Just For Seniors: Elder Law Central Coast
Wills & Estate Planning
Power of Attorney Assistance
Legal Support for Seniors
Just for Seniors
As we get older, we must make various important decisions surrounding our finances and general wellbeing. Whether it’s drafting a will, going into retirement or moving into an aged care facility, having professional legal assistance can ensure you make the best decision for yourself and for your family.
At GMS Legal & Conveyancing, our friendly team will be glad to help all senior clients on the Central Coast, Lake Macquarie and Toukley with any issue. Since 1988, our qualified lawyers have been committed to helping seniors feel comfortable, secure and confident in their future.
What is Elder Law?
Lawyers that practice in elder law specialise in dealing with legal issues that are unique to the ageing and elderly community. They are here to provide friendly, clear and personalised advice tailored to you and your family’s situation.
We can assist with and provide legal advice on issues such as:
- Lifestyle changes e.g. moving into a retirement village
- Writing & updating wills
- Power of attorneys
- Enduring guardianship
- Advance care directive
- Deceased estates
- Referrals to financial advisors & accountants
- Senior discounts
As licensed conveyancers, our friendly team can also help if you plan on buying or selling property, such as downsizing or investment properties. We can review contracts and negotiate prices to ensure you fully comprehend the conditions of any transaction you make.
Retirement Villages
The ageing population of Australia means the demand for aged care facilities is increasing every year. Between 2016 and 2026, there is expected to be a 25.9% increase in population of people in retirement age for the Central Coast alone. As a result, this means there will be limited number of spaces available in retirement villages, creating a strict eligibility criteria for these facilities. Your lawyer can help you make an informed decision on your available choices, and make sure you meet the criteria of the facility before you apply.
Due to the lack of spaces available, it’s also common for many senior Australians to feel pressured into settling for an accommodation that’s not ideal for them. We can help you choose the best option by taking the time to understand your needs, financial standing and lifestyle preferences.
Preparing for a Retirement Village
Once you have decided on a facility, the preparations prior to moving have also increasingly become more complicated. We can help you understand the services you are entitled to, and the ongoing contribution you must pay. If you’re confused about the costs involved in moving into a retirement village, or what happens to your estate if you leave or pass away, our team of lawyers can review your contracts and clarify everything for you. This includes examining the terms and conditions of the contract, making sure you’re fully aware of the long- and short-term implications of any decisions you make regarding your future.
If you believe yourself or your family member can benefit from some legal assistance on any of the issues listed above, get in touch with GMS Legal & Conveyancing today for more information.
Frequently Asked Questions
What legal documents should seniors have in place?
Seniors should have key legal documents in place to manage their affairs and ensure their wishes are followed. These may include a will, enduring power of attorney, enduring guardianship, and an advance care directive. A will outlines how assets will be distributed after death. An enduring power of attorney allows a trusted person to manage financial matters if the individual is unable to do so. An enduring guardianship enables someone to make healthcare and lifestyle decisions if needed. An advance care directive records preferences for medical treatment and end-of-life care. Reviewing these documents regularly can help ensure they align with current wishes and circumstances.
What is an enduring power of attorney, and why is it important for seniors?
An enduring power of attorney (EPOA) is a legal document that allows a trusted person to make financial and legal decisions on behalf of someone who becomes unable to manage their own affairs. Unlike a general power of attorney, which is only valid while the person has capacity, an EPOA continues even if they lose decision-making ability due to illness, injury, or age-related conditions. It can cover tasks such as managing bank accounts, paying bills, selling property, and handling investments. Choosing the right attorney is crucial, as they will have significant control over financial matters. It is important to clearly outline the scope of authority in the document to avoid any misunderstandings.
What is the difference between an enduring power of attorney and an enduring guardianship?
An enduring power of attorney (EPOA) and an enduring guardianship serve different purposes in managing a person’s affairs. An EPOA relates to financial and legal matters, allowing a trusted individual to handle property transactions, banking, and financial decisions if the person loses capacity. An enduring guardianship covers healthcare and lifestyle decisions, such as medical treatments, living arrangements, and aged care placements. Both documents are important for seniors, as they help ensure that trusted individuals can make decisions in line with their best interests if they are no longer able to do so themselves.
How does an advance care directive work?
An advance care directive is a legal document that records a person’s preferences for future medical treatment and end-of-life care. It allows individuals to outline the type of medical interventions they do or do not want if they become unable to communicate their wishes. This can include decisions about life-sustaining treatment, palliative care, and resuscitation. The directive may also appoint a substitute decision-maker to ensure medical professionals and family members respect the individual’s preferences. Having an advance care directive can help avoid confusion about treatment choices and provide guidance to healthcare providers and loved ones.
