What Legal Planning Steps Should Seniors Living Alone in Utah Take?

Jeremy AtwoodElder Law

senior living alone going over paperwork

Living alone as a senior often means you’ve earned the right to do things your own way. You’ve built a life around independence: your routines, your home, your decisions.  The thing is, independence shouldn’t necessarily mean going it alone when it comes to legal planning. For one in five older Utahns living alone, legal planning is all about deciding…  Without … Read More

Signs of Elder Financial Exploitation and What to Do

Jeremy AtwoodElder Law

jeremy atwood speaking with senior woman about financial exploitation

When we picture elder abuse, we often think of physical harm or neglect. But one of the most common (and heartbreaking) forms of abuse doesn’t leave bruises. Instead, it drains bank accounts, erodes trust, and quietly steals a lifetime of savings.  This is called elder financial exploitation, and it can happen to anyone. Unfortunately, this type of exploitation can be … Read More

Key Legal Documents Every Utah Family Should Have for Elder Care Planning

Jeremy AtwoodElder Law

elder law attorney in northern utah

No one wants to imagine the day a parent can no longer make decisions or manage their own care. However, avoiding the topic doesn’t make the reality any easier once the day comes.    Too often, Utah families put off these discussions until something serious happens, whether it’s an injury, a diagnosis, or a sudden decline in health. At that point, … Read More

7 Legal Steps You Must Take Before Age 70

Jeremy AtwoodElder Law

steps to take before 70 elder law

Turning 70 is a milestone, but before you get there, be sure your legal affairs are in order. The sooner you start planning, the better. If you wait too long, you will constantly worry about money, health, and your family’s future.  Although Utah has been the youngest state for a long time, its population is getting older. By 2060, 20% … Read More

7 Tips to Help You Find a Great Elder Law Attorney in Utah

Jeremy AtwoodElder Law

Guardianship and power of attorney

While growing old can be a rewarding experience, it often poses several legal challenges regarding healthcare, housing, financial well-being, and long-term care. That’s why you need a reputable elder law attorney in your corner.  Elder law attorneys are specially trained to navigate the complex waters of aging. They can help seniors or their caregivers handle a range of issues, such … Read More

Planning for Incapacity: What Documents Every Adult Needs

Jeremy AtwoodElder Law, Estate Planning

mother and grandmother walking

Most people plan for milestones like college, marriage, and retirement. But few think about what would happen if they could no longer make decisions for themselves. If you become unable to manage your finances or communicate your wishes, who steps in? And do they have the legal authority to act? Incapacity planning isn’t just for older adults. Accidents, serious illness, … Read More

What Are the Legal Responsibilities of a Conservator in Utah?

Jeremy AtwoodElder Law

child and father planning estate

There may come a time when your loved ones can no longer manage their finances or handle important decisions on their own. It could be an aging parent, an adult child with a disability, or a relative recovering from a serious injury.   In Utah, when a person is no longer able to manage their own financial affairs or protect their … Read More

How to Recognize and Report Elder Financial Abuse

Jeremy AtwoodElder Law

Financial abuse in elders is a growing concern in Utah, affecting countless seniors. Scammers, caregivers, and even trusted family members can take advantage of your loved ones, exhausting their life savings and leaving them helpless. Unfortunately, most victims do not even report the abuse due to fear, embarrassment, or cognitive decline. In the United States, the estimated annual losses suffered … Read More

How Can an Elder Law Attorney Help You Plan Long-Term Care in Utah?

Jeremy AtwoodElder Law

Elder grandfather at table with family. When to hire a elder law attorney

Whether you have an aging spouse or a parent, caring for seniors comes with unique challenges, such as housing, managing finances, regular health checkups, and long-term care. None of this is easy for family caregivers, who often lack the legal knowledge and resources to help their aging loved ones.  However, an elder law attorney can help you secure your loved … Read More

Long-Term Care Planning in Utah: An Elder Law Perspective

Jeremy AtwoodElder Law

caregiver at beside for long term care planning

As we age, the need for a comprehensive long-term care plan becomes increasingly paramount. This is particularly true in Utah, where the demographics and legal frameworks present unique challenges and opportunities for seniors and their families.  Engaging in long-term care planning is not just about preparing for the inevitable. It’s also about ensuring quality of life, preserving assets, and maintaining … Read More