Long Beach Elder Law Attorney - Estate Planning vs Elder Law
Estate planning is one of many areas that fall under the general umbrella of elder law because it is typically a topic that older people tend to think about more than younger people. Estate planning deals specifically with everything that must be done to ensure that your possessions go to the people you want them to go to after your death. Estate planning can also be used as a tool to ensure that you go on enjoying a comfortable quality of life if you become incapacitated as you age.
Elder law concerns itself with these things as well, but it is a more holistic approach that also focuses on many other topics that become increasingly important considerations as we grow older such as health, autonomy, and quality of life issues. The Law Offices of Sandra Diaz PC is available to assist you in all matters pertaining to estate planning and elder law. We are the leading elder law firm in southern California.
Long Beach Estate Planning Attorney
Although many people think of estate planning as something that’s only of significance to seniors, it is important to people of all ages. Estate planning may be particularly important to young people with dependents who may be left in chastened circumstances if certain safeguards are not put into place. If you die without a will or a living trust, your assets will be distributed in accordance with California’s probate laws. Why would you want California’s courts to make decisions that you could easily have made for yourself?
Prudent estate planning begins with drafting instructions for the disposition of your assets after your death. The two legal instruments most commonly used for this purpose are wills and living trusts. Your assets will include things over which you have direct control like real estate, bank accounts, and personal possessions as well as things over which you only indirectly control such as government benefits, retirement pensions, and life insurance payments. A good estate planner will help you develop strategies for maximizing that second class of assets as well.
Long Beach Elder Law Attorney
Elder law concerns itself with the question, “What will happen after I die?” but it also focuses on the more comprehensive question, “What will happen while I am still alive?” Life expectancy in the United States has risen sharply since World War II, which means that the golden years are stretching longer and longer for many individuals. There are a number of aging-related issues that must be prepared for if these individuals are going to live safe, comfortable lives.
Thus, attorneys who specialize in elder law help clients with those aspects of health care planning that are particularly relevant for individuals over the age of 65 such as advance health care directives and living wills, long-term care options and the navigation of government programs such as Medi-Cal, Medicare, and VA benefits. Other significant issues in elder law include safeguards against elder abuse, consumer protections, and other types of advocacy on behalf of senior citizens.
Each Long Beach Elder Law Attorney at The Law Offices of Sandra Diaz PC are very familiar with the legal tools, techniques and strategies that have been specifically designed to meet the needs of senior citizens and their families. We are here to provide senior citizens and their families with the peace of mind that comes from knowing there are plans in place to deal with the contingencies of aging. Learn more about what we do by calling us.