We are often asked about the difference between estate planning and elder law. Although we believe that the two go hand-in-hand, there are important distinctions between them. One notable similarity, however, is that they are both more universal than they may seem at first glance: estate planning is not only for those with large estates and elder law is not exclusive to the elderly.
Estate planning focuses on an individual’s assets – how they should be held while the individual is still living, and how they should be distributed after that individual passes. An estate planning attorney can utilize tax-planning mechanisms to minimize estate taxes, as well as utilize testamentary substitutes to minimize the cost of probate. Of paramount importance to many clients is the ability to make specific choices regarding the beneficiaries of each of his/her assets. With the help of an estate planning attorney, an individual can create a will or trust that reflects the client’s desires regarding how his/her estate should be allocated after his/her passing. Without a proper estate plan in place, assets will be distributed according to the strict requirements of the law, which may run counter to the true wishes of the individual. Additionally, estate planning attorneys can provide a plan inclusive of the needs of minor children or family members with disabilities, so that each family is best provided for according to their unique and individual needs.
Elder law is a broad field that encompasses many different aspects of the law. As mentioned, it is not just for the elderly, and in fact, the process can be most effective when initiated prior to advanced age. Elder law focuses on providing a plan to continue living according to one’s wishes as one ages while remaining in good financial standing. Depending on the individual’s circumstances, this plan can include trusts, gifts to family members, the purchase of long-term care insurance in anticipation of potential future needs, or qualifying for Medicaid benefits. Elder law planning also encompasses many of the estate planning tools, such as wills and trusts, as well as the necessity of a Power of Attorney to avoid the need for Guardianship, should the individual lose capacity at any point. A proper elder law plan should be a comprehensive, holistic plan, taking into account the specific needs of the individual and his/her future needs as he/she ages.
Attorneys practicing in the fields of estate planning and elder law share a common goal: to help clients achieve their goals while preserving their assets for themselves and their loved ones. However, as mentioned, there are key differences in the practice of estate planning and elder law. It is important to reach out to a qualified elder care and/or estate planning attorney for assistance in ensuring that the future is appropriately planned for, both in terms of the preservation of assets and the ultimate distribution of those assets.
This article was provided by Ronald Fatoullah, Attorney at Law, Founder of Ronald Fatoullah & Associates – one of New York’s TOP Elder Law & Estate Planning Law Firms. Attorney Fatoullah and his firm are Members of the National ElderCare Matters Alliance and have a Featured Listing on ElderCareMatters.com– America’s National Directory of Elder Care / Senior Care Resources to help families plan for and deal with the issues of Aging.
If you have additional questions about your family’s Elder Care / Senior Care Matters, you can count on ElderCareMatters.com (America’s National Directory of Elder Care / Senior Care Resources) to help you find America’s Top Elder Care / Senior Care Professionals. You can find Local Elder Care / Senior Care Experts by Searching our National Database by City and Service Category. (This Search feature is located on the homepage of ElderCareMatters.com).
The Elder Care / Senior Care Experts who are found on ElderCareMatters.com can provide you with the help you need in a wide range of Elder Care / Senior Care Services, including Elder Law, Estate Planning, Home Care, Assisted Living, Care Management, Daily Money Management, Senior Living, Investment Advisory Services, Tax & Accounting Services, Wills & Trusts, Probate plus many other Elder Care Services.
We look forward to helping you plan for and deal with your family’s Issues of Aging.