In 1986, my first job out of law school was at Legal Services of Northern Virginia, a firm that represents low income clients. I focused on helping the elderly and the disabled.
My office was basic. The staff was small. The coffee was great. With a big case load and a small budget, I learned to craft efficient, practical solutions for clients. Although I am now in the private sector, I value what I learned at Legal Services. It taught me that having a beautiful office, a big staff is not necessary to the crafting of good legal solutions; and that great coffee is essential. It taught me that lawyers who charge astronomical fees are not necessarily the ones providing the best representation.
In that I am among the first to focus on legal planning for the disabled and the elderly, legal organizations, senior citizens' groups and organizations representing the disabled have sought out my expertise. I have taught law students and lawyers. I have written books and articles on the rights of the elderly and the disabled. I have served on the Alzheimer's Board and on the Autism Board.
Powers of Attorney and Advance Directives
A Power of Attorney is a document that allows you to appoint an agent to make financial and medical decisions for you once you become incapacitated. You select and direct the agent. An Advance Directive allows you to control the kind of medical treatment you want, or don't want, if you can no longer communicate. Edward Zetlin can draft these documents and tailor them to your needs.
Guardianship & Conservatorship
Guardianship and Conservatorship are arrangements established by the court to protect an incapacitated person. A Guardian, appointed by a judge, makes medical and care decisions for an incapacitated person. A Conservator, also appointed, makes financial decisions for him or her. Edward Zetlin can assist you in becoming a Guardian of the person and a Conservator of the property of a person you care about.
Special Needs Planning
Special Needs Planning preserves an individual's eligibility for government benefits, such as SSI and Medicaid, and at the same time insures that resources are available to supplement these benefits. Edward Zetlin can help a parent, grandparent or spouse create a Special Needs Trust that preserves public benefit eligibility and provides additional resources to supplement the benefits and protect the incapacitated individual throughout his or her life.
Long Term Care Planning
Long Term Care Planning is understanding home care, assisted living, nursing care, and long-term care insurance. It's explaining Medicaid long-term care coverage and helping families through the eligibility process. It's protecting your assets from the cost of a nursing home or other long-term care expenses, while providing security for your spouse and a legacy for your children. Edward Zetlin has had years of experience working with individuals and families on long-term care issues.
Public Benefits
Public Benefit programs can be difficult to understand. Often, planning is required to insure eligibility or to obtain benefits an applicant is entitled to. Public Benefit programs include: Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security Disability, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Veteran Benefits. Edward Zetlin has helped people qualify for these and other programs throughout his career. He is a certified Veteran Benefit Counselor.
Estate Planning
A good estate plan insures that your resources benefit the individuals you designate with minimum tax, delay and expense. It avoids the state default remedy called intestate succession. It's more than drafting a Will or a Trust. It's understanding your goals and planning accordingly. Edward Zetlin can help create the right plan for you.
Estate and Trust Administration
If you become an executor, trustee, guardian or agent you assume the responsibilities of a fiduciary with legal obligations to a beneficiary. Edward Zetlin can help you understand your fiduciary role and provide guidance so that you are in compliance with the law.