Understanding the Importance of Elder Law in Securing Your Future

Elder Law | May 22, 2024 | Rachel H. Snead

Understanding the Importance of Elder Law in Securing Your Future

As we navigate the seasons of life, certain legal considerations become increasingly crucial, especially as we embrace our golden years. Your golden years are a time to travel, pursue hobbies, and spend precious time with loved ones. However, it is also important to acknowledge potential challenges that may inevitably arise – health concerns, the cost of long-term care, capacity issues, etc. Elder law can be a powerful tool to ensure that your assets are protected, and your wishes are met. In this edition, we shed light on the paramount importance of Elder Law in securing your future and that of your family.

Why Elder Law Matters:

1. Healthcare and Long-Term Care Planning: There aren’t many things in life that we can be certain about, but we can be certain that we will eventually get older. Aging often brings health-related challenges. Elder Law addresses healthcare decisions and long-term care planning, ensuring you receive the care you deserve while safeguarding your assets in the event that you need long-term care. Elder law empowers you to make informed decisions about your care while you have capacity and to preserve your wishes in the event that you are unable to make decisions yourself in the future. Through pre-planning, you can ensure that your medical wishes are known and respected and that you receive the care you deserve no matter the cost.

2. Medicaid Planning/Financial Security: Understanding the complexities of Medicaid is essential for securing quality healthcare without depleting your life savings. Elder law strategies like Medicaid planning can help you qualify for government assistance while preserving your life savings for your loved ones. This can be a significant concern, especially with the rising cost of long-term care.

3. Estate Planning for Special Circumstances: Elder Law takes into account unique situations, such as providing for special needs family members or blended families and can address complex family dynamics ensuring that special needs family members are always provided for and that complex family situations don’t become unnecessarily messy. Clear legal plans can prevent family conflict down the road. By having open discussions and setting expectations, you can avoid disputes regarding your care and finances.

4. Preserving Your Legacy: You’ve worked hard to build your life and you’ve accumulated a lifetime of wealth – a home, savings, and cherished possessions. Elder law ensures your assets are distributed according to your wishes and don’t have to be sold to pay for your care.

5. Peace of Mind: Elder law helps you navigate complex legal issues regarding healthcare, finances, and long-term care. By putting a plan in place, you gain peace of mind knowing your wishes will be respected and your assets protected.

Life is unpredictable and uncertain. Elder law helps you prepare for various potential scenarios, from needing long-term care to navigating cognitive decline. This proactive approach ensures you receive the support you need no matter what the future holds. We appreciate the trust you place in us as your legal advocates. Feel free to reach out with any questions or concerns.

Rachel H. Snead

Attorney
757-399-7506 | 252-722-2890
rsnead@hooklaw.net

Rachel Snead is an associate attorney with Hook Law practicing primarily in the areas of estate planning, estate and trust administration, guardianship and conservatorships, dispute resolution, and fiduciary litigation. To date, she has litigated and settled over 50 matters. She enjoys the diversity of work that elder law provides, and the challenges presented by litigation just as much as she enjoys helping people with creating their unique estate plan and navigating the complex administration of estates and trusts.

 A graduate of the University of Richmond School of Law and Virginia Commonwealth University, Rachel is admitted to the Virginia State Bar. She is also a member of the Virginia Bar Association (VBA), the Hampton Roads Estate Planning Council, the Virginia Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (VAELA), and the Virginia Trial Lawyers Association (VTLA).

In 2022 she became a licensed health and life insurance agent and attended the prestigious National Trial Advocacy College at the University of Virginia School of Law where she received intensive hands-on advocacy training.

 She has taught multiple continuing legal education courses including, “Getting Started in Elder Law,” “Virginia Probate from Start to Finish,” and “Guardianships and Assisted Decision-Making in Virginia,” and has facilitated sessions for VAELA including “Medicaid & SSI When a Client Owns a Business.” She has also been published on various platforms including T & E Magazine, WealthManagement.com and Age in Action, a quarterly newsletter published by the Virginia Center on Aging and Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services.

Practice Areas

  • Estate Planning
  • Estate & Trust Administration
  • Guardianships & Conservatorships
  • Litigation & Dispute Resolution
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