Mobile Alabama Elder Law Attorney

Elder law is a broad area of the law and refers to legal issues facing the demographic we serve – the elderly and disabled.

Elder law tools include estate planning devices like wills and trusts, powers of attorney, and advance directives. Elder law involves candid advice about the potential financial impact of long-term care or disqualification from public benefits like Supplemental Security Income or Medicaid. In extreme cases, it can involve guardianship or conservatorship to ensure an elder or family member with disabilities is protected from abuse, neglect, or undue influence.  

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Talk to an experienced elder law attorney at Gulf Coast Elder Law today.

A special needs trust, sometimes referred to as a supplemental needs trust, is similar to other trusts in that it is a written agreement between the Settlor (person creating the trust) and a Trustee (person or entity managing the trust) to manage assets for the benefit of another person (a beneficiary). 

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These trusts require particular provisions to protect public benefits like Supplemental Security Income and Medicaid (i.e., means-tested government benefits) for individuals who may need life-long financial support. In the estate planning context, supplemental needs trusts are an alternative to the “old way” of disinheriting a loved one with disabilities or leaving their share of the inheritance to a sibling for “safekeeping."

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A special needs trust (or a pooled trust account) may also be appropriate for elders considering Medicaid eligibility.  Consulting an experienced special needs trust attorney at Gulf Coast Elder Law can clarify options available for your loved one.

Social Security disability benefits may be available to qualified adult individuals who can’t work because they have a severe mental or physical impairment that’s expected to last at least one year or result in death. 

A child under 18 may also qualify for Social Security disability benefits if he or she has a marked and severe functional limitation.

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Call us to find out how a Social Security disability attorney can help with your disability claim.

Estate planning isn’t just for those with sizable estates.

Everyone should have a plan. Planning starts with identifying trusted individuals who can assist during your lifetime should you become incapacitated and to ensure your plans are carried out after your death.    

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An experienced estate planning lawyer will seek out what is important to you, educate themselves about your assets, and discuss planning options that resolve your concerns.