Elder Law

A person appointed by the court to take charge of the property or manage the financial affairs of an incapacitated person or a minor child.

The appointment of a person to manage the property and income of minors or the legally incapacitated or a minor child.

When a married person enters a nursing facility, a provision which may help protect some of the couple’s resources for the spouse who is not in a nursing facility.

Power of attorney that does not terminate upon the incapacity of the person who made it.

The physical, financial, or emotional abuse of an elderly person, usually one who is disabled or frail.

The preparation of a plan of administration and disposition of one’s estate using a will, trusts, gifts, power of attorney, etc.

Someone who is appointed to have custody of a person who is incapacitated or is a minor. Court appointed guardians must periodically make a report to the probate court regarding the individual for whom they are guardian. Parents are natural guardians for their minor children.

The appointment of a person to have care and custody of a minor or legally incapacitated person by the probate court.

A person who is unable by reason of any physical or mental condition to receive and evaluate information or to communicate decisions to such an extent that he is unable to provide himself with food, clothing, shelter, safety, or other care such that physical injury, illness or disease is likely to occur.

Planning for the possibility of incapacity or disability regarding the control of your property, finance, and health care decisions.

An insurance policy intended to meet the medical and non-medical needs of a disabled or chronically ill patient.

One of the two principal health care programs operated and funded by the government. Medicaid differs from Medicare in three important ways:

1. It is run by state government
2. It is based on financial eligibility requirements, rather than the age of the recipient
3. It covers all “necessary” medical care. Medicaid provides care at a skilled nursing facility

Estate planning with the goal of limiting or protecting a person’s assets so that he or she can meet the financial criteria for Medicaid qualification.

One of two principal health care programs operated and funded by the government. Medicare is funded by the federal government, and benefits are available to anyone age 65 or older – providing they would be entitled to receive Social Security retirement benefits, whether or not they actually have retired – as well as anyone who has been receiving SSDI for at least two years.

Missouri’s version of Medicaid. The purpose of the MO HealthNet is to purchase and monitor health care services for low income and vulnerable citizens of the State of Missouri.

The transferring of property directly to the beneficiary at death without going through probate.

Document by which a person (principal) grants authority to another (agent) to perform specified acts on the principal’s behalf. The agent is referred to as an “attorney in fact.” The scope of a power of attorney can be limited to a particular purpose or general for all matters.

Transferring property to beneficiaries or heirs using legal documents that avoid a probate court administration. May also refer to avoid probate upon incapacity through the use of a trust agreement or durable power of attorney.

Offers certain federal income tax advantages to the purchaser. If you have a qualified long term care policy, and you itemize deductions, you may be able to deduct part, or all, of the premium.

Individuals managing the social security payments for another.

A benefit paid to wartime veterans who have limited or no income and who are age 65 or older or under 65 who are permanently and totally disabled.