Elder Law Lawyers in Surprise, AZ — Serving Arizona’s Aging Population and All Their Needs

While getting older certainly carries its disadvantages, it’s also a time when many people are able to kick back and relax. Retirement offers the opportunity to enjoy life, and even for those who keep working, it’s often due to a desire to stay active. However, the aging population in Arizona can face a variety of legal issues. Fortunately, an elder law lawyer in Surprise, AZ may be able to help.

At The Dodds Law Firm, our team of experienced legal professionals is here to assist. It’s often said that the law is a “young man’s game,” but this doesn’t mean you won’t encounter legal needs as you age. Such matters can range from asset protection to estate planning. Whatever your specific circumstances, our law firm can either help or point you in the right direction. Contact us today to learn more.

What Legal Issues Can Elder Law Lawyers Assist With?

Many people don’t realize it, but the term elder law refers to an extremely broad area of the legal system. Put simply, it encompasses any legal issue that could arise for the aging population. This can range from nursing home abuse to age discrimination; from long-term care planning to Social Security benefit denials. With such a broad scope, it’s rare that you’ll find an elder law attorney in Surprise, AZ that handles all possible issues.

However, the legal professionals at The Dodds Law Firm offer the following services and more:

• Last will and testament
• Probate
• Grandparent rights
• Asset protection
• Medicare planning
• Trusts

This list is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to issues we assist with. These are merely the legal specialties related to elder law. We can also help if the bank is threatening to take your home, you’re facing family law issues, you need to file for bankruptcy, and a variety of other matters. If you or a loved one are getting older and need assistance with legal issues, contact the Surprise elder law attorneys at The Dodds Law Firm today.

What Are Common Asset Protection Strategies in Arizona?

One of the biggest focuses of elder law is asset protection. As we age, the average cost of healthcare skyrockets. Imagine saving for your whole life only to have everything wiped out with one unfortunate diagnosis. This is a far too common occurrence since many people’s savings actually disqualify them from accessing Medicaid. This is why Medicaid planning is an essential part of everyone’s long-term plans.

Fortunately, this can often be done through the use of trusts. By placing assets into trusts, they’re not technically “yours” any longer — even if you continue to benefit from them. You’ll simply have a trustee distribute your properties as specified. Of course, creating a will and assigning beneficiaries is another important asset protection strategy that protects what you’ve worked for even after you’re gone.

There are a variety of asset protection tools available for the aging population. Let our elder law attorneys in Surprise, AZ help you find the right ones for you.

Do You Really Need a Will?

Some people question whether they actually need a will. This is common for those who have few assets or believe they’ve already dealt with their own estate planning needs. For instance, there are individuals who forgo writing a will because they believe designating a beneficiary on their bank account is enough. However, the truth is that it’s never a good idea to not have a valid will in place. Dying intestate in Arizona can create a variety of issues.

For instance, those who die without a will typically end up with their entire estates in probate court. This can include money, real estate, vehicles, physical assets, and a variety of other properties. When this happens, Arizona law will dictate where your assets go. In many cases, this will not align with your wishes. Additionally, you’ll lose your right to choose an executor. This could result in an untrusted person administering your estate.

Contact Our Elder Law Attorneys in Surprise, AZ Today

Elder law is a broad and complicated area of the legal sphere. Unfortunately, the issues involved show up at the most inopportune time. As folks get older, the goal is for them to have less to worry about. Thanks to estate planning needs, financial demands, and a variety of other matters, however, even the most forward-thinking individuals could face significant hassles in their later years. Fortunately, a legal professional may be able to help.

At The Dodds Law Firm, we’re committed to securing the best possible outcome for each of our clients. In some cases, this simply means helping them create a will that will hold up in court when they’re gone. In other situations, it could mean storing assets in a trust so that they can maintain Medicaid eligibility. If you’re facing these or other legal issues related to aging, our elder law attorneys in Surprise, AZ are here to help.

Contact us today by calling (623) 267-0026 to schedule your confidential consultation.