Elder law is an area of the law that most people don’t think about until they need it. Elder law and estate planning are two topics that are closely related to one another, but not always something that most people prepare for adequately. Here are three common situations where people in North Dakota might want to contact an elder law attorney.

You are diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.

Our ability to make choices for ourselves is often something we take for granted. If you’re ever diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or another medical condition that threatens to rob you of your ability to make choices, you need to speak with an elder law attorney. If you act soon enough you can appoint someone you trust to make your decisions, but if you fail to act soon enough, a court will have to make that decision for you.

You are considering transitioning out of your home.

Deciding to move to an elder care or long-term care facility is a difficult choice to make, but something many people do every day. Elder law lawyers know how to help you prepare for such a possibility and how to take advantage of any government programs, such as Medicaid, that can help offset the expense.

You’re concerned about your ability to manage your responsibilities.

Even if you are still capable of making your own choices, there may come a time when you want to allow someone else to do it for you. An elder law lawyer can help you create powers of attorney that will let you choose someone responsible to look after your affairs.