Elder Law Basics

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Elder Law Basics
What Is Elder Law and Why Does It Matter?
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A Broad Collection of Issues
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What Is Elder Law?
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The term elder law doesnt refer to a single
legal topic, but instead is a categorical term
that includes many topics related to one another
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These topics are those that elderly people most
commonly encounter as they get older, though some
of them also apply to younger people
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Elder Law Specialists
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What Is an Elder Law Attorney?
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An elder law attorney is someone who
specializes in dealing with the problems elderly
people most commonly confront
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Because elder law is such a broad topic, some
attorneys are experts in certain areas of elder
law, while others specialize in completely
different topics
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Not-Suitable for Every Situation
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Discussing Your Needs
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Its important to realize that you dont need an
elder law lawyer if you are simply an elderly
person who has a legal issue
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For example, if you are charged with a traffic
offense, you need to speak to a criminal defense
attorney, not an elder law attorney
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Elder Law Topics
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Estate Planning
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Preparing Your Estate
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After you die you will leave behind property and
other interests
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The estate planning process is dedicated to
determining what will happen to that property
after you die
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Choosing inheritances, avoiding estate taxes, and
other similar issues are all included under the
broad category of estate planning
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Probate
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Legal Procedures
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Closely related to estate planning is the probate
process
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Colorado, as well as every other state, has a
specific set of rules that apply when someone
dies leaving behind property
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Understanding probate and taking steps to avoid
it whenever possible is a common goal for many
elderly people
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Advance Planning
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Nursing Homes and Incapacity
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We lose many of our abilities as we age, and
planning for the time when you might need to
transition into her nursing home or need someone
else to make medical decisions for you is a key
part of elder law
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Choices and Plans
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Individually Tailored Advice
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Though elderly people face many of the same
issues, no two situations are identical
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Being prepared to confront the potential problems
that could face you as you age is what elder law
attorneys help you do
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Learn More About Elder Law in Colorado
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www.coloradoestateplan.com
719-520-1474