Alzheimer's and Dementia, Asset Protection, Elder Law, estate planning
Longtime Partners and Financial Exploitation
By Rick Law, founder of the Estate Planning Center at Law Elder Law, a multi-generation law firm in Western Chicagoland in Illinois. Two friends fresh out of dental school started a practice together 30 years ago. For 30 years they worked side by side and were the best of friends out of the office. Everything seemed great until one of them was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. Inexplicably, the other partner turned on his best friend and started stealing all of his money shortly after the diagnosis. These cases of the wolf in sheep’s clothing serve to remind us of the importance of speaking with your elder law attorney clients alone at various times. Your lawyer needs to ask the questions that will help give them a feeling for how much influence a person has over them, especially if they want to give more and more power and control to that person. Linda Voirin, a licensed social worker at the Kane County (Illinois) State’s Attorney Office, says that lawyers are doing a disservice to seniors by not speaking with them privately, because they certainly aren’t going to get an honest answer with the caregiver—or son, daughter, granddaughter, etc.—sitting right in front of them. This is especially important when someone new shows up in the seniors life and seems to be influencing them. Unfortunately, it is becoming more and more common to see cases involving trusted lawyers who are either the exploited (and guilty of sloppy lawyering) or who are involved in the exploitation by drafting documents. The Attorney Registration & Disciplinary Commission says the fastest-growing area of lawyers to discipline is the group exploiting elderly clients and taking advantage of their age and their condition. This is why you may be better off with a certified elder law attorney such as can be found in the trusted and experienced team at Law Elder Law Too many families needlessly lose everything they have. Don’t let that be you. If you need help paying the overwhelming cost of long term care, give our office a call at 800-310-3100. Your first consultation is absolutely free. We’ll let you know what steps you need to take, right now, to protect yourself and your family. Call now, because when you’re out of money, you’re out of options! Sincerely, Rick L. Law, Attorney, Estate Planner for Retirees. Rick was named the #1 Illinois elder law estate planning attorney by Leading Lawyer Magazine. He has been quoted in the Wall Street Journal, AARP Magazine, TheStreet.com, and numerous newspapers and articles. Rick is the lead attorney for Law Elder Law, LLP, focusing in Estate Planning, Guardianship, and Nursing Home Solutions. His goal is to give retirees an informed edge when it comes to dealing with an uncertain future. Get flexible retirement strategies that work during good times and bad, plus information on how you can save your home and assets from being used to pay for long term care. Call 800-310-3100 for your free consultation now!