Medicaid and Long Term Care Planning

Our law firm assists potential applicants and their families in ascertaining the difference between “countable” and “non-countable” asset categories, and all the qualifications that make applicants eligible for medicaid. Additionally, we educate and counsel families about how to legally reduce the “countable” assets to the eligibility level while still protecting valuable assets for the person in a long term care facility and their loved ones. We understand that this may be a very difficult and trying time for you and your loved ones; we are here to ease the burden of the legal and financial aspects so that you may focus on what is truly important to you and the ones you love.

Estate Planning

At our law firm, estate planning means more than drafting standard wills, trusts, or powers of attorney. We first take the time to look at the big picture and listen to our clients about their wishes and preferences, and then work with them to help ensure that these are provided for in a solid estate plan. Planning may include advice about minimization of taxes, long term care planning, or special needs planning. No matter how simple or complex, we aim to help clients achieve their estate planning goals.

Estate Administration

When a loved one dies, often the last thing on the family’s mind is the administrative work of managing the decedent’s estate. Whether your estate includes all probate or non-probate assets, or both, our law firm can guide you through the legal maze, give advice on the minimization of Pennsylvania Inheritance Taxes and income taxes, and advise you on the proper distribution of assets.

Special Needs Planning

Raising a child who is disabled, either due to mental illness, mental retardation, or physical disabilities, is filled with challenges and rewards that only parents truly understand. Planning for that child’s well-being, both during the parent’s lifetime, and after the parent’s death, involves a complex array of social, financial, and legal issues. At The Law Offices of Schellart Joyce, our trusted attorneys can help families understand all the options and create the best plan tailored to their family and child.

Our Law Firm Teams up with Top Special Needs and Elder Law Organizations

The Pennsylvania Association of Elder Law Attorneys (PAELA)

The Pennsylvania Association of Elder Law Attorneys(PAELA) is a non-profit association which assists lawyers, bar organizations, and others who work with older clients and their families. Leading the way in Pennsylvania in special needs and elder law, PAELA provides a source of information, education, networking, and assistance to those who work with the many specialized issues confronting the elderly and the disabled

The National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA)

The National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA) is dedicated to improving the quality of legal services provided to people as they age and people with special needs.

Special Needs Alliance

The Special Needs Alliance is a national organization comprised of attorneys committed to helping individuals with disabilities, their families and the professionals who serve them. Many of our members have loved ones with special needs; all of them work regularly with public benefits, guardianships/conservatorships, planning for disabilities and special education issues. They collaborate with advocates throughout the special needs community to improve quality of life for individuals with disabilities.