Elder Law Attorney Serving Williamsport

As people age, they face unique legal challenges related to their finances and healthcare that can significantly affect their quality of life. Elder law is a legal practice area designed to protect people as they age. An elder law attorney can help address these challenges by providing comprehensive legal solutions for older adults.

Kreisher Marshall & Associates, LLC’s elder law attorneys have been serving the Williamsport, Pennsylvania community since 1971. Contact our law office today if you or a family member is in need of elder law services. One of our experienced attorneys will review your situation and assist you in developing a legal strategy that will protect you or your loved one.

What is Elder Law?

Elder law is a broad category of law that covers everything older adults may need, from help receiving Social Security payments to drafting power of attorney documents. As we age, our legal needs change, and the goal of elder law is to meet those changing needs.

Attorneys who practice elder law have experience handling the complex laws governing healthcare, long-term care, estate planning, and financial management. Their training allows them to provide personalized legal assistance that prepares older adults and their families for the future.

What Services Fall Under Elder Law?

The services provided by elder law attorneys protect the rights and well-being of older adults and ensure they have the resources and legal protections necessary for a comfortable, secure future. Some of the most common documents and services sought from elder law attorneys include:

Advance Directives

Advance directives are legal documents that allow people to outline their preferences regarding medical care if they become incapacitated and unable to make decisions for themselves. These documents typically also include a living will, which outlines the individual’s wishes regarding life-sustaining treatment, and a healthcare power of attorney, which grants someone else the ability to make medical decisions on the person’s behalf.

In Pennsylvania, it’s essential to have clear advance directives in place to avoid any confusion or disputes among family members about care. Elder law attorneys serving Williamsport can help you create these critical documents to protect your medical wishes.

Wills and Trusts

Estate planning is a core part of elder law, and wills and trusts are key tools for making sure an individual’s assets go to the family members of their choosing after their death. A will specifies how to divide property among heirs, while a trust offers greater control over when and how heirs receive specific assets.

For many Williamsport residents, creating a will or trust with the help of an elder law attorney is an essential part of their estate plan. An attorney can also assist you in updating these legal documents as your life circumstances change.

Powers of Attorney

A power of attorney (POA) grants another person the authority to make decisions on a person’s behalf if they cannot make those decisions themselves. Aside from general POAs, there are also financial POAs and healthcare POAs that grant another person the authority to make specific decisions for the individual.

Creating a POA is crucial to ensuring someone you trust is in charge of your financial and healthcare decisions when you are unable to make them. Elder law attorneys can draft POAs that protect your interests.

End-of-Life Planning

End-of-life planning involves more than just drafting a will or creating a healthcare directive. It also includes long-term care planning and funeral arrangements. Many individuals don’t want to think about what will happen when they become unable to care for themselves or when they die. However, planning for these events will reduce the strain on your family and make sure your wishes are carried out.

An elder law attorney can advise you about which documents would best allow you to make your wishes known so your family has no difficult decisions to make when you cannot speak for yourself.

Medical Assistance

Older adults sometimes have difficulty securing the medical treatment they need. For example, they may need help navigating the Medicaid application process, or their insurance may not cover a necessary medical treatment or prescription.

Elder law attorneys have extensive experience helping individuals receive the medical treatment they need. Whether you need assistance signing up for benefits you’re entitled to or have a dispute with a medical insurer, an elder law attorney can help.

For many older adults, Social Security benefits are a vital source of income. However, applying for benefits, deciding when to begin taking benefits, and handling issues related to disability benefits can be complex.

If you need assistance with Social Security, an elder law attorney can help you obtain it and advise you about how it could affect other benefits you’re already receiving.

Elder Abuse Investigation

Elder abuse is a serious concern for families of older adults, especially those with physical or cognitive impairments. This abuse can take many forms, including physical, emotional, or financial abuse. Some of the signs of elder abuse include:

Unexplained injuries
Poor hygiene
Anxiety or depression
Withdrawal from family members and friends

If you believe your loved one is the victim of elder abuse, contact a Williamsport elder law attorney right away. An attorney can investigate whether abuse is happening. If it is, your lawyer can file a lawsuit against those who are at fault.

Do I Need a Board-Certified Elder Law Specialist?

Board-certified elder law specialists undergo additional training and testing to demonstrate their knowledge and experience in this specific area of law. The board holds certified attorneys to the highest professional standards, so you can rest assured that they’ll work with your and your family’s best interests in mind.

There are only 68 certified elder law attorneys in Pennsylvania, and Kreisher Marshall & Associates, LLC, has two. Kreisher Marshall has the proven professional experience to help you make important decisions about your estate, healthcare, and finances as you age. Our attorneys take pride in the services we provide to Williamsport’s aging community and look forward to working with you.

Elder Law Attorneys Serving Williamsport, PA

If you’re an aging resident of Williamsport, seeking the help of a knowledgeable elder law attorney is one of the best decisions you can make for yourself and your loved ones. Whether you need assistance with estate planning, long-term care, or addressing elder abuse, an elder law attorney can guide you through the legal process and protect your rights.

Contact Kreisher Marshall & Associates, LLC, today to speak with one of our experienced elder law attorneys. We offer in-home, office, or virtual appointments. During your initial consultation, we’ll listen to you to learn about what legal services you need and explain the legal options available to you. Don’t wait; contact us online or call 70-784-5211 to begin planning for your future.