The basic difference is that Elder Law planning seeks to preserve your income and assets for use while you are alive. That way you can continue to maintain your lifestyle if you receive home care, or have the funds available to be as comfortable as possible if you enter a nursing facility. Estate planning is primarily concerned with implementing your wishes and distributing your assets after you pass on, in the most efficient and tax advantaged way. The two go hand-in-hand. Without a good Elder Law plan to preserve and protect your assets and income, you may find that, while you have lovely estate planning documents, you have no estate.
Lamson & Cutner’s attorneys can help you with your Elder Law plan and your estate plan at the same time. Usually, the same strategies and legal documents serve both purposes.