Help with financial planning
The statistics around retirement are scary. More than a quarter of a million Americans turn 65 every month, and 80 percent of Americans between the ages of 30 and 54 believe they will not have saved enough for retirement. Forty-five percent (45%) of Americans have nothing saved for retirement, and the average retirement lasts 18 years. Under the circumstances, it may seem strange to recommend that seniors spend money on the services of an elder law lawyer, but doing so is likely to not only save them far more than they spend, but to secure their peace of mind in a way that you can’t put a price tag on.
For example, when you’re drawing up your will, an elder law attorney can help make sure it includes all your assets and transfers them exactly the way you desire. You won’t have this assurance if you try to make out your will yourself.
You should also advise your heirs and your executor to avail themselves of the help of an elder law lawyer. When you’re gone and your will is recorded, the probate process will begin.
This will involve determining the validity of the will, marshaling assets and settling debts. An elder law attorney can tell you if the estate can go through a shorter form of the probate process, or if the longer form will be needed. In case the process goes on longer than you want, look for an attorney who is willing to take care of all the paperwork and court appearances personally.