Susan E. Gregory

Elder Law attorneys deal with issues related to elderly and disabled people. They write wills, represent clients subjected to elder abuse & plan strategies for health and long-term care planning, as well as end-of-life planning decisions. When it is appropriate, I collaborate with financial and medical professionals to provide a comprehensive plan for my clients. I also recommend public and private resources that may be available for your elderly relatives or anyone else with special needs.

When a person is incapacitated & can no longer care for their own interests, guardian law allows the court to appoint someone to make legal and healthcare decisions for them. A legal guardian may be appointed on a limited or complete basis. Nursing home residents may need a general legal guardian to make all their welfare decisions for them. Guardianship lawyers advise you about the appropriate guardianship for your particular circumstances and represent the guardian once one is appointed.

Probate is the legal process used to carry out a person's will after their death. In general, first you identify and collect any money, property, and other assets. Once the person's debts and taxes are paid, you distribute the money and property according to the will. If there is no will, the laws of the state where the person lived control how the property is distributed. My office also represents family members and beneficiaries wishing to challenge wills or trusts.

A trust is a legal document created to own money or property for another person's benefit. A trustee has decision-making authority over the trust property, but no court is involved—the person who creates the trust defines the trustee's power. A living trust allows the creator to manage the property and to direct who will manage it if he becomes incapable of doing so. A trust attorney reviews the many reasons for establishing a trust with you, and can ensure your trust will be legally valid.