In recent years, Tennessee’s sixty-five (65) and over population has steadily increased. The senior population has the largest growth rate in the state, with the last of the Baby Boomers entering into retirement age by 2029. Ranked at number three for retirement, Tennessee is also a main attraction for new retirees with its tax friendly laws and relative affordability. The state has seen a steady trend in the senior population moving in from different states. However, as an individual begins to enjoy their well-deserved retirement, end of life decisions regarding estate planning, access to public benefits, and/or power of attorneys can become pressing issues. Life happens fast and can come with a few unexpected twists and turns. Seniors can run into trouble with accessing certain benefits causing a domino effect of problems. Thinking about where to turn or who should represent your interests can be intimidating and overwhelming. As legal issues start to overlap with other legal issues, it can feel like there are too many problems to tackle all at once. When dealing with problems concerning an elderly person’s interests, it is best to look for representation from an elder law attorney that will advocate for their rights no matter the legal
issue.
Elder law is a very complex area of law dedicated to helping counsel seniors and individuals with special needs regarding a multitude of legal issues related to aging. The National Elder Law Foundation website, an American Bar Association approved agency, defines elder law as the “legal practice of counseling and representing older persons and persons with special needs, and their representatives about the legal aspects of health and long-term care planning, public benefits, surrogate decision making, legal capacity, the conservation, disposition and
administration of estates and the implementation of their decisions concerning such matters, giving due consideration to the applicable tax consequence of the action, or the need for more sophisticated tax expertise.” Overall, this area of law consists of twelve different areas of practice including, but not limited to, fiduciary representation, employment and retirement advice, litigation and administrative agency advocacy, and senior counseling. This is a unique area of law that specializes in aiding a group of people based on their age rather than
on a specific legal problem.
Understanding when a person should seek out an elder law attorney is important when it comes to protecting an aging person’s assets and interests. For a person to be represented in Tennessee they must be sixty (60) years or older, or suffer from physical or mental disabilities due to the result of aging. Elder law overlaps with various other legal areas due to how intertwined an individual’s life becomes after retirement. For example, an elderly person’s incapacity to make competent decisions could affect their choices regarding medical treatment, finances and estate planning. Seniors do not need to be overwhelmed when looking for someone to advocate for their rights or represent their best interests. With the help of an elder law attorney, clients can feel confident their voices are heard.
If you or someone you know who is sixty (60) years or older and is in need of legal assistance, it is important to act quickly. At King Law Offices, we understand the sensitivity and complexity of these situations and are here to help. Our experienced attorneys can guide you through your legal issues. Contact King law Offices today at (888)-748- KING (5464) for a consultation.