Difference Between Estate Planning and Elder Law

News Letter Article 1

What Is the Difference Between Estate Planning and Elder Law

It is important to understand the difference between Elder Law Planning and Estate Planning. Understanding the difference between these two areas of practice is key to protecting your health and your wealth.

The main difference between elder law planning and estate planning is that Elder Law Planning focuses on legal issues for seniors while they are alive, while Estate Planning focuses on what happens to assets after death.

Elder Law Planning

It focuses on legal issues that affect seniors and their families, such as long-term care, healthcare, guardianship, and abuse. Elder law attorneys can help seniors with Medicaid planning, asset protection, and qualifying for benefits.

Estate planning

Estate planning focuses on managing and distributing assets after death, such as minimizing taxes and ensuring wishes are carried out. It typically includes wills, trusts, and beneficiary designations.

Here are some other differences between elder law and estate planning

  • Legal Documents - Elder Law often involves legal documents such as healthcare directives, such as healthcare proxies, Do-Not-Resuscitate orders (DNR), Living Wills, and Powers of Attorney. Estate planning typically includes wills and trusts.
  • Timeframe - Elder Law often involves legal documents such as healthcare directives, such as healthcare proxies, Do-Not-Resuscitate orders (DNR), Living Wills, and Powers of Attorney. Estate planning typically includes wills and trusts.
  • Scope - Elder Law has a broader scope, including healthcare, housing, and quality of life issues for seniors. Estate planning, on the other hand, has a narrower focus on wills, trusts, and asset distribution.