As we age, questions about healthcare, long-term care, and protecting assets for loved ones become more important. Elder law helps families plan for these challenges before they become emergencies. At Sowerby & Moustakis Law, we work with seniors and their families across Southern New Hampshire to protect dignity, independence, and peace of mind.

What Is Elder Law?

Elder law is a specialized area of law focused on the unique needs of older adults. It covers both financial and healthcare planning, often with the goal of avoiding unnecessary stress and protecting family assets. Common elder law tools include:

• Powers of Attorney: Name someone you trust to handle legal or financial matters if you cannot.
• Healthcare Directives: Outline your medical wishes and appoint a healthcare proxy.
• Trusts: Protect assets and simplify the transfer of wealth to your loved ones.
• Medicaid Planning: Position assets to help qualify for nursing home or assisted living coverage while preserving as much as possible for family.
• Guardianship: Establish a responsible decision maker if a loved one becomes incapacitated and no plan is in place.

Elder law is not just about legal documents. It is about making sure the right support and protections are in place when families need them most.

Common Elder Law Services in NH

We help New Hampshire families with a wide range of elder law needs, including:

• Long-Term Care Planning: Preparing for the possibility of nursing home or assisted living care.
• Crisis Medicaid Applications: Helping families when a loved one suddenly needs nursing home care.
• Asset Protection Strategies: Preserving homes, savings, and retirement funds for spouses and children.
• Blended Family Planning: Ensuring fairness for children and stepchildren while avoiding disputes.
• Charitable Giving: Including charitable goals in an elder law plan for clients without immediate heirs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does an elder law attorney do in New Hampshire?
An elder law attorney helps seniors and their families plan for long-term care, manage assets, and prepare for incapacity through tools like trusts, powers of attorney, and Medicaid planning.

How do I protect my home if I need nursing home care?
With proper planning, it may be possible to protect your primary residence through trusts or other legal strategies. Medicaid rules are complex, so it is important to seek legal advice before a crisis.

What is the difference between elder law and estate planning?
Estate planning focuses on what happens after death, while elder law focuses on quality of life and asset protection during aging and potential incapacity. Many clients benefit from a plan that combines both.

Serving Southern New Hampshire

Our office in Amherst serves clients across Southern New Hampshire, including Milford, Hollis, Nashua, Bedford, and nearby communities. Families choose us because we are part of the community and provide personalized attention that large firms across the border cannot match.

Take the First Step Toward Security

Elder law is about more than documents. It is about protecting dignity, easing stress, and ensuring the right care and support for your family. At Sowerby & Moustakis Law, we make the process approachable, clear, and compassionate.