Mr. Rosenthal is a member of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA). Estate planning, trusts, powers of attorney, and living wills with advanced directives are offered when they are of assistance in providing security and dignity to clients. However, a power of attorney may be a financial disaster if the attorney in fact is the wrong person. Special care must be taken to assure that a client's assets are not wasted. Mr. Rosenthal can also explain the difference between a durable power of attorney and a springing power of attorney to help you decide when either one may be appropriate.

Asset protection is one of the most important aspects of the firm's practice and Medicaid Planning is an issue senior citizens should have knowledge of well before a need is present. You need to know eligibility requirements, both financial and level of care. You also need to know which assets count when determining Medicaid eligibility. When a spouse must receive nursing home care, Medicaid rules could deplete a lifetime of work if proper planning has not been done. Therefore you need to know how to legally move assets from "countable" to "non-countable", without penalty, or with at least minimal penalty.

Long term care insurance may also be appropriate, but if this is not the case, a services agreement with an adult child may be utilized to enhance the lifestyle of an institutionalized person.

Consultations are available to discuss the need for an income trust to qualify one for Medicaid, the limitations on gifting assets, whether a spouse must assume nursing home obligations, and how to use your assets to ensure services provided exceed the basic ones provided by institutions.

Lee A. Rosenthal, P.A. is here to assist people with lifestyle changes to assure dignity for seniors, and to preserve what you have worked a lifetime to accumulate.