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Elder Law Protecting Your Assets, Preserving Your Legacy, and Providing Peace of Mind

Massachusetts Elder Law & Medicaid Planning Attorney 

Helping You Plan For What The Future Holds  

Elder law, or elder care law, generally refers to legal services that address long-term care needs for seniors in any setting. Because disability can affect people at any age, the term “elder” law can be misleading—many elder law attorneys also work with younger clients who have disabilities, in addition to those who are aging.

Elder law attorneys must understand a broad range of legal areas, including estate planning, estate administration, and long-term care planning. Elder law practitioners are often challenged by the fact that different laws can conflict with one another, requiring careful choices to balance competing priorities. For example, making gifts to children is a common estate planning strategy, but it can be problematic in long-term care planning if the senior may need Medicaid (MassHealth) assistance, as such transfers can jeopardize eligibility.

Long-Term Care Planning In Massachusetts

We all know our senior population is growing and more and more people are living long enough to face the issue of needing help as they age. The good news is that there are many more care options out there today than when this practice began. But most of us do not always recognize that moment when we can no longer care for ourselves or live alone without some sort of care assistance.

Susana Lannik’s extensive background in long-term care planning and practical life experience is an advantage in helping seniors and their families plan effectively at these times.

It is important to know that nursing home care is no longer the only option for aging seniors. At Lannik Law, LLC, we carefully examine every client’s particular situation to determine all the available options and suggest the best action plan for everyone involved in a senior’s care. 

However, if your loved one needs to be moved to an assisted living facility, we will work with you to make these arrangements. Similarly, if you believe you or your loved one would be better cared for in a nursing home because of your loved one’s emotional or physical health, or psychological needs, we will guide you through the process of locating a home that best provides for your loved one’s needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Elder Law?

Elder law is a specialized area of law that helps older adults and their families plan for aging, protect their assets, access healthcare and long-term care, and make decisions about their future.

In Massachusetts, elder law often involves a combination of estate planning, Medicaid (MassHealth) planning, nursing home care, probate, and legal protections for seniors. The main areas of elder law include:

  • Estate planning: Preparing legal documents to protect a person's wishes and assets, including wills and trusts, durable powers of attorney, healthcare proxies, and living wills and advance directives.
  • MassHealth and long-term care planning: Helping clients understand how to pay for nursing home care or other eligible services, including MassHealth long-term care eligibility, financial eligibility and asset limits, the five-year look-back period for certain asset transfers, and spousal protections and planning.
  • Asset protection: Advising clients on lawful ways to preserve assets, plan for future care costs, and understand how property ownership and trusts may affect eligibility for benefits.
  • Probate and estate administration: Assisting families after a death with court filings, estate administration, creditor issues, and the distribution of assets under a will or Massachusetts law.

What is the difference between Estate Planning and Elder Law?

Estate planning focuses on wills, trusts, and what happens to assets at death. It often involves planning for inheritance and probate, and it can be relevant at any adult age.

Elder law focuses on aging, long-term care, benefits, and protecting rights and assets. It often involves MassHealth eligibility, nursing home care, and guardianship, and it addresses the legal challenges associated with aging, disability, and long-term care.

How Can We Help You?

Take steps now to protect your interests. You are working hard to build your life, and we will work hard to ensure that your legacy remains intact. If you would like to speak to us about elder planning, call our Needham office at (617) 431-2669, call our Mashpee office at  (508) 444-9445 or send us an email to get started.

What Clients Are Saying

Hear how families describe their experience working with our firm.

    "Impressed"
    I found attorney Lannik professional, courteous, and gave honest feedback without passing judgement on the other attorney. She was very gracious, listened attentively, and offered her perspective.
    - Dan U.
    "Highly Recommend"
    She was very helpful in putting my funds in the correct places to protect my assets.
    - Mary D.
    "Very Personable"
    We would highly recommend Lannik Law to those looking for an intelligent, informed and friendly elder law attorney.
    - Marianne D.
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