Elder Law

Elder law is defined by the client rather than by specific legal distinctions. At RIZZO & DIERSEN our Elder law attorneys specialize in the legal issues facing older people, which may include issues almost as diverse as the entire legal spectrum. The main issues addressed, however, involve advanced planning. As people age, they become concerned about distributing their estates, establishing alternative decision makers in case of mental or physical incapacity, investigating possible long-term care needs (including the type of care and how to finance it), and otherwise ensuring a comfortable retirement. Often, people seek legal techniques for achieving these goals.

As our population ages, it is even more necessary for our society to become aware of the needs of the elderly, and ways to give them support. Families with aging parents or relatives must be aware of all the rights and benefits to which the elderly are entitled-- to make the aging experience as comfortable as possible for all parties concerned.

Proper estate planning and asset distribution before death can help the whole family. If this is done properly, an elderly person can receive the full value of Medicaid and Medicare benefits, and can also preserve assets for an estate to benefit children and future generations.

Children of parents who are under home care, or in nursing homes or other assisted living arrangements, should make sure their parents are receiving all the benefits to which they are entitled.