As you or your loved ones age, the legal landscape shifts. Suddenly, questions about long-term care, estate planning, and financial security become urgent. That’s where elder law comes in. It’s not just about legal documents—it’s about protecting your rights, your choices, and your future.

Elder law focuses on the unique legal needs of older adults and their families. Whether you’re preparing for retirement, supporting an aging parent, or facing a medical crisis, understanding elder law helps you make informed decisions that hold up over time.

Elder Law is More Than Just Estate Planning

Many people assume elder law is just another term for estate planning. While estate planning is one piece of the puzzle, elder law covers much more ground.

Elder law includes:

• Long-term care planning: Nursing homes and assisted living facilities come with high price tags. A solid elder law plan helps you preserve assets, explore Medicaid eligibility, and avoid surprises.
• Healthcare decision-making: As people age, having legal documents like a healthcare proxy or durable power of attorney becomes critical. These tools ensure your medical and financial wishes are honored—even if you can’t voice them yourself.
• Guardianships and conservatorships: When someone can no longer manage their affairs, the court may appoint a guardian or conservator. Elder law attorneys help families navigate this difficult process and consider less invasive alternatives when possible.
• Elder abuse prevention and response: Sadly, older adults are at greater risk for financial exploitation and neglect. Elder law also provides legal tools to stop abuse and recover lost assets.

Planning Ahead Saves More Than Money

You may think you don’t need an elder law plan until something goes wrong. But waiting too long often leads to fewer options, higher costs, and more stress for your loved ones.

Planning ahead gives you power. It means you can:

• Choose who will make decisions for you if you’re unable to.
• Protect your assets before applying for Medicaid or long-term care.
• Avoid court involvement by preparing clear legal documents in advance.
• Make your wishes known about healthcare, housing, and financial matters.
• Create a roadmap for your family so they’re not scrambling during a crisis.

In New Hampshire, the annual cost of long-term care can easily reach into six figures. Medicaid may help—but only if you meet strict income and asset limits. The rules around Medicaid planning are complicated, and they often involve a five-year “lookback” period. That’s why proactive planning is key.

When you act early, you give yourself more flexibility and more control. You can decide how your resources are used and ensure your care aligns with your values—not just what the system allows.

Families Need Clarity

One of the most overlooked reasons elder law matters is peace of mind for both you and your family. Without clear legal plans, even the most loving families can end up in conflict. Siblings may disagree on caregiving decisions. Spouses may be unsure what assets are protected. Children may not know your wishes around end-of-life care.

These aren’t just legal problems. They’re human ones. And when emotions run high, the last thing anyone wants is to be buried in paperwork, red tape, or legal uncertainty.

Elder law helps you lay a clear foundation. When everything is in writing—your power of attorney, your healthcare directives, your asset protection plan—there’s less room for confusion or disagreement.

It also means your family members aren’t forced into tough roles they didn’t choose. For example, naming a trusted individual as your healthcare agent in advance prevents loved ones from having to guess or argue about your care.

Think of elder law as your personal instruction manual. It tells the people you trust exactly what to do, so they don’t have to figure it out under pressure.

You Deserve a Plan that Works for You

Aging comes with enough unknowns. The legal side of things shouldn’t be one of them.

At Sowerby & Moustakis Law, located in New Hampshire, we help you prepare for life’s transitions with thoughtful, practical guidance. Whether you’re protecting assets, preparing for care, or stepping in to support a loved one, we’ll walk you through the process in plain language and on your terms.

Contact us right now to start building your elder law plan—so you and your family can move forward with confidence.