THE POLLS ARE NOW OPEN!!! The Virginia Living Magazine Reader's Survey "Best of Virginia, 2024 is now underway and The Estate & Elder Law Center of Southside Virginia offices in Bassett, Lynchburg and Danville would all appreciate your vote. Our firm is listed in the Law Firm category! To vote for the BASSETT office on 3371 Fairystone Park Hwy, please select the "SOUTHWEST" region. We are listed at this link: https://bov2024.capefear.com/southwest/law-firm on the drop-down menu of choices as "The Estate & Elder Law Center of Southside Virginia, Bassett". It is also possible to vote f ..read more

Reviewing your will or estate plan is something that many Lynchburg residents know they should do but often put off. It's natural to say things like: "I'll take care of it later," or "I already completed my estate plan, so it's all set." But various life circumstances and legal changes can significantly impact your estate planning needs. Ensuring that your estate plan, including your will and other estate planning documents, reflects your current situation is essential for peace of mind and securing your beneficiaries' future. The new year is a great time to set and keep a resolution to review ..read more

With an estimated 70% of Americans needing long-term care after age 65, planning for long-term care is an integral part of an estate plan for any Lynchburg senior. It’s better to talk about long-term care and make a plan before the family is confronted with an emergency situation.  Kiplinger’s article, “What Gen X Needs to Know About Their Aging Parents' Finances,” says that caring for an aging loved one takes planning ahead and patience.   By using advance planning for your elderly loved one, the family will have more options to secure proper care, protect family wealth, a ..read more

Navigating the world of estate planning can be daunting for Lynchburg residents, especially when it comes to understanding the intricacies of the durable power of attorney. This article delves deep into the world of durable power of attorney, its types and its significance in health care and financial matters. By the end, you'll be equipped with the knowledge to make informed decisions about your future and the well-being of your loved ones. What Is a Durable Power of Attorney? A durable power of attorney (DPOA) is a legal document that allows you to appoint someone you trust to make decisions ..read more

In today's digital age, scams targeting the elderly are on the rise, making it crucial for Lynchburg adult children and caregivers to be vigilant. This article delves deep into the world of scams and fraud, offering actionable steps you can take to shield your elderly parents from these malicious threats. Read on to discover the best ways to protect your parents and ensure their financial safety. What Makes Seniors a Prime Target for Scammers? Scammers often target older adults because they are perceived as more trusting and less likely to report scams. Cognitive decline in some seniors can al ..read more

For Lynchburg residents faced with the decision between guardianship and power of attorney for elderly parents, navigating the intricate landscape of elder law can be daunting. This article sheds light on the difference between guardianship and power of attorney, providing clarity on which approach might be the best fit for your family's unique situation. What Exactly Is a Power of Attorney? A power of attorney is a legal document that empowers an individual, often referred to as the "agent" or "attorney-in-fact," to act on behalf of another, known as the "principal". This authority can span a ..read more

As we approach Thanksgiving, a time marked by gratitude and giving, many of us reflect on what we are thankful for and how we can give back to our community. While it's common to make immediate contributions to non-profits during this season, there's another, often overlooked, avenue of giving that can leave a lasting impact: incorporating planned giving through charitable bequests into your estate plan. This Thanksgiving, while we gather with loved ones and celebrate the bounties of the year, it's also a prime opportunity to think about the legacy we wish to leave behind. Charitable or planne ..read more

Today we salute the service of our Managing Attorney Robert W Haley and our Lynchburg 3L Liberty law student legal assistant Nancy Fuller! #Veteran'sDay2023, #USAF ..read more

As the demand for and costs of long-term care services grow nationwide, the Medicaid crisis for those receiving home care has come into sharper focus.  The implementation of the federal Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) final rule in March 2023 coupled with the end of unique pandemic-era funding sources and broader eligibility, new challenges have emerged for seniors and disabled individuals who rely on services and supports for their daily living.  In October, U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA), chairman of the Special Committee on Aging introduced a proposed Senate Bill called Th ..read more

As we reach our later years, Lynchburg residents often find ourselves contemplating our legacy and what we will leave behind for our loved ones and cherished causes. This phase, often referred to as "late old age," presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities for estate planning. At this stage, individuals are typically well into retirement, possibly widowed, and have accumulated substantial assets.  Defining “late old age” must consider factors like health, mental status, family history and plain old luck, says a recent article from Financial Advisor, “Tax-Smart Wealth Transfer ..read more