ELDER LAW BASICSWhat Is Elder Law and Why Does It

Matter?

A BROAD COLLECTION

OF ISSUES

What Is Elder Law?

The term “ELDER LAW” doesn’t refer to a single legal topic, but

instead is a categorical term that includes many topics related to

one another

These topics are those that elderly people most commonly encounter as they get older, though some of them also apply to younger people

ELDER LAW SPECIALISTS

What Is an Elder Law Attorney?

AN ELDER LAW ATTORNEY is someone who specializes in

dealing with the problems elderly people most commonly confront

Because elder law is such a broad topic, some attorneys are experts in certain areas of elder law, while

others specialize in completely different topics

NOT-SUITABLE FOR EVERY SITUATION

Discussing Your Needs

It’s important to realize that you don’t need an elder law lawyer if you are simply an elderly person

who has a legal issue

For example, if you are charged with a traffic offense, you need to

speak to a criminal defense attorney, not an elder law attorney

ELDER LAW TOPICS

Estate Planning

Preparing Your Estate

After you die you will leave behind property and other interests

THE ESTATE PLANNING PROCESS

is dedicated to determining what will happen to that property after

you die

Choosing inheritances, avoiding estate taxes, and other similar

issues are all included under the broad category of estate planning

Probate

Legal Procedures

Closely related to estate planning

is the PROBATE PROCESS

Colorado, as well as every other state, has a specific set of rules that apply when someone dies

leaving behind property

Understanding probate and taking steps to avoid it whenever

possible is a common goal for many elderly people

Advance Planning

Nursing Homes and Incapacity

We lose many of our abilities as we age, and planning for the time when you might need to transition

into her nursing home or need someone else to make medical

decisions for you is a key part of elder law

CHOICES AND PLANS

Individually Tailored Advice

Though elderly people face many of the same issues, NO TWO

SITUATIONS ARE IDENTICAL

Being prepared to confront the potential problems that could face you as you age is what elder law

attorneys help you do

LEARN MORE ABOUT ELDER LAW IN

COLORADO

www.coloradoestateplan.com719-520-1474