Why It Matters:
At Roth Elder Law, we believe that every family deserves peace of mind. With over 25 years of experience as both an estate planning attorney and CPA, our mission is to empower you to protect your loved ones—and ensure that your parents’ wishes are honored, even when they can’t speak for themselves.
When our parents age, concerns about their well-being and future legal control naturally arise. One often-overlooked risk is unwanted guardianship. Without proper planning, if an elderly parent becomes incapacitated, a court may appoint a guardian—someone they might never have chosen. This can strip away their ability to decide on critical matters like finances, healthcare, and day-to-day living.
The good news? You can take action today to protect your family’s future.
- Establish a Durable Power of Attorney
A durable power of attorney (POA) lets your parent choose someone they trust to handle their financial and legal affairs if they become unable to do so. Without a POA in place, the court might step in and appoint a guardian—someone who may not have your parent’s best interests at heart.
Our unique approach ensures that every detail is tailored to your family’s specific needs, avoiding one-size-fits-all solutions.
- Create an Advance Healthcare Directive
An advance healthcare directive (or health care proxy) empowers your parent to designate someone to make medical decisions on their behalf. This not only keeps their healthcare preferences front and center but also helps sidestep court intervention during a vulnerable time.
We help facilitate these critical conversations so that your parent’s voice remains the guiding force in their care.
- Set Up a Living Trust
A revocable living trust allows your parent to protect and manage their assets by transferring them into a trust. By naming a successor trustee, they ensure that, should they become incapacitated, a trusted individual can manage their finances privately—without the delays or exposure of court proceedings.
Our combined legal and tax background means we’re uniquely equipped to design trusts that safeguard both assets and family harmony.
- Have the Crucial Conversation
Clear, open discussions about future care and wishes are essential. When your parent’s preferences are documented and communicated, it minimizes the risk of family disputes or unwanted court battles over guardianship.
We guide you through these sometimes-difficult conversations, ensuring that every family member understands the plan and respects your parent’s wishes.
- Keep Legal Documents Up to Date
Life is ever-changing. Regularly reviewing and updating estate planning documents—such as your POA, healthcare directive, or trust—is key. Major life events or shifts in family dynamics can mean that today’s plan might not fit tomorrow’s needs.
Our proactive service includes periodic reviews, so you don’t have to worry about outdated documents when the time comes.
- Recognize the Warning Signs
Be alert for red flags like family conflicts, cognitive decline, or financial exploitation. If you suspect someone is maneuvering to gain control unfairly, it’s time to consult an elder law attorney immediately.
With our decades of experience, we’re adept at identifying these issues early, protecting your family from potential harm.
Take Action Today for Tomorrow’s Peace of Mind
Protecting your parent’s future means acting now. At Roth Elder Law, we combine deep legal knowledge with a genuine commitment to your family’s well-being. We understand that estate planning isn’t just about documents—it’s about preserving legacies, honoring wishes, and securing peace of mind.
Call us at 607-962-6162 or fill out our intake form to schedule an appointment. Let us help you create a comprehensive plan that safeguards your family’s future the way it deserves to be.