ELDER LAW

Respectful Guidance for Life’s Later Chapters

As we age, legal planning becomes more essential — not just for our finances, but for our health care, our independence, and the legacy we hope to leave behind. At West & West, LLP, we understand that elder law isn’t just about documents and courtrooms — it’s about people, families, dignity, and peace of mind.

We take pride in helping Texas seniors and their loved ones prepare for the future with clarity and confidence. Whether you’re navigating the complexities of Medicaid, creating a long-term care plan, or preparing your estate to reflect your wishes, we’re here to make the process easier — one step at a time.

What Is Elder Law?

Elder law is a specialized area of legal practice focused on the unique legal and financial needs of older adults and their families. These issues often arise at a time when families are dealing with major transitions, such as retirement, declining health, or the loss of a spouse. It’s common to feel overwhelmed or unsure where to start — but that’s why we’re here.

Our elder law attorneys are deeply experienced in addressing these sensitive issues with both compassion and precision. Elder law commonly includes:

• Medicaid Planning: Navigating Texas Medicaid rules can be daunting. We help you preserve your assets while legally qualifying for long-term care assistance — whether you’re planning ahead or facing immediate nursing home costs.

• Medicare & Health Care Advocacy: Understanding what Medicare covers — and what it doesn’t — is key to making informed medical decisions. We also assist in setting up medical powers of attorney, HIPAA releases, and advanced directives.

• Social Security & Retirement Benefits: Whether you’re applying for benefits, disputing a denial, or planning your financial future, we ensure you receive the full retirement and disability benefits you’ve earned.

• Long-Term Care & Assisted Living Planning: We help families evaluate care options, understand facility contracts, and structure finances in a way that protects both quality of care and family resources.

• Guardianship: If a loved one is no longer able to make decisions safely, we can guide you through the guardianship process to ensure they are protected with dignity and respect.

• Elder Abuse Prevention: We stand ready to intervene legally when elder abuse, neglect, or financial exploitation is suspected.

• Estate Planning: From basic wills to complex trusts, our estate planning services ensure your assets are transferred according to your wishes, and that your loved ones are protected.

Every elder law case is different — and requires more than just legal knowledge. It requires listening, patience, and a commitment to doing what’s right for each individual client.

A Holistic, Client-First Approach

At West & West, LLP, we don’t just work for our clients — we work with them. We know these are often emotionally charged conversations that touch on deeply personal matters. That’s why we make it a priority to offer:

• Tailored planning: Your needs are unique — and your legal plan should be too. We never take a cookie-cutter approach.

• Step-by-step guidance: We explain every option in plain English, so you feel confident in every decision.

• Supportive atmosphere: We offer a calm, compassionate environment where clients and their families feel heard and respected.

• Family-centered solutions: We help families have the tough conversations, plan together, and avoid future conflict.

Whether you are a senior looking to get your affairs in order or an adult child stepping in to help an aging parent, you’ll find a dedicated partner in our team.

Why Choose West & West, LLP for Elder Law in Texas?

Our firm is more than just a law office — it’s a family-run practice with deep Texas roots. Attorney Michael West has spent his career helping individuals and families across Pasadena, Houston, and surrounding areas prepare for some of life’s biggest transitions. With his wife Laura and a trusted support team, Michael brings not just legal skill, but genuine care to every elder law matter.

We’ve worked with clients facing:

• Sudden medical events requiring emergency Medicaid applications

• Aging spouses worried about nursing home costs

• Adult children navigating guardianship for elderly parents

• Seniors seeking to update outdated wills or powers of attorney

• Families wanting to protect the family home from long-term care costs

• Loved ones trying to understand assisted living or hospice care options

We’re proud to offer not just guidance, but peace of mind — the assurance that someone knowledgeable and trustworthy is walking beside you every step of the way.

Plan Ahead. Preserve Your Legacy. Protect Your Loved Ones.

The best time to start elder law planning is before you need it. Whether you’re in your 60s and planning ahead or in your 80s and reacting to a sudden change, we are ready to help you take the next step with confidence.

From our offices in Pasadena and Houston, we proudly serve clients throughout Southeast Texas. Let us take the legal burdens off your shoulders — so you can focus on what matters most.

Contact West & West, LLP today to schedule a consultation and begin planning for your future.