Long Beach Elder Care Lawyers
Elder care is an aspect of estate planning which uses legal protections for the elderly when they can no longer manage their own affairs, including:
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Powers of attorney
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Durable power of attorney
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Advance health care directives
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Living wills
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Long-term care insurance
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Conservatorships/guardianships
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Medicaid/medi-cal
The California Law Office of Cynthia R. Pollock has provided elder care legal assistance to clients in Long Beach and throughout Los Angeles County for close to two decades.
Conservatorships—when day-to-day affairs can no longer be managed
When an adult becomes unable to handle daily financial and Medi-Cal affairs, someone may need to step in and help. If the individual previously prepared and signed durable powers of attorney for finances and health care, the named person can legally help. However, if the individual did not plan ahead and is already incapable, experienced elder care lawyers in Long Beach can work with the court to appoint a conservator to manage the individual’s affairs.
A person appointed to supervise financial matters is called a conservator of the estate. A person appointed to make Medi-Cal and personal decisions is a conservator of the person. Depending on the circumstances, an individual may need one or both types of conservator and if both are needed, the same person may be appointed.
The function of a conservator is to manage the individual’s own assets and make personal decisions for him or her when needed. Further, a financial conservator is expected to seek any and all benefits for which the individual may qualify including:
While conservators are under court supervision and must file reports with the court, the opportunity for abuse and exploitation exists. The best way to avoid unwanted conservatorship is to have durable powers of attorney prepared in the event of incapacity and name a person you trust to protect your rights and interests.
Planning helps avoid a crisis
No one wants to believe that a serious illness or other incapacitation is in the future. However, unforeseen events happen to people everyday. An experienced elder care lawyer in Long Beach, CA can help you plan for the future and ensure you are taken care of in the event of illness or incapacitation. Contact the Law Office of Cynthia R. Pollock online or call 877-849-8916 to see how we can help you.