dog (Henri) at desk with contract

5 Myths of Elder Law

Elder Law, Estate Planning, Medicaid Planning

By Robert M. Goldberg

National Elder Law Month

As the number of older adults and people with disabilities continues to grow, so does the need for thoughtful long-term care and Estate Planning. Elder Law Attorneys are uniquely equipped to guide clients through these complex decisions, helping them prepare for the future while staying focused on what matters most: living life to the fullest.

Myth: Estate Planning is easy. I can do it online.

Fact: Laws change constantly. Online or pre-printed forms are often outdated, invalid in your state, or not tailored to your needs. Mistakes in documents like Wills or Powers of Attorney can be difficult or impossible to fix later.

Myth: Elder Law Attorneys only help with Wills and Trusts.

Fact: Elder law goes far beyond Wills and Trusts. It addresses a wide range of issues, including long-term care planning, Medicaid eligibility, Veterans’ benefits, and special needs planning. Our focus is proactive planning. Through clear, comprehensive Estate Planning, we help clients protect themselves, reduce the risk of financial exploitation, and ensure their wishes are honored.

Myth: Medicare will cover my long-term care.

Fact: Medicare and supplemental insurance typically only cover short-term medical needs, like hospital stays or rehabilitation. Elder Law Attorneys can help you navigate Medicaid eligibility and plan ahead to secure the care you need.

Myth: Guardianships are always scary and unnecessary.

Fact: Guardianship and conservatorship can feel intimidating, but they are sometimes necessary and are more common than many realize. Guardianship allows a court to appoint someone to make personal or medical decisions, while conservatorship focuses on financial matters. Elder law Attorneys can help families establish, manage, or avoid guardianships and conservatorships when appropriate, ensuring decisions are made in the best interest of loved ones and their rights are protected.

Myth: I have too many assets to qualify for Medicaid.

Fact: Not necessarily. Medicaid eligibility depends on income, assets, how those assets are structured, and timing. Many people who believe they are “over the limit” may still have options. An Elder Law Attorney can help you understand the rules and use strategic estate planning tools to help protect your hard-earned assets while working toward Medicaid eligibility when appropriate.

Call Robert M. Goldberg & Associates at 770-229-5729 or watch our free webinar, and learn more about elder law this National Elder Law Month!

Testimonials

What our clients say about us

Robert M. Goldberg & Associates helped me navigate my mother’s stroke care, my father’s estate planning, and later, settling his estate after his passing. Their knowledge, guidance, and support carried me through incredibly difficult times. I would have been lost without them. If you need an elder lawyer, you won’t find a more skilled or compassionate team than Robert Goldberg and his associates.

Valerie’s full testimonial

Valerie Chappell

phil doane

I needed to get my things in order for when I pass away as I am a single person. I attended a seminar sponsored by my Association and learned the difference between a Will and a Trust. I decided that a Living Trust was best for me. I set up an appointment with Robert M. Goldberg & Associates, and everyone was very friendly and professional. I learned a lot when I set up My Trust and feel so much better about the future of all my assets. I highly recommend this company to take care of your concerns.

Phil Doane

judy cochran

Working with Robert M. Goldberg, estate attorney has been an outstanding experience from start to finish. Estate planning can feel overwhelming, but they made the entire process clear, organized, and surprisingly stressfree. What impressed me most was his ability to listen closely, understand my goals, and explain every option in a way that empowered me to make confident decisions.

Judy Cochran