3 common legal mistakes caregivers make

For many family caregivers, the role is largely one of jumping in and figuring out how to swim. Perhaps nowhere is this more the case than when muddling through legal matters on behalf of a loved one. Certified elder law attorney Jennifer VandeVeen shares three of the most common mistakes she sees caregivers make. 

1. Starting legal planning too late

Especially given the costs that can be associated with hiring an attorney, many people put this step off as long as possible. But that can make it more complicated — and potentially costly.

“If Mom or Dad has already started down the dementia path it may be too late to get a good plan in place,” says VanderVeen. In some instances, you may still may be able to catch the parent on a good day or hour. In others, where the parent is declared incompetent, the child may need to petition the court for guardianship or conservatorship. “The earlier you plan for care the more we can do.”

2. Trusting friends instead of experts

VandeVeen calls this the “I heard it at church syndrome.” Getting support and advice from people who’ve been there is great. But letting non-lawyers give you legal advice can be risky. When it comes to the legal or financial side of things you need a professional.

3. Not asking for help when you need it 

Too often people are afraid of calling an attorney so they try to do it themselves. Unfortunately, that can lead to spending more time and money because the lawyer has to undo whatever they did.

In addition to private attorneys, there are many organizations that offer no- or low-cost elder law attorneys to seniors who need them. Keep asking until you find the support you need.