Elder Law Attorney in Olympia, Washington

According to a recent Reuters Health study, only 37 percent of American seniors have advanced directives in place for end-of-life planning in case of a sudden illness or incapacitation. Having your wishes legally documented is important in the event that you become unable to voice your opinion. Elder law attorneys can work with older adults and their families to address issues related to senior care and asset management.

If you’re starting to think about senior care or need help with drafting an estate plan, it is crucial to consult with a knowledgeable elder law attorney for proper guidance. Attorney Robert Taylor-Manning is committed to offering experienced legal counsel and advocacy in matters of senior care including healthcare, assisted living, and estate planning. He will inform you about your options and help determine the ideal plan that best suits your needs and that of your family.

Attorney Robert Taylor-Manning is proud to serve clients throughout Olympia, Kennewick, Pasco, and Richland, Washington as well as Portland, Oregon, and the surrounding area.

What is Elder Law?

“Elder Law” can be described as the legal practice of counseling and representing seniors or older adults, their families, and representatives concerning the legal aspects of end-of-life planning, estate planning, and health and long-term care planning. Elder law was designed to help senior individuals prepare for financial freedom and autonomy.

What is Estate Planning?

An estate plan is created to ensure that your wishes are respected, your affairs are in order, and your family's future is secure. Estate planning is important in that it allows you to:

• have a say in what happens to your estate;

• help your estate to avoid probate (in the case of a trust);

• specify end-of-life decisions;

• help heirs to avoid a possible tax burden;

• provide enough money and assets for your surviving loved ones;

• help minimize expenses in transferring assets to beneficiaries;

• specify your wishes for care in the event of incapacity; and

• establish a successor trustee for your estate.

Without an estate plan, loved ones are likely to endure a lengthy and costly probate process and have to make care decisions that they’d rather not make.

Guardianship

Guardianship is the process whereby a person seeks an appointment through the court to be the legal representative of another person. Guardianship or conservatorship is important because, in the event that someone becomes ill or incapacitated, the guardian will be responsible for overseeing key decisions regarding the person’s life and property. With proper estate planning in place, a trusted loved one can be appointed as a guardian.

Guardianship protects a loved one who is unable to care for his or her financial or physical health. Unfortunately, seniors are often the victims of exploitation. Having a trusted guardian to oversee decisions regarding legal matters, healthcare, and financial issues can add a layer of protection for seniors and their loved ones.

How an Elder Law Attorney Can Help

Navigating the issues that arise as a result of age can be complicated. Outlining a calculated estate plan is an important step you can take to ensure that you and your family are well taken care of when you become seriously ill or you’re unable to voice your opinion. A knowledgeable elder law attorney can help you determine the options that best fit your needs.

Attorney Robert Taylor-Manning has devoted his career to providing comprehensive legal services, detailed guidance, and assistance to seniors and their families in all matters of care and estate planning. As your legal counsel, he can:

• Assess your situation and help you understand your options

• Guide you through key decisions

• Help qualify and apply for nursing home Medicaid benefits

• Create a customized plan for long-term care

• Assist with drafting of living trusts and wills, long-term care, and special needs planning

• Help update existing wills/trusts

• Help with probate and estate administration

If guardianship or conservatorship is required, Attorney Robert Taylor-Manning can intervene on behalf of your family. He will work carefully and compassionately to address your needs and concerns, as well as those of your dependents and loved ones.