There’s no perfect time to start planning for the future—but there are key moments when legal guidance can make things smoother, safer, and less stressful. Whether you’re thinking about your own care or looking out for a loved one, working with an elder law attorney early on can help you stay in control and avoid problems down the road.
When You’re Planning for Long-Term Care
Long-term care is expensive. A stay in a nursing home or even in-home care services can drain savings quickly. Many families aren’t sure how to prepare or whether they can afford the help they need.
One of the most common reasons people reach out to us is to plan for future care. Even if you’re healthy now, it’s worth thinking about what might happen five, ten, or twenty years from today. Why? Because Medicaid—the program that helps cover nursing home care—has a five-year look-back rule. If you apply and have made certain gifts or transfers during that time, it could delay or reduce your eligibility.
We help you understand your options and build a plan that protects your savings and ensures access to care when the time comes. By planning ahead, you give yourself choices—and more control.
When You Want to Protect Assets for Your Family
Maybe you’ve worked hard to pay off your home. Maybe you’ve saved over the years and want to pass something down to your children or grandchildren. An elder law attorney can help you make sure your efforts aren’t lost to taxes, long-term care costs, or probate.
Several legal tools can help, depending on your situation:
- Irrevocable or revocable trusts
- Life estate deeds
- Gifting strategies
Each of these comes with pros and cons. Some allow you to keep control during your lifetime. Others offer protection from long-term care costs. What’s right for one person may not work for another. We’ll walk through your goals and help you choose a path that fits your needs. The earlier you start, the more options you’ll likely have.
When Health Decisions and Legal Documents Need to Be in Place
Health changes can happen quickly. If something unexpected occurs and no one is legally able to act on your behalf, your family may need to go through the courts to get permission to help you.
That’s why we recommend putting certain documents in place now—even if you don’t think you’ll need them soon:
- Health Care Proxy
- Durable Power of Attorney
- HIPAA Authorization
- Living Will or Advance Directive
These forms allow someone you trust to make medical or financial decisions for you if you’re unable to do so. Without them, your loved ones may be left making hard choices without clear guidance—or may not be able to help at all.
These are straightforward documents, but they carry a lot of weight. We can help you make sure they’re done right and reflect your wishes.
When There’s a Need for Guardianship or Conservatorship
Sometimes, a person can no longer manage their affairs and hasn’t named anyone to step in. In those cases, a family member may need to ask the court to appoint a guardian or conservator. This process can be time-consuming and emotional.
We help families understand what’s involved, prepare the paperwork, and go through the hearing if needed. In some cases, we can also help avoid guardianship by setting up the right documents in advance. If you’re already in a situation where a loved one needs help, we can guide you through it and help you protect their dignity and well-being.
The Benefit of Getting Legal Guidance Early
One of the biggest mistakes we see is waiting too long. Planning doesn’t mean you expect the worst—it means you want to be ready. You don’t have to make every decision today, but starting the conversation can open the door to more choices and fewer complications later. Whether you’re an older adult, a caregiver, or an adult child helping a parent, we’re here to support you. Our team will help you take the next step, no matter where you are in the process.
Start Planning with Support You Can Trust
You don’t have to plan alone. At Surprenant, Beneski & Nunes, P.C., we’re ready to help you make smart, thoughtful decisions for your future and your family. Call us today to schedule a consultation. We’ll listen, explain your options, and help you move forward with confidence.