Why Elder Law and Disability Rights Matter

Elder law and disability rights centers provide crucial legal services and advocacy for seniors, people with disabilities, and other vulnerable populations. These centers help ensure dignity and justice for those who often fall into gaps in our justice system.

• Legal Services: Free or low-cost legal assistance for seniors and people with disabilities.
• Advocacy: Fighting for the rights of vulnerable communities.
• Education: Providing crucial information to empower individuals and families.

Hello! I'm Marty Burbank, an expert in elder law and disability rights. I have appeared on NBC and Forbes as a featured expert, and currently teach at California State University Fullerton. My goal is to guide you through the complexities of elder law, ensuring your family's legacy is protected.

Now, let's dive deeper into what the Elder Law and Disability Rights Center offers and how they support our community.

Services Offered by the Elder Law and Disability Rights Center

Tax Planning and Financial Exploitation

Tax planning can be complex, especially for seniors and people with disabilities. At OC Elder Law, we help you navigate tax regulations to maximize your benefits and avoid penalties. We offer guidance on tax deductions and credits available to elderly and disabled individuals.

Financial exploitation is a growing concern. OC Elder Law provides legal support to protect against scams, fraud, and other forms of financial abuse. Our expertise ensures your financial well-being is safeguarded.

Disability and Estate Planning

Planning for the future is crucial. OC Elder Law specializes in disability planning and estate planning. We help you draft essential documents like wills, trusts, and powers of attorney. These documents ensure your wishes are respected and your assets are managed according to your preferences.

End-of-life planning is another critical service. We assist with creating advance directives and healthcare proxies. This ensures that your medical and financial decisions are made by trusted individuals if you become incapacitated.

Adult guardianship can be necessary when an individual cannot make decisions for themselves. OC Elder Law guides families through the legal process to establish guardianships, ensuring loved ones are cared for appropriately.

Housing Stability and Legal Assistance

Housing stability is vital for low-income seniors and people with disabilities. OC Elder Law offers legal assistance to help secure safe and affordable housing. We work on cases related to eviction defense, landlord disputes, and housing subsidy programs.

Our work includes helping clients navigate the HUD voucher programs, which offer essential housing subsidies. These programs ensure that eligible families pay no more than 30% of their income on rent, making housing more affordable.

OC Elder Law is committed to providing comprehensive legal services that address the unique needs of vulnerable populations. Our work in tax planning, disability and estate planning, and housing stability ensures that everyone can live with dignity and independence.

How the Elder Law and Disability Rights Center Supports the Community

Community Outreach and Education

At OC Elder Law, we believe in the power of community outreach and education. Our mission is to reach vulnerable populations, including seniors, people with disabilities, and those experiencing homelessness.

Our team conducts educational sessions at senior centers, organizations for children with developmental disabilities, and hospitals. These sessions help families navigate complex legal processes and ensure they can age with dignity and independence.

Pro Bono Legal Clinics

To further support the community, OC Elder Law offers pro bono legal clinics. These clinics are staffed by volunteer attorneys who provide free legal assistance to low-income families.

These clinics offer a range of services, including:

• Estate Planning: Helping families plan for the future.
• Adult Guardianship: Assisting with the legal guardianship process.
• Housing Stability: Providing legal aid to prevent homelessness.

Through these efforts, OC Elder Law ensures that even the most vulnerable community members have access to justice and can live with dignity and independence.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Elder Law and Disability Rights Center

What services does OC Elder Law provide?

OC Elder Law offers a variety of services aimed at helping low-income seniors, people with disabilities, and those experiencing homelessness. Key services include:

• Estate Planning: Creating wills, living wills, and powers of attorney to ensure your wishes are followed.
• Adult Guardianship: Assisting families in the legal guardianship process.
• Housing Stability: Providing legal aid to prevent homelessness and ensure safe living conditions.
• Tax Planning: Helping manage taxes and avoid financial exploitation.
• Disability Planning: Assisting with Social Security and disability claims, as well as end-of-life planning.

How can I contact OC Elder Law?

You can reach OC Elder Law at their office located at:

1535 E 17th Street, Suite 110, Santa Ana, CA 92705, US

For more information, you can also visit their website.

How much do elder law attorneys charge?

The cost of hiring an elder law attorney at OC Elder Law can vary based on the services needed and the complexity of your case. Here are some common fee structures:

• Hourly Rates: You pay for the time the attorney spends on your case.
• Flat Fees: A single, upfront fee for specific services.
• Contingency Fees: The attorney gets paid only if you win your case.

Some attorneys may offer a free initial consultation, while others might charge for it. Make sure to ask about fees upfront to understand what you'll be paying.

For example, an initial holistic consultation for asset preservation could cost up to $1,000, depending on various factors. Always discuss fees and payment structures with your attorney before proceeding.

Conclusion

At OC Elder Law, we understand that navigating legal issues related to elder law and disability rights can be overwhelming. Our mission is to provide compassionate legal guidance to help you and your family achieve peace of mind.

Preserving Family Harmony

One of our primary goals is to ensure family harmony. We take the time to understand your unique needs and tailor our services to minimize potential conflicts. By clearly stipulating your wishes through meticulous estate planning, we help preserve relationships and prevent disputes. Our personalized approach ensures that your plan reflects your values and goals.

Compassionate Legal Guidance

We pride ourselves on our compassionate approach. Elder law is not just about legal documents; it's about securing your family's future. Whether you're looking to preserve assets, designate guardians for minor children, or protect an heir's inheritance, we are here to help.

Supporting the Community

We are deeply committed to supporting our community. We believe in the importance of advocacy, education, and the provision of free and low-cost legal services. Our work with senior centers, organizations serving children with developmental disabilities, and hospitals ensures that vulnerable populations receive the help they need. With the support of pro bono attorneys, we offer clinic-style options to assist low-income families with the complicated and time-consuming process of legal planning.

Trust the professionals at OC Elder Law to guide you through the process with care and expertise. By choosing us, you are not just another client; you become part of our family. Let's work together to ensure your family's future is secure and harmonious.

Learn more about our estate planning services and book a consultation today.

By focusing on compassionate legal guidance, preserving family harmony, and supporting our community, OC Elder Law is dedicated to helping you steer the complexities of elder law and disability rights.