how it really tore the family apart , and how my grandmother needed a very compassionate , understanding perspective ... that was a huge part of why I decided to do this . I wanted to be someone that could be there to help navigate and make the fighting perhaps go away , or at least less painful , less destructive ,” Collins said .
So , Collins went into elder law , founding Elder Law Guidance .
Elder law is a legal practice area that focuses on the needs of older adults and their caregivers , friends , and family . It covers a range of legal and practical issues related to aging , including :
• Estate planning : Wills , trusts , and probate
• Healthcare : Long-term care planning , Medicaid , and Medicare
“
• Guardianship : Jurisdictional concerns and protective planning
• Public benefits : Social Security
• Housing : In-home care versus nursing home care
• Other : Family law , tax law , disability , incapacity , and grandparent visitation
His office , located at 815 West Main Street in Richmond , is dedicated to guiding seniors and their families through this intricate landscape .
A Decade of Dedication
Collins has been practicing elder law for ten years , establishing his firm in 2015 .
“ It ’ s the only kind of law I ’ ve ever practiced . I knew exactly what I wanted to do , and I focused on that ,” he shared .
Before pursuing law , Collins worked in counseling and education , gaining significant experience with the elderly — a background that has profoundly informed his legal career .
As the head of the Kentucky Bar Association ’ s Elder Law section and a member of various boards , including the Madison County Board for Prevention of Elder Abuse , Collins is highly regarded in his field . His firm is plugged into two of the nation ’ s largest networks of elder law attorneys , allowing them to stay updated on federal and state-level changes that impact their clients .
The Complexities of Elder Law
Elder law is a diverse and intricate field that often requires attorneys to navigate conflicting regulations from multiple areas of law . Collins explained that elder law practitioners must be knowledgeable in various fields , including probate , Medicaid , veterans ’ benefits , tax law , and real estate .
“ These areas don ’ t harmonize well , and they also change very frequently . It ’ s likely that a rule will change two , three times a year , so you have to be on top of everything ,” Collins explained .
The firm ’ s four attorneys stay current by engaging in ongoing training and participating in nationwide networks .
“ We do have in-house meetings , a lot of in-house training . Each of us is responsible for staying up in the various fields ,” Collins noted .
This commitment ensures that clients receive the most informed and effective legal counsel .
“... Without proper planning , seniors risk losing their homes and savings to cover these costs .”
— Scott Collins
12 SENIOR LIVING 2024