Elder Law Attorney in Muskegon, MI

Elder law attorneys guide seniors and their loved ones through estate, Medicaid, and long-term care planning. The Law Offices of David E. Waterstradt can help you understand and implement trusts, wills, powers of attorney, and guardianship according to your needs. Our main goal is to secure your assets and ensure your wishes are carried out.

Certified Elder Law Attorneys are experts in elder law matters. They have advanced training, extensive experience, and must pass a rigorous exam. When you hire a CELA, like David E. Waterstradt, you benefit from the deep knowledge of elder law and experience required to maintain this certification.

With extensive knowledge of Michigan law and elder law matters, The Law Offices of David E. Waterstradt can help you become eligible for Medicaid while minimizing the risk to your assets. We can prepare you for Medicaid qualification, planning ahead to avoid disqualification or delays in approval.

Durable powers of attorney allow you to choose someone you can rely on to make financial and medical decisions if you are unable to do so. Unlike a non-durable power of attorney, this document remains effective if you were to be incapacitated, which helps avoid the need for court-ordered guardianship or conservatorship.

Many veterans and surviving spouses in Michigan qualify for additional benefits. For example, the VA’s Aid & Attendance program can help with the cost of home care, assisted living, or nursing home expenses. Eligibility rules can be complex, but CELAs have a deep understanding of the criteria and can help ensure your application is handled correctly.

Certified Elder Law Attorneys often recommend that seniors combine several legal tools to fully protect assets and ensure their wishes are carried out. These commonly include:

• Financial Durable Power of Attorney
• Patient Advocate Designation / HIPAA Authorization
• Living Will
• Last Will and Testament
• Revocable Living Trust and/or Medicaid Asset Protection Trust
• Funeral Representative Designation

Elder law attorneys can also assist with Medicaid planning, long-term care planning, veterans benefits, guardianship, and other estate planning needs.