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A senior attorney is an attorney, also called lawyer or an attorney at law, who specializes in issues that affect individuals who are over the age of 65. A senior attorney may also be called an elder law attorney.
There are numerous issues a senior lawyer can assist an individual with, including, but not limited to:
A senior attorney will be able to take the desires and plans an individual has for their future and help take steps to make those dreams a reality. A senior lawyer can also help an individual ensure that the property which they worked so hard for during their lifetime is distributed as they desire to their loved ones and friends.
It is important to be aware that a senior attorney is not just for individuals who are already 65 or older. Senior lawyers can help younger individuals plan for their future as well.
In addition, if an individual is trying to help their parents with elder law issues, a senior lawyer is a great resource.
As noted above, senior law governs issues that are specific to individuals who are over 65, including, but not limited to:
An important thing many Americans eagerly await during their retirement is their Social Security benefits. A senior lawyer can assist an individual with any issue related to their Social Security.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) is an agency that provides funds to individuals with disabilities as well as to senior citizens. The SSA has a monthly payment program for individuals who qualify.
A senior attorney can help an individual determine if they are eligible to receive SSA benefits as well as help them obtain those benefits. If an individual is over 65 years of age and has worked during their lifetime, they may be eligible to receive Social Security Retirement.
A qualified individual may also be eligible to receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI). SSI is for individuals who:
In order for an individual to be eligible to receive SSI, they must provide proof of disability. A senior lawyer can review an individual's situation and determine what type of Social Security they may be eligible to receive.
If an individual is not quite ready for retirement yet, their senior lawyer can assist them with choosing a retirement plan that suits their needs. Retirement plans provide individuals with income after they retire.
Many individuals make payments into retirement or pension plans while they are still employed. The Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) governs pensions that are provided by private employers.
There are two general categories of pension plans: the defined benefit plan and the defined contribution plan. With a defined benefit plan, an employer promises the employee, in advance, a certain monthly benefit arrangement after that employer retires.
With a defined contribution plan, an employer makes regular deposits into an account that is created specifically for that employee. In many cases, an employer will invest the funds and bear the risk if those investments fail.
The most common types of retirement plans include 401(k) and IRA plans. In addition, some employers provide their employees with pensions that include a monthly payment that is based on their length of employment.
Many individuals choose these types of retirement accounts so they can reduce their tax liability as well as their taxable income. This allows an individual to save more money over the long term.
A senior lawyer will be able to inform an individual regarding the types of plans that are available and which may be the best fit for their circumstances. An attorney can also provide guidance regarding the tax implications of each choice.
A senior attorney can help an individual plan for the distribution of their estate when they pass away. Everyone has worked hard to obtain their assets, no matter how few or how many, and estate planning can help an individual use these assets for the benefit of their loved ones.
It is never too late for an individual to create an estate plan. This will likely include drafting a will which specifies exactly what will happen to an individual’s property when they pass away.
If an individual does not create an estate plan, the laws of their state will determine who inherits their property, which may not align with their wishes. An individual’s estate plan includes all of their assets, such as:
Age discrimination is another issue that arises as employees age. There are laws which prohibit private individuals, organizations, and governments from discriminating against individuals based on their age.
Employers are prohibited from discriminating against employees based on their age according to the Discrimination in Employment Act. As a general rule, workers over the age of 40 are protected.
If an individual has a legal question or issue related to elder law, they may ask themselves, “how do I find a senior lawyer near me?” There are numerous ways an individual can begin the search for a lawyer, which may seem overwhelming to individuals not familiar with the law and even more so for older individuals who may not be as familiar with technology.
Common ways of searching for an attorney include:
One excellent resource for individuals seeking an elder attorney is LegalMatch. LegalMatch allows a potential client to present their legal issue or question to pre-screened lawyers in their area.
In as little as fifteen minutes, an individual can present their case to LegalMatch free of charge. They will receive responses from qualified attorneys within 24 hours who can begin helping them immediately.
Many lawyers will offer a free initial consultation, which allows the individual to decide if that lawyer will be a good fit for their needs. It also allows the lawyer to ensure that they can handle the case before being hired.
LegalMatch is also an excellent resource for children who are attempting to assist their parents with a legal issue. It allows them to conveniently and quickly find assistance for their loved ones.
A senior lawyer can help you with many aspects of life that will allow you to enjoy your golden years. Planning for your future is one of the most important things you can do for yourself as well as for your loved ones.
Your senior attorney will help ensure that you receive any income you are entitled to, which can provide you with peace of mind as well as the ability to travel and enjoy your family members. Even if you are still working, your lawyer can help ensure that you are not subject to age discrimination and you are receiving the benefits to which you are entitled.
If you are a child of a parent who is considering these issues, it is important to encourage them to look into planning for their future. LegalMatch provides them with a no-cost way to determine exactly what their needs are and what the cost would be to securely plan for their needs.
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