ELDER SERVICES

Our law firm has been in business for over 35 years and we provide essential services for the elderly.  We are members of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA) and pay particular attention to the needs of the elderly and their children.  There are three main areas of focus.

1. Document Preparation – (Three Documents Recommended)
   
   
   We recommend that each client have at least three basic legal documents: (A).  Will – deals with disposition of assets at the time of passing. (B). Power of Attorney - gives a designated person the right to act on your behalf in the event you are unable to make financial decisions on your own due to physical or mental reasons.  (C).  Health Care Power of Attorney or Living Will  –deals with health care decisions if the elder is unable to make their own decisions.  It also allows their representative to receive information about their medical condition directly from the doctor. 
   
   
2. Medicaid Planning and Asset Protection
   
   
   This aspect of our professional advice is designed to preserve the assets of the elder in the event assisted living or nursing home admittance becomes necessary.  Elders are required to pay their own costs for long term care, which could diminish their assets or substantially reduce their estate.  Our advice, consultation, and implementation of a Medicaid plan will enable the government to assist in these costs.  Medicaid applications when necessary are difficult and our trained staff provides assistance.  Setting up a prepaid funeral trust is one example of pre-planning that can save the family funds and anguish.
   
   

3. Estate Planning and Estate Administration

This area of our legal representation deals with after death considerations.  Our effort is to minimize taxes in the planning phase.  Senior Partner Alan Cosner is a former Internal Revenue Service agent and accountant.  There are 4 main taxes we consider.  Federal Estate Tax, NJ Inheritance Tax, NJ Estate Tax and Income Tax.  The value of the estate and the nature of the assets control the tax ramifications.  Once the elder passes away, our office assists with the probate of the estate and the transfer of the estate assets to the heirs as efficiently as possible. 

CONCLUSION:

Generally we offer a free initial consultation to explain our services that are available and determine what the family needs.  Our firm has a department specifically set up to cater to the needs of the elderly.  Any questions, please feel free to call us.

What are the legal areas covered by elder law?

• Asset Protection and Medicaid Planning
• Wills
• Estate Planning and Probate
• Durable powers of attorney
• Trusts
• Medicare, Medicaid and other public benefits
• Elder abuse, Neglect and Exploitation
• Financing long-term care
• Guardianship and Conservatorship
• Health care decisions
• Health care quality issues
• Independent living options
• Age Discrimination

Staci Cosner is a member of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA). Click here to go to their website.