Elder Law Attorney

Protecting Seniors' Rights and Dignity in Maryland & Washington DC

Aging presents unique legal challenges that require specialized knowledge and compassionate advocacy. Our elder law attorneys serve seniors and their families throughout Maryland and Washington DC, providing comprehensive legal services that protect rights, preserve dignity, and secure the resources needed for quality care as we age.

Elder law addresses the specific legal needs of older adults, encompassing healthcare planning, financial protection, government benefits, and advocacy for seniors' rights. Our practice focuses exclusively on the legal issues affecting seniors, ensuring our clients receive knowledgeable, experienced representation.

MEDICAID PLANNING & LONG-TERM CARE

Protecting Assets While Securing Quality Care

Long-term care costs in Maryland and DC can quickly deplete lifetime savings. Medicaid planning helps protect family assets while ensuring access to quality care.

Medicaid Planning Services:
  • Asset Protection Planning - Strategic gifting programs and asset restructuring to preserve family wealth
  • Medicaid Trust Creation - Irrevocable trusts that protect assets while maintaining eligibility
  • Crisis Planning - Immediate strategies when long-term care is needed urgently
  • Veterans Benefits Integration - Aid and Attendance benefits to supplement long-term care costs
The five-year look-back period means advance planning is essential. Crisis planning options exist, but advance planning provides the most asset protection opportunities.
Maryland vs. DC Medicaid: While both follow federal guidelines, important differences exist in application processes, asset limits for married couples, and specific program benefits. Our expertise ensures you understand all available options.

ELDER ABUSE PREVENTION & RESPONSE

Protecting Vulnerable Seniors

Elder abuse affects thousands of seniors across Maryland and DC each year. Understanding warning signs and knowing how to take protective action can help safeguard vulnerable older adults.

Elder Abuse Protection:
  • Financial Exploitation Protection - Implementing safeguards and responding quickly when financial abuse is discovered
  • Physical and Emotional Abuse Response - Emergency protective orders and legal remedies for abuse victims
  • Neglect Prevention - Ensuring quality care in nursing homes and assisted living facilities
  • Legal Remedies - Civil litigation for damages and criminal prosecution support
Warning Signs of Elder Abuse:
  • Financial - Unauthorized withdrawals, missing belongings, new "friends" with excessive interest in finances
  • Physical - Unexplained injuries, bruises in various healing stages, sudden behavior changes
  • Emotional - Withdrawal from activities, depression, fear of specific caregivers
  • Neglect - Poor hygiene, untreated medical conditions, unsafe living conditions

GUARDIANSHIP & ALTERNATIVES

Protecting Decision-Making Rights

When seniors can no longer make decisions for themselves, legal protection may be necessary. We help families explore all options, starting with the least restrictive alternatives.

Guardianship Services:
  • Guardianship Alternatives - Powers of attorney, representative payee arrangements, and supported decision-making
  • Limited Guardianship - Court-supervised protection when alternatives aren't sufficient
  • Emergency Guardianship - Immediate protection for seniors in crisis situations
  • Guardianship Administration - Ongoing support for families serving as guardians

MEDICARE & HEALTHCARE ADVOCACY

Maximizing Benefits and Protecting Rights

Navigating healthcare systems and insurance can be overwhelming for seniors. We provide advocacy and support to ensure seniors receive appropriate care and benefits.

Healthcare Advocacy Services: Medicare appeals, healthcare directive planning, nursing home rights advocacy, and ensuring seniors receive appropriate medical care with dignity and respect.

SENIOR HOUSING & DISCRIMINATION PROTECTION

Protecting Rights and Independence

Seniors have specific rights regarding housing, employment, and services. We advocate for seniors facing discrimination and protect their rights to age with dignity.

Rights Protection:
  • Senior Housing Rights - Protection from age discrimination and rights in assisted living facilities
  • Age Discrimination Protection - Legal advocacy for seniors facing discrimination in any setting
  • Social Security Optimization - Maximizing benefits through understanding complex claiming strategies
  • Retirement Benefits Protection - Safeguarding pension and retirement account rights

FAMILY CAREGIVER SUPPORT

Guidance for Families Caring for Aging Loved Ones

Family caregivers often need legal guidance to properly assist aging family members while avoiding common pitfalls and legal complications.

Caregiver Legal Support:
  • Legal Document Preparation - Ensuring proper powers of attorney and healthcare directives
  • Financial Management Guidance - Proper handling of senior's finances and benefits
  • Care Planning - Legal aspects of long-term care arrangements and decisions
  • Crisis Response - Immediate legal support when emergencies arise

WHY ELDER LAW MATTERS

Aging adults face unique legal challenges that general practice attorneys may not fully understand. Our specialized focus ensures seniors receive knowledgeable advocacy that protects their rights, preserves their dignity, and secures the resources needed for quality care.

Elder Law Benefits:
  • Asset Protection - Preserve wealth while qualifying for necessary government benefits
  • Rights Advocacy - Protect against discrimination and ensure dignified treatment
  • Family Security - Provide peace of mind for seniors and their loved ones
  • Crisis Prevention - Proactive planning to avoid emergency situations

Protecting Dignity in Aging

Every senior deserves to age with dignity, respect, and protection of their rights. Our elder law practice preserves seniors' autonomy while providing necessary protection and advocacy.

Schedule Consultation Call (202) 938-1122

Serving seniors and families throughout Maryland and Washington DC

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