Fair Lawn Elder Law Protects Seniors in Numerous Ways

North Jersey firm offers integrated services to benefit the elderly

Senior citizens face a wide range of challenges, including ill health, estate planning responsibilities, exorbitant care costs and mistreatment from those who are supposed to be helping them. At The Paton Law Firm LLC in Fair Lawn, I am experienced New Jersey elder law attorney who offers integrated legal services designed to assist seniors and their families 

What is elder law and why is it important?

Elder law is an umbrella term for legal issues relating to the care and protection of the elderly. These include caregiving, guardianships, healthcare directives, long-term care, estate planning, management of finances and property and protection from elder abuse. My firm recognizes that elderly Americans are vulnerable to the ills of advanced age and the possibility that others may take unfair advantage of them. Having one effective attorney to handle various legal challenges that arise during one’s later years can be invaluable.  

Guardianships for seniors

A New Jersey Superior Court may appoint a guardian to assume legal authority for someone who has a physical or mental limitation, or is suffering from a chronic substance abuse problem. The guardian may have responsibility for the ward’s personal affairs, finances or both. Depending the on the circumstances, the guardianship may confer general authority or be limited to certain designated matters. The guardian should be someone trustworthy and has a fiduciary duty to put the incapacitated person’s welfare first. 

To create a guardianship, you must submit certifications of the incapacity signed by two doctors or by a doctor and a psychiatrist. The judge schedules a hearing to take evidence on whether and to what extent the allegedly incapacitated person needs a guardian and whether the prospective guardian is qualified to assume that role, then renders a decision on those issues. I can represent you in a guardianship proceeding if warranted by the circumstances, and advise you on how to function as a guardian.

Long-term care planning

Many people may benefit from spending their twilight years receiving long-term care in nursing homes or assisted living facilities. Others benefit more from in-home care. I can help you financially prepare for long-term care through Medicaid planning, long-term care insurance and other legally effective asset protection strategies designed to ensure that you receive quality care without depleting your resources.

Elder abuse

Elder abuse — the physical, emotional and financial abuse, neglect or exploitation of a senior citizen — is a growing problem in our society, as more and more people live to ages that render them medically or mentally infirm or otherwise vulnerable. If you or your loved one is in that position, I can protect you or them through protective orders, powers of attorney, guardianships, trusts and other legally effective means. As an experienced elder law attorney, I can identify mistreatment and potential risks. From there, my firm devises and implements appropriate strategies to prevent elder abuse from occurring or recurring.

How Paton Law supports families with elder law services

I believe in providing a comprehensive and integrated set of elder law services. By advising on a wide range of issues including guardianships, estate planning, long-term care strategies and elder abuse protection, I can see that each component fits with the others to create an effective overall plan. My goal is to help senior citizens maintain as high a quality of life as their circumstances permit. You can rely on my firm for a personalized, compassionate approach to your unique challenges, as I diligently work to protect seniors’ rights and secure their futures.

Contact a New Jersey attorney providing integrated elder law counsel  

The Paton Law Firm LLC offers comprehensive elder law support for North Jersey seniors and their families. For a free consultation regarding your particular needs, please call 201-470-4801 or contact me online. My office is in Fair Lawn.