your monthly income, which rarely disqualifies one from benefits.
Assets can  not exceed a certain limit, but some exemptions do exist, such as your home or household goods, which are “non-countable” assets.
Pre-planning can help ease the burden of meeting Medicaid requirements because:
  • Medicaid’s five-year lookback period will analyze your assets going back five years, so you need to begin planning ahead of time.
  • Legal strategies can be put in place while a person is healthy to reduce their assets and income to meet Medicaid’s requirements for Long-Term Care.
We know that Medicaid planning can help families rest assured that their loved ones can receive the care they need as they age. Our firm wants to help you create a plan that helps you reach your goals, but if a crisis occurs, we can still be integral in fulfilling a person’s care needs.

Medicaid Crisis Planning

Having extensive experience with elder law, we know that long-term planning in advance isn’t always possible. You or your loved one may need care now, so the strategies that are typically used with the five-year lookback period are not possible.
We can still implement many strategies that will preserve some of your or your loved one’s assets while still qualifying for Medicaid.
Gifts or loans can be made that make you ineligible for Medicaid for a certain period of time, but once the period has expired, the application may be approved. A Seattle elder law attorney can help you better understand your options for Medicaid, even if you don’t have five years to wait.

Medicaid Asset Preservation Strategies®

Long-term care costs can exceed $100,000 per year. Medicaid can help offset some of these costs, but qualifying for care can be a challenge.
We can provide effective strategies to help you qualify for benefits without going broke in the process.
No matter what stage of life you are in, we can help you create a plan that preserves assets and ensures your quality of care.
Our implementation of Medicaid Asset Preservation Strategies® (MAPS®) can help you:
  • Avoid a lien on assets for the benefits you receive
  • Protect assets without compromising on the quality of Long-Term Care you need
  • Secure Medicaid benefits
We will work with you to find the right strategies for your unique situation and needs.

When Should I Hire an Elder Law Attorney?

Anyone over the age of 65 can benefit from hiring a Seattle elder law attorney, even if they are healthy. In fact, working with an attorney while you are still healthy is ideal because you can be more actively involved in all aspects of the planning process.
An attorney can help guide you through the process of:
  • Drafting a will and establishing powers of attorney
  • Forming trusts that protect assets and provide financial security to heirs
  • Creating health care directives to ensure your wishes are carried out
Apart from estate planning, there are other scenarios that warrant the hiring of an elder law attorney, such as when you or your loved one:
  • Needs assistance with Medicaid eligibility
  • Is entering a nursing home and Long-Term Care planning is needed.
  • Are experiencing a major life change, such as divorce, marriage, or a change in living arrangements. Significant life changes can affect one’s legal needs, and estate plans should be reviewed and updated.
Navigating the complexities of aging and estate planning can be challenging. An elder law attorney can make the process far less stressful and provide peace of mind that you have an advocate on your side.

How To Choose the Best Seattle Elder Law Attorney Near You for You and Your Family

Choosing a Seattle elder law attorney is a personal decision and one that should be made carefully. A qualified and reputable attorney will give you peace of mind that your loved ones will be taken care of your wishes will be carried out, and you will receive the care you need.
There are several things to consider when selecting an elder law attorney, including:
  • Experience. An attorney who focuses on elder law will know how to navigate the unique challenges of Medicaid planning and Long-Term Care planning. They understand the needs of seniors and the planning options available to them.
  • Level of service. The right attorney will be happy to answer your questions and give your situation the level of attention it deserves. Your attorney should truly care about helping you reach your goals and taking care of your loved ones.
  • Compassion and care. Estate planning and elder law matters can be complex and, at times, emotionally charged. A compassionate attorney will serve not only as your advocate but also as a source of support and guide you through these challenging processes with care.
  • Fee structure. You should understand how the attorney is paid for their service and when, so you can make an informed decision.
At our firm, we are committed to helping seniors and their families plan for the future and understand their options. For nearly twenty years, we’ve been assisting clients with complex issues such as Medicaid Asset Preservation Strategies®, Asset Protection Estate Planning™, Long-Term Care needs, and more.
We understand that getting one’s affairs in order can be challenging and emotionally taxing. We’re here to help every step of the way.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation and discuss your needs
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