What is Elder Law Mediation? It is a process where a neutral person works with families in crisis due to issues presented by an elderly/deceased parent or parents. The mediator works with the family to help them resolve their differences without having to go to court.
Examples of Where Elder Law Mediation Can Be Helpful:
A parent is no longer able to care for herself/himself. Children need to assist but they disagree about how the care should be administered. Assisted living? A nursing home? The home off one of the children?
Does the parent need a ‘Guardian’ or a ‘Conservator’ or would providing a ‘Power of Attorney’ to meet the needs of the parent?
Impact of parent’s new marriage: relationship between the new spouse the children
Arranging the family business after the retirement or death of the parent
End of life decisions for the parent
Estate planning issues
Will contest issues
Dividing the deceased parents’ personal property (household goods, jewelry, etc)
How Does Elder Law Mediation Work? I meet with families in either my office or in an environment comfortable for them, such as the home of the parent or one of the children. Before I meet with the entire family, I speak individually with each family member to learn of their concerns. We then meet together to discuss the issues dividing the family members and seek a solution. In large family settings, I work with a co-mediator.
If legal issues arise, I invite the family members to bring their attorneys into the process.
Contact Herb to learn more about Elder Law Mediation services.