Elder Law
Serving Eugene, Salem, and Roseburg – Estate Planning & Asset Protection Experts
Elder law in Oregon encompasses a wide range of legal issues affecting older adults, including estate planning, long-term care, guardianship, and elder abuse protection. As the population ages, more individuals and families require legal guidance to navigate complex matters related to healthcare, asset protection, and end-of-life decisions. Elder law attorneys specialize in assisting seniors with legal planning to ensure their rights, finances, and healthcare needs are properly addressed as they age.
One of the most critical aspects of elder law in Oregon is estate and long-term care planning. Seniors often need assistance with drafting wills, trusts, and advance directives to ensure their assets are distributed according to their wishes and their medical care preferences are honored. Medicaid planning is also essential, as long-term care costs can be overwhelming. Elder law attorneys help individuals structure their assets in a way that allows them to qualify for Medicaid while preserving wealth for their families.
Guardianship and conservatorship are also significant areas of elder law, especially for individuals who can no longer manage their own affairs due to cognitive decline or disability. When an elderly person is unable to make financial or healthcare decisions, a court may appoint a guardian or conservator to act in their best interests. While these legal measures protect vulnerable seniors, they also require oversight to prevent exploitation. Families often seek legal guidance to establish or contest guardianship arrangements based on their loved one’s needs.
Elder law in Oregon also includes protections against elder abuse, which can take the form of financial exploitation, neglect, or physical harm. State laws provide mechanisms for reporting abuse, seeking legal recourse, and holding perpetrators accountable. Legal professionals play a crucial role in advocating for seniors’ rights, whether by assisting with power of attorney arrangements, helping victims of fraud, or representing elderly clients in legal disputes. With proper planning and legal support, Oregon’s seniors can maintain their dignity, financial security, and quality of life as they age.
Let’s work together
At Schultz & Associates Law Center, P.C., we work closely with other professional advisors, including Certified Financial Planner™ Practitioners, investment advisors, financial consultants, insurance professionals, Certified Public Accountants, and tax advisors as part of the estate planning team. We believe the team approach provides our mutual clients with the most comprehensive, realistic and effective estate plan.