Elder Law Lawyer Chesterfield MO

Elder Law Lawyer in Chesterfield Missouri

An elder law lawyer in Chesterfield MO is going to be your advocate in all things that affect the older population. This could mean your lawyer is going to handle long-term care planning, health care, guardianship, retirement, Social Security, Medicare/Medicaid, and more. These lawyers are considered to be specialists because they focus on the needs of older adults—and older adults need a bit more care than younger ones.

An elder law lawyer in Chesterfield Missouri can help you handle your financial needs, your estate planning needs, and even help with day-to-day issues that affect senior care, such as assisted living and life planning!

An elder law lawyer will help you understand the importance of wills and estate planning, if you have any minors or adults with special needs in your care, they’ll take that into consideration as well. They’ll help you understand probate proceedings, too. Your lawyer is going to be able to help with creating a power of lawyer that’s in your best interest, provide you help with healthcare and planning your healthcare, housing opportunities, income management, and more.

If you need a guardian, or someone in your care will need a guardian if you pass away, an elder law lawyer can help with that. They’ll help you go through the people in your life who may be a viable guardian for yourself—or a dependent. Furthermore, if a dependent—or yourself—needs long-term care facilities, they’ll help locate one that’s in your budget and help you to budget and manage the cost.

Your lawyer will also help explain your rights if you’re in a nursing home, assisted living facility, or living on your own. They’ll ensure that should you need a nursing home claim filed, it’s filed in a timely manner and in a way that will garner the best results for your case.

Legacy Law Center was founded in 2012, and their goal is to provide senior citizens, veterans and families with proper estate planning. In fact, Charles J. Moore, the owner and founder of Legacy Law Center, has been practicing law since 2005—he started in estate planning, and dealt with probate claims as well.

When Mr. Moore moved from California to New Jersey, he took up litigating estate matters, too. He served as an assistant municipal prosecutor. He eventually moved back home to St. Charles County and founded a law firm—The More Law Firm. This firm focused solely on estate planning, probate, business and estate litigation as well as criminal defense. But in 2012, Mr. Moore realized his passion was probate matters and estate planning—and he founded Legacy Law Center to serve his passion to the people.

So if you need an elder law lawyer in Chesterfield, Missouri, consider Legacy Law Center. Charles Moore has experience and passion that can be of use to you. He and his firm have received various awards and recognitions, such as being named one of the “10 Best Estate Planning Attorneys in Missouri” in 2018, a recognition received from the American Institute of Legal Counsel.

Reach out to Legacy Law Center today, for your elder law needs.

When a Loved One Requires a Conservator

An elder law lawyer in Chesterfield, Missouri understands that seeing a loved one suffer from a serious accident or become diagnosed with a disease can be heart-wrenching for family members. If the loved one did not appoint a power of attorney to handle his or her finances, then a conservator may be chosen to take over the role instead. The court system typically holds a hearing and looks at the facts of the situation, to decide whether a conservatorship is required.

 A family member who is concerned about the outcome of who is chosen as the conservator can rely on a lawyer at Legacy Law Center for assistance. We have been dedicated to helping protect the rights and future of loved ones. We understand this may be an emotionally difficult time for you. We will do whatever is within our power to see that the end result is what you hope for.  

Conditions That May Require Conservatorship

Sometimes, we are faced with a situation where our loved one has become unable to take care of his or her own finances due to an injury, illness or disability. If this happens, then another person must take over responsibilities related to finances. Here are some specific examples of conditions that may require a conservatorship: 

• If the loved one suffers a brain injury due to an accident and has permanent impairments related to doing math
• If the loved one becomes mentally challenged due to a neurological condition, such as Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s
• If the loved one falls into a coma
• If the loved one has recently suffered a stroke

Concerns About Potential Conservators

Handling someone’s finances is a very serious role, where the person appointed should not be driven by self-motivations. A family member who is worried that a potential conservator is not suited for the job may turn to an experienced elder law lawyer in Chesterfield, Missouri for help. We understand that the person in charge of your loved one’s finances should be responsible, honorable, respectful, and prepared for the job. We can help you argue against a certain individual becoming a conservator if you are worried your loved one will suffer because of it. 

