Elder Law

Just as you would undoubtedly not consult with a pediatrician if you needed surgery to remove a brain tumor, you should not consult with a criminal defense attorney if you need your Last Will and Testament updated. Knowing which type of attorney you need, however, can be confusing given that the average person only interacts with an attorney a few times in their entire lifetime. In fact, it can be very difficult to know when the need for an elder law attorney arises given the fact that elder law … [Read more...] about What Is Elder Law?

If you have an elderly loved one, you undoubtedly worry about his/her physical and cognitive health, but has it ever occurred to you to worry about the risk of suicide? Probably not. Senior suicide is actually much more common that most people realize. In 2005, the most recent year for which statistics are available, there were 5,404 suicides in the United States among those aged 65 and older, according to the American Association of Suicidology. That figure translates into nearly 15 elder … [Read more...] about Is an Older Loved One at Risk for Suicide?

As the Baby Boomer generation moves into their retirement years, the number of older Americans continues to increase at a historic rate. In fact, the U.S. Census Bureau expects the population aged 65 and older to nearly double from 43.1 million in 2012 to 83.7 million in 2050. For the first time in history, the number of older adults (age 65 and older) is expected to outnumber their younger counterparts (age 21 and younger) that same year. With the increase in seniors, we are also experiencing a … [Read more...] about Indiana Ranks in the Middle for Elder Abuse Protection

Contrary to what many people believe, disability is not a concern that is limited to the elderly. The reality is that you could suffer a temporary, or permanent, disability at any time during the course of your lifetime – though the odds do increase with age. Fortunately, the United States government has programs that offer financial assistance to individuals who are disabled. Both the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program provide monetary … [Read more...] about SSI vs. SSDI – Do You Qualify for Either?

The world lost a legend of the comic world when Stan Lee passed away on November 12th at the age of 95. Prior to his death, Lee made headlines repeatedly as those close to him jockeyed for control of his fortune. Despite ailing health, Lee fought back with allegations of elder abuse. The litigation that was ongoing at the time of his death does not simply disappear with his death, meaning it will plague the probate of his estate. While most of us will not have the type of fame and fortune Lee … [Read more...] about What Stan Lee’s Death Should Teach Us

Over the past several decades, the older population in the United States has grown at a historic rate. In fact, experts predict that by the year 2050, the older population (age 65 and older) in the U.S. will outnumber their younger counterparts (age 21 and younger) for the first time in history. Seniors encounter many of the same legal issues as their younger counterparts; however, they also face some unique legal problems. The legal needs of older Americans created a corresponding need for … [Read more...] about What Can an Elder Law Attorney Do for You?

If you are thinking ahead about retirement, it is a good idea to talk with Indianapolis elder law attorneys. At Frank & Kraft, our experienced legal team can help you to take steps to ensure that you have as much financial security as possible during your golden years. You should reach out to us as soon as possible in your career so we can provide you with advice appropriate to the life stage you're currently in.   Making advance plans to prepare for retirement is key … [Read more...] about How Indianapolis Elder Law Attorneys Help You Prepare for Retirement Security

An elder law attorney at Frank & Kraft can provide insight into the issue seniors face as they get older. One issue is that many seniors face a big risk of financial loss. This risk could come from many different sources. Seniors may need costly nursing home care that they end up having to pay for out-of-pocket if they do not have a Medicaid plan to get care covered; they could experience high healthcare bills that eat into their nest egg; or they could end up being victimized … [Read more...] about 90-Year-Old Loses Thousands in Phone Scam

An elder law attorney can provide help in choosing a healthcare proxy and in creating a power of attorney so you have a trusted friend or family member who can make decisions on your behalf if you become unable to act of your own accord. Making plans in advance for who will serve as your agent in case of incapacity is important because your agent could end up making life-and-death medical decisions on your behalf.  Unfortunately, there are some circumstances where people … [Read more...] about Senior Advocates Form Army of Guardians

Indianapolis elder law attorneys can provide you with personalized help preparing for retirement. We can assist you in taking steps to get your plans underway early in your career so you can achieve financial security as a senior and be ready to retire when you feel ready to leave the workforce. We can also provide you with assistance when you are nearing retirement to ensure that your affairs are in order and that your nest egg will last throughout your retirement.   It … [Read more...] about How Indianapolis Elder Law Attorneys Can Help You Prepare for Retirement