- Drafting and implementing estate planning documents including Wills, Revocable Living Trusts, Financial Powers of Attorney, Durable Powers of Attorney for Health Care, and Living Wills
- Strategies to avoid probate and minimize gift, estate, inheritance, and income taxes
- Options for funding long-term care expenses including Medicaid, VA benefits, and long-term care insurance
- Medicaid planning and assistance with filing Medicaid applications and appeals
- Accessing Social Security benefits
- Managing the assets of clients with diminished capacity or lack of capacity
- Elder abuse and financial exploitation
- Nursing home negligence
- Medical negligence/malpractice
- Guardianships and conservatorships
- Drafting and implementing third-party discretionary special needs trusts and self-settled Medicaid payback trusts
- Assistance in protecting Medicaid and SSI benefit for disabled individuals receiving settlements or awards in lawsuits or inheritances
- Estate and trust administration following the death of a family member
Elder Law focuses on legal issues of particular concern to older clients. Special Needs Planning involves the implementation of trusts and other techniques to protect persons with disabilities. These are areas of growing importance due to the aging population and increasingly complex legal and regulatory environment. Kohnen & Patton attorneys have significant experience representing and counseling clients in both areas.