Tag: ELDER LAW ATTORNEYS

Legal Information Notice: This checklist provides general educational information only. It is not legal advice, does not create an attorney-client relationship, and may not apply to your jurisdiction or circumstances. Laws and deadlines vary. Do not rely on this checklist for a specific legal decision or deadline; consult a qualified attorney licensed in the relevant jurisdiction.

“The biggest elder-law mistake can happen before the crisis arrives.”

1. ☐ Don’t wait until incapacity to plan.
2. ☐ Identify who can make financial decisions.
3. ☐ Identify who can make healthcare decisions.
4. ☐ Review powers of attorney.
5. ☐ Review healthcare directives.
6. ☐ Understand long-term-care exposure.
7. ☐ Inventory assets.
8. ☐ Inventory income.
9. ☐ Identify insurance.
10. ☐ Identify housing.
11. ☐ Don’t transfer assets casually.
12. ☐ Don’t rely on internet Medicaid advice.
13. ☐ Verify current eligibility rules.
14. ☐ Ask about spousal issues.
15. ☐ Ask about caregiving arrangements.
16. ☐ Document family agreements.
17. ☐ Protect against financial exploitation.
18. ☐ Verify caregiver authority.
19. ☐ Review existing trusts.
20. ☐ Review beneficiary designations.
21. ☐ Ask about tax consequences.
22. ☐ Ask about state-specific rules.
23. ☐ Understand attorney fees.
24. ☐ Keep documents accessible.
25. ☐ Update the plan after major life changes.

Premium Checklist

1. Current Situation

☐ Age/life stage.
☐ Health considerations.
☐ Family structure.
☐ Housing.
☐ Caregiving.

2. Financial Protection

☐ Assets.
☐ Income.
☐ Insurance.
☐ Debt.
☐ Long-term-care exposure.

3. Decision-Making

☐ Financial POA.
☐ Healthcare proxy/directive.
☐ HIPAA-related authorization where appropriate.
☐ Backup decision makers.

4. Long-Term Care

☐ Identify possible care needs.
☐ Estimate private-pay exposure.
☐ Review insurance.
☐ Obtain jurisdiction-specific advice.

5. Exploitation Protection

☐ Establish account-monitoring procedures.
☐ Identify trusted contacts.
☐ Review unusual financial activity.