Protecting Seniors, Preserving Dignity
Elder Law Attorney in Queens, NY
The rising cost of healthcare, long-term care, and nursing homes can quickly drain a lifetime of savings. Families often feel helpless, worried about losing their homes, or uncertain about how to qualify for Medicaid without sacrificing everything they’ve worked for.
What Is Elder Law?
Elder law is a specialized practice area designed to address the legal, financial, and healthcare needs of seniors and their families. It includes:
- Long-Term Care Planning: Anticipating healthcare needs and costs as you age.
- Medicaid Planning: Protecting assets while qualifying for essential benefits.
- Asset Protection: Preserving property, savings, and investments for loved ones.
- Estate Planning: Coordinating wills, trusts, and healthcare directives.
- Guardianships: Appointing trusted individuals to manage affairs if capacity declines.
Without proper planning, families risk losing assets to medical bills, being denied Medicaid eligibility, or leaving loved ones unprotected.
When Should You Consider Elder Law Services?
It’s never too early to plan — but elder law becomes critical if:
- You or a loved one may need long-term care or nursing home placement
- You want to reduce the risk of losing assets to medical expenses
- You are unsure how to qualify for Medicaid without jeopardizing your savings
- You want to ensure your spouse, children, or dependents are financially protected
- You are experiencing declining health and want to make your wishes clear
Why Hire an Elder Law Attorney?
The rules for Medicaid, asset protection, and long-term care in New York are highly complex. Mistakes can cost families their savings. I provide:
Elder Law Disputes
Family disagreements often arise when facing tough decisions about long-term care, finances, or guardianship. Richard Cary Spivack provides skilled representation in:
- Medicaid Eligibility Challenges: Resolving disputes over qualification and benefits.
- Asset Protection Conflicts: Addressing disagreements about preserving family wealth.
- Guardianship Proceedings: Advocating in court when families cannot agree on who should make decisions.
When litigation is unavoidable, I provide assertive courtroom advocacy while keeping the senior’s best interests at the center of every case.
You ask, I answer
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the “look-back period” for Medicaid in New York?
Medicaid reviews transfers of assets made within five years of your application. Planning ahead can help avoid penalties.
Can I protect my home from nursing home costs?
Yes. With proper planning, homes can often be preserved while still qualifying for Medicaid.
Is elder law only for seniors?
No. Families of all ages benefit from elder law planning to protect parents, spouses, and dependents.