The Two Main Factors of Incapacitation 

Conservators are commonly appointed for those who become incapacitated. In general, a person who is unable to make important decisions may be deemed incapacitated. The courts do not take cases of conservatorship lightly. It is standard practice for the court to hold a hearing and evaluate facts about the person’s health. The two main factors in whether a loved one is incapacitated include: 

1. Whether he or she can communicate needs and personal wishes
2. Whether he or she understands information regarding health, living situation, finances, and other topics to the extent that sound decisions can be made

How can an elder law lawyer help you or your loved one?

When many people think of elder law, they think of a lawyer who is helping someone who resides in a nursing home when they are dealing with abuse. While this is a natural extension of elder law and elder law lawyers do help elderly people with these problems, there are many reasons you or a loved one may need an elder law lawyer. In fact, lawyers who specialized in elder law are known to deal with many different areas of the law so that they can help the needs of those in their golden years. If you have any questions about how we may be able to help you. Please reach out to our office now. 

• We help with social security. When you qualify for Social Security benefits, you may not be sure where to start or how to apply. This can be discouraging to many people who know they have benefits waiting for them. Your elder law lawyer can help you apply for these benefits. Your elder law lawyer can also help when you are trying to get disability benefits. You want to know you are getting the amount you deserve so that you can live a peaceful life. 

• We help with estate planning. Many people do not begin the estate planning process until they are older. While it is always a good idea to get started when you have children or begin accruing assets, it is not too late to start when you are older, either. Creating a legally binding estate plan can be exactly what you need when you are hoping to distribute assets, money, gifts, and property. It can even be helpful when transferring your business. While no one wants to think about dying, it can help relieve a great deal of stress when you know that your affairs are in order. 

• We can help with your long-term care. Knowing that you need help or will need help in the future can be difficult to come to terms with. No one wants to feel as if they are not independent anymore. You may be able to be more independent and stay in your home with the help of in-home nursing care. Or, you may need to have things prepared if you were to live in a nursing home. You can work with your lawyer to discuss what the timing might look like, what kind of insurance you need, and what the costs are so that you know everything is covered financially.

• We can help with elder abuse. As mentioned above, many people use elder law lawyers when they believed that an elderly loved one (or themselves) is being abused or neglected. If you suspect abuse or neglect, it is important to speak with your lawyer to discuss what your rights are and what kind of evidence there might be to show abuse. This is something that you must deal with quickly. Elder abuse can turn life-threatening quickly, so call your attorney if you have suspicions this is happening.

If you are worried that the wrong person will be appointed conservator or just want legal advice about an upcoming hearing, a lawyer at Legacy Law Center can be of representation for you. Our experienced lawyers can offer professional guidance and support during this difficult transition. Please call us today to receive a free starting consultation from our Chesterfield, Missouri elder law lawyers. 

How Can An Elder Law Lawyer Help You Or Your Loved One Infographic

Chesterfield Elder Law Statistics

According to the National Council on Aging, up to five million older Americans are abused each year. This statistic is a powerful reminder of the prevalence of elder abuse, which is a serious problem that can have devastating consequences for older adults. Elder abuse can take many forms, including physical abuse, neglect, emotional abuse, financial exploitation, and sexual abuse.

It is important to be aware of the signs of elder abuse so that you can take action if you suspect that a loved one is being abused. Some common signs of elder abuse include:

• Unexplained injuries or bruises
• Changes in behavior, such as becoming withdrawn or anxious
• Changes in weight or appetite
• Social isolation
• Missing money or valuables

If you suspect that a loved one is being abused, it is important to report it to the authorities. You can also contact a local elder abuse hotline for support and information.

Elder Law Frequently Asked Questions

If you or a loved one are in need of legal assistance regarding an elderly situation, contact an Elder Law Lawyer clients trust in Chesterfield, Missouri today for a risk-free consultation. The following frequently asked questions are intended to provide clarity through their answers. 

What is elder law? 

There is sometimes confusion regarding what elder law entails, and the role elder law lawyers play in these situations. Elder law is any law pertaining to the elderly population. Typically, elder law encompasses estate planning, care planning, retirement, guardianship, and social security. An elder law lawyer also represents clients that have experienced elder abuse. Attorneys can also assist their clients with any legal, and elder law questions they may have. If you are in the Chesterfield area, contact the Legacy Law Center for all your local legal questions, and elder law representation. 

How can an elder law lawyer assist their clients?

