What’s the difference between an elder law attorney and an estate planning attorney?
Janell M. SprinkleJanell M. SprinkleEstate planning and elder law often overlap, which leads to confusion, but estate planning primarily focuses on events occurring at death, while elder law focuses on events occurring during life.
The goal for an estate plan is an orderly and efficient transfer of your assets, carrying out and honoring your wishes. Planning typically includes wills, revocable living trusts, powers of attorney, advance healthcare directives, and beneficiary designations. Elder law, on the other hand, goes further to encompass planning for long-term care, asset preservation, spousal protection, guardianships, and Medicaid benefits.
A comprehensive legal plan often includes estate planning as a starting point, with elder law consideration and discussion gradually taking on a greater importance as you age. Addressing both estate and elder law planning allows you to maximize the amount of assets protected, maintain autonomy, and manage care costs effectively during your life, while also ensuring an efficient and orderly transfer of your assets at death.
