What Does an Elder Law Attorney Do? How They Protect Seniors’ Rights

Aging comes with challenges—rising healthcare costs, confusing government programs, and concerns about protecting assets. 

Many seniors in Michigan worry about losing their independence or being taken advantage of financially or legally. This is where elder law attorneys step in.

At Bassett Murray Law Group, PLLC, we’ve spent over 30 years helping seniors and their families in Michigan plan for the future and protect their rights. 

Whether it’s drafting a will, ensuring long-term care, or defending against elder abuse, we’re invested in improving lives. Let’s talk about what elder law attorneys do and how we help.

Core Services Provided by Elder Law Attorneys

Elder law covers a range of legal issues that affect seniors, from estate planning to protecting against financial exploitation. Here’s how we make a difference.

Estate Planning and Asset Protection

Seniors want to make sure their assets are protected and passed down according to their wishes. Estate planning isn’t just about having a will—it’s about making smart decisions that secure your financial future and prevent unnecessary legal battles.

An elder law attorney helps with:

• Drafting a valid will to ensure your property is distributed as you intended.
• Setting up trusts, including special needs trusts, to protect assets and reduce taxes.
• Creating financial and healthcare powers of attorney so someone you trust can manage your affairs if you’re unable to.
• Avoiding probate, which can be time-consuming and costly for your loved ones.

Estate planning isn’t something to do once and forget about. Laws change, and life circumstances shift—regular updates keep your plan strong.

Healthcare and Long-Term Care Planning

As we age, making decisions about healthcare and long-term care becomes more important. Without a plan, families often face difficult choices under stressful conditions. That’s why having advanced healthcare directives and living wills is essential. 

These documents outline your medical preferences, ensuring your wishes are honored if you’re unable to communicate them.

Long-term care can be costly, and Medicaid planning helps protect your assets while securing the care you need. 

Understanding the differences between in-home care, assisted living, and nursing homes is key to choosing the right option. We guide families through these decisions and help them find quality care facilities that fit their needs.

Beyond planning, protecting patients’ rights is just as important. Whether it’s ensuring proper care, preventing neglect, or addressing medical disputes, having legal support provides peace of mind. 

Taking action early can save both emotional and financial stress in the future.

Government Benefits and Financial Planning

Many seniors rely on Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security, but these programs can be confusing. Mistakes in applications or missed deadlines can lead to lost benefits. 

An elder law attorney makes sure you get the assistance you’re entitled to while protecting your assets.

They can assist with:

• Medicare applications and appeals, including an explanation of Parts A, B, C, and D.
• Medicaid eligibility planning, ensuring seniors receive benefits without depleting their finances.
• Social Security benefits applications and problem resolution.
• And Veterans’ Benefits applications and appeals.

Without proper planning, seniors may find themselves disqualified from the benefits they need. Having the right legal guidance makes all the difference.

Elder Abuse Prevention and Advocacy

Seniors can be vulnerable to physical, emotional, and financial abuse, often at the hands of caregivers, family members, or scam artists. 

Recognizing the warning signs—unexplained injuries, sudden financial changes, or withdrawal from loved ones—is the first step in protecting them.

When abuse occurs, legal action may be necessary. An elder law attorney can step in to protect victims by pursuing restraining orders, recovering stolen assets, or holding abusers accountable. 

If a senior is no longer able to manage their own affairs safely, establishing guardianship or conservatorship can provide legal protection and ensure responsible decision-making.

Special Needs and Disability Planning

Some seniors have family members with disabilities that require special legal and financial planning. An elder law attorney can help families ensure their loved ones receive proper care without risking losing government benefits.

This includes:

• Creating special needs trusts to protect eligibility for disability benefits.
• Advising on disability benefits and accommodations.
• Establishing legal protections for adults who cannot make decisions on their own.

Without proper planning, a senior’s family member could lose financial support or be placed in an unsuitable care setting. Legal safeguards provide peace of mind.

Secure Your Future in Michigan with Bassett Murray Law Group

Planning ahead ensures your assets, healthcare, and rights are protected as you age. Without a solid plan, families can face unnecessary legal and financial challenges. Taking action now brings peace of mind and security for the future.

At Bassett Murray Law Group, we have decades of experience helping Michigan seniors with personalized, compassionate legal support. 

From our Ann Arbor and Petoskey offices, we’re committed to finding the best solutions for your needs.

Call us today to get started:

• 734-930-9200 (Ann Arbor)

• 231-427-2292 (Petoskey)

We’re here to help because we’re invested in improving lives.