Elder Law Lawyers help their clients in a myriad of different ways. Due to its wide array of responsibilities, elder law lawyers should be those clients can trust. The client and lawyer relationship is important and should have a foundation of mutual respect, confidentiality, and freedom of judgment. If a client is not experiencing these with their current attorney, they should seek out one with whom they can trust, and plan their life. Estate planning, care, and medical directives can be heavy topics and may be difficult to plan out. Thankfully, an attorney well acquainted with elder law can help.

What is considered elder abuse? 

Elder abuse is the intentional or unintentional neglect, harm, manipulation, or exploitation of any kind to an individual of advanced age. If elder abuse is suspected what should be done? When you or someone you love think they are experiencing elder abuse, it would be wise to contact an elder law lawyer as soon as possible. If elder abuse is taking place in someone’s home or living situation, then the attorney will remove their client from that harmful or neglectful situation, and place them in a safe place where they can receive proper care. Many individuals fear losing their only source of caregiver if they report elder abuse. 

Why may some choose to harm elders? 

Unfortunately, there are some individuals who choose to prey on the older generation because they consider them weak, feeble, and unlikely to report any wrongdoings. Rather than protecting, and cherishing aged individuals, some seek to exploit, harm, abuse, and neglect them and their basic care needs. Thankfully, an elder law lawyer can help by empowering their clients to seek justice, accountability, and compensation for their abuse. If you are an elder or are representing a loved aged individual, contact an elder law lawyer today, and start planning and protecting your future. 

How can the legal and emotional support of an attorney help their clients?

Having a supportive elder law lawyer is crucial, as they can help navigate the legal process, and provide counsel during difficult decisions. Many lawyers provide their clients with legal support but are also a listening ear when need be. The client and attorney relationship is important and marked by confidentiality. By working with an experienced elder law lawyer, clients are provided with the care they rightfully deserve. Contact a local elder law lawyer today for a risk-free consultation where you will be listened to, supported, and provided helpful counsel regarding your elder law case. 

Legacy Law Center was founded in 2012 with the goal of providing top-notch assistance to seniors, veterans, and families with an intense focus on proper estate planning. Proper estate planning plays into elder care, if you think about it, because aging is hard and it comes with extreme changes to who someone is. And with aging, comes the desire to ensure that your family is taken care of.

An elder law lawyer in Chesterfield, MO can help you do just that. It can be hard to determine if you need an elder law lawyer, so we’re here to help. With all of our years of combined experience, we’re going to be able to provide you with information such as:

• How to manage your estates and trusts.
• How to plan for your death, plan for the probate process, create your will, and how to store other financial documents.
• We’re going to teach you the signs of elder abuse and fraud.
• We’re going to help you make decisions about end-of-life care, long-term care placements, and nursing homes. They’re not the same thing, at all, so it is important to pick a plan at a facility that suits your needs and your personality.
• We’ll also discuss Medicare and social security appeals or claims.
• And we can help you transfer or preserve assets to avoid impoverishment when your spouse enters the nursing facility.

Whether you are trying to decide what’s best for you and your spouse, or your entire family when you’re gone, it’s never too early to start working with an elder law lawyer in Chesterfield, MO.

What Can An Elder Law Lawyer Do For Me?

An elder law lawyer is going to advise you as their client on what is best for your client. After all, families are easy to split on what they think their parents need. But an elder law lawyer is going to be walking into this objectively, with only the elder person in mind. The lawyer is going to recommend what is safest for the elderly person in question—and sometimes that’s staying home with family, other times, that’s assisted living facilities or nursing homes, depending upon the person’s health and their own wants and needs.

Your lawyer is going to develop a plan for long-term care. You might not need it, but sometimes you might. An elder law lawyer has seen almost every situation under the sun that involves elderly people. From socioeconomic, to health issues, to family feuds and more. So they’re going to try to focus on problems and issues that the families may face as their parents or spouse age, especially in cases with dementia and other life-altering diseases.

Your lawyer is also going to ensure that you have a durable power of attorney in place—so that someone is allowed to make decisions if your loved one is incapacitated for any reason. This means if you don’t have a power of attorney, your lawyer can help you find a guardian or otherwise to handle financial and personal affairs.

Reach out to Legacy Law Center today, if you find yourself in need of an elder law lawyer in Chesterfield, MO. 

Legacy Law Center, Chesterfield Elder Law Lawyer

4215 Old Hwy 94 S, St Charles, MO 63304