Elder Law

Richmond 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 compliment 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, has been named as a Guardian Ad Litem for Incapacitated Persons.  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: Referred to in Virginia as an “Advanced Medical Directive”, a Living Will is a document that clearly states your wishes to receive (or not receive) medical care should you be unable to speak for yourself.

• Living Trusts: A Living Trust allows you to pass assets directly to a beneficiary upon your death while avoiding probate and the involvement of the courts.

• Special Needs Trusts: An inheritance, settlement or other award may threaten your entitlement to public benefits such as Medicaid or Social Security. A Special Needs Trust can protect both sets of assets in a legally sound, enforceable environment.

• Power of Attorney: A PoA identifies a person who will make medical or financial decisions for you should you become incapacitated - sometimes referred to also as a “Healthcare Directive” or “Proxy”.

• 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.

• Benefit Planning: including Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security – Disability, retirement funds, pensions, 401k plans, IRAs

• Probate & Estate Administration: including litigation of issues between family members and with the government / I.R.S.

• Insurance / Investment Advice

• Business Succession / Tax Planning

• Estate 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 Richmond Elder Law attorney from one of our two offices in Henrico 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 US:

Virginia seniors often fall victim to unscrupulous individuals who would seek to exploit their sometimes vulnerable status. CONTACT the Richmond law offices of Barnes & Diehl, P.C. today to speak with an experienced 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.

VISIT our Family Law Overview page for more information on other areas of practice, including divorce, child custody and adoption.