As our loved ones age, their legal, financial, and healthcare needs can become increasingly complex. Whether you’re helping a parent plan for long-term care or you’re an older adult looking to ensure your future security, managing these issues can be overwhelming. 

At Foust & Foust, PLLC, we provide committed, compassionate legal guidance to seniors and their families. Our elder law services are designed to protect your rights, safeguard your assets, and help you plan for the future.

What Is Elder Law?

Elder law focuses on the legal issues that affect older adults and includes topics like estate planning, long-term care options, healthcare decisions, and protection against elder abuse. At its core, elder law is about making sure that seniors are cared for both financially and medically.

In Tennessee, there are unique legal considerations that seniors and their families must be aware of. 

This includes understanding Medicaid eligibility rules, estate planning to avoid probate, and long-term care planning that preserves assets. Elder law attorneys, like those at Foust & Foust, are here to guide you through these important decisions.

Elder Law Services We Offer

We offer a variety of elder law services to meet the needs of our senior clients. Whether you’re planning for the future or dealing with an immediate legal issue, we’re here to help.

Estate Planning for Seniors

Planning for the future is essential for ensuring that your wishes are carried out and your assets are protected. Our estate planning services include:

  • Wills and Trusts: These documents ensure that your property is distributed according to your wishes after you pass away. A revocable living trust is often a great tool, allowing you to avoid probate and ensure your loved ones’ inheritance is received without delays.
  • Powers of Attorney: A power of attorney gives someone you trust the ability to make decisions on your behalf if you’re unable to. This can cover both financial decisions and healthcare choices.
  • Advance Directives: Also known as living wills, these documents outline your wishes for medical care if you become unable to communicate them.

We’ll work with you to create a plan that reflects your wishes and protects your assets. With the right plan in place, you can feel confident knowing that your loved ones will be taken care of.

Medicaid and Medicare Planning

Medicaid and Medicare are both critical programs for seniors, but they serve different purposes. Medicare helps cover healthcare costs, while Medicaid is designed to assist with long-term care expenses for those who qualify.

Qualifying for Medicaid in Tennessee can be complex, and it’s important to understand the eligibility rules to ensure that you or your loved one can receive the benefits you need.

We assist with Medicaid planning to protect your assets while ensuring you’re eligible for long-term care coverage. 

This might include strategies like spend-down planning or the creation of trusts to help shield your assets while still qualifying for care. If you need help with the application process, we’re here to guide you through every step, including appeals if necessary.

Long-Term Care Planning

Regarding long-term care, whether it’s in-home assistance, assisted living, or a nursing home, making the right decisions early on can prevent financial stress later. We’ll help you explore your best options, while also making sure your assets are preserved as much as possible.

Planning for long-term care isn’t just about finding a place to stay – it’s about ensuring your needs are met and your future is secure. 

We offer life care planning, a holistic approach combining care coordination with financial and legal planning, helping you tackle things with peace of mind.

Guardianship and Conservatorship

Sometimes, a loved one can no longer make decisions for themselves due to illness or incapacity. It may be necessary to establish guardianship or conservatorship to protect them. 

This legal process allows someone to make decisions on behalf of the incapacitated person, ensuring their well-being and safety.

At Foust & Foust, we handle these sensitive matters with care, always keeping the best interests of your loved one in mind. We’ll help you handle the court process and make sure that your family member is protected.

Elder Abuse and Exploitation

Unfortunately, elder abuse is a growing concern. Whether it’s physical, emotional, or financial, abuse can take many forms. If you suspect that a loved one is being mistreated, it’s important to take action. 

We help families address issues of elder abuse, working to stop the abuse and hold those responsible accountable.

We also assist in preventative measures, such as powers of attorney or trusts, which can help protect seniors from financial exploitation. If you or a loved one are facing this situation, know that we’re here to support you every step of the way.

Why Choose Foust & Foust for Elder Law?

At Foust & Foust, PLLC, we understand the unique challenges that seniors and their families face. Here’s what sets us apart:

  • Personalized Attention: We take the time to get to know you and your situation. Every family is different, and we tailor our services to meet your specific needs.
  • Compassionate Guidance: Dealing with legal matters as you or your loved ones age can be stressful. We’re here to provide support and guidance in a compassionate and understanding manner.
  • Tennessee Focus: Our firm is based in Knoxville, and we have deep knowledge of Tennessee law. We know the ins and outs of local resources, Medicaid regulations, and the legal system, which allows us to provide effective and informed representation.

Contact Us Today

If you’re ready to take the next step in protecting your future or the future of a loved one, we invite you to contact us today. Whether you’re just starting the planning process or facing an urgent legal issue, we’re here to help.Call us today at (865) 203-4041 or fill out our online form to schedule a consultation. Let’s work together to ensure your rights are protected and your future is secure.