Elder Law
Richmond and Chesterfield Elder Law Firm
Comprehensive planning and litigation services for the elderly and disabled throughout Virginia
As the largest firm in Virginia focusing on family law issues, Barnes & Diehl, P.C. has developed a comprehensive complement to our estate planning practice related to the unique needs of the elderly, disabled persons and their families/custodians. One of our elder law attorneys, Leslie Ann Shaner, is a member of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, a board member for the Virginia Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, and is qualified as a Guardian Ad Litem for incapacitated persons in the Commonwealth of Virgina. Our elder law practice involves not just legal representation but ongoing counseling and advice on all aspects of planning and litigation related to:
- Living wills: Living wills permit individuals to instruct their physicians concerning their end-of-live decisions. Our Virginia living will lawyers help clients in informing others of the type of care they do or do not wish to receive.
- Advanced medical directives: Advance medical directives provide for appointed individuals to make medical decisions when persons are incapable of making their own informed decisions about their medical care.
- Living trusts: A living trust allows you to maintain control over your assets during your lifetime and pass assets directly to a beneficiary upon your death while avoiding probate and the involvement of the courts. Our Richmond elder law attorneys can assist in creating a living trust that is tailored to achieve your needs and goals.
- Special needs trusts: An inheritance, settlement or other award may threaten your entitlement to public benefits, such as Medicaid. A special needs trust can protect both sets of assets in a legally sound, enforceable environment.
- Power of attorney: A power of attorney (POA) identifies a person who will make financial decisions for you should you become incapacitated.
- Guardianship/conservatorship: We assist in the appointment of personal guardianships or conservatorships for property who act in the stead of individuals unable to make decisions on their own due to mental illness, disability or other mental incapacity.
- Benefit planning: We assist in all stages of planning for golden years, including planning applicable to Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security Disability, retirement funds, pensions, 401(k) plans and IRAs.
- Probate and estate administration: We assist in the administration process, including litigation of issues between family members and with the government/I.R.S.
- Estate planning: We assist clients in creating tailored estate plans comprising wills, trusts and other instruments. We also handle comprehensive estate planning for same-sex couples of all ages
- Insurance/investment advice
- Business succession/tax planning
- Counseling/care management
Our elder law practice and, in fact, our entire Estate Planning Group at Barnes & Diehl, P.C. is centered on a personal approach for clients and the efficient, cost-effective creation of legally sound plans that protect assets and reinforce your wishes at all times. A elder law attorney from one of our two offices in Richmond or Chesterfield will work closely with you to identify your needs and goals, give a comprehensive analysis of assets and provide options for protection and distribution.
Contact Our Virginia Attorneys for Assistance With Living Wills, Benefit Planning, Living Trusts and Other Estate or Elder Law Needs
Contact the Richmond or Chesterfield law offices of Barnes & Diehl, P.C. today to speak with an experienced Virginia elder law lawyer who will answer your questions in a language you can understand and offer advice on the best methods to protect your assets and your family during the senior years.
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