For older adults, navigating the legal landscape takes expert knowledge and understanding, Attorney Margie Karl can help to secure your future
By Patricia Nugent
For more than 15 years, Attorney Margaret T. Karl has helped people put together their estate plans, lending peace of mind and security.
As an elder care attorney, in addition to wills and trusts, Margie handles power of attorney agreements, setting up limited-liability companies and operating agreements, real estate transfers, guardianship proceedings, Medicaid planning and applications, probate court filings, long-term care planning and tax advice.
Trusted Counsel
She’s worked with thousands of people, both as clients and through speaking engagements, senior talks and industry roundtables she participates in around the Cleveland area.
We caught up with Margie to find out what some of the most frequently asked questions are, dispel myths and clarifying misconceptions.
“One of the most common things people ask me is if they can do a joint will if they’re married, instead of individual wills,” she says. “That’s not how it works. Each person needs to have their own will to go through probate.”
People are also curious about how old they should be to draft their will.
“There isn’t a specific age,” she says. “Since the purpose of a will is to protect your assets, declare how you want them to be distributed and name guardians for your children in the event you pass away, it’s wise to have a will in place when you feel you have enough assets to protect. Oftentimes when people get married they draft a will, but if you have assets to protect before that, you should definitely have one in place.”
How Should I Plan for Medicaid?
Another common area of concern that people misunderstand is if the senior care facility they live in will handle their Medicaid application.
“Whereas sometimes they do have a social worker-type staff person, he or she may not be qualified to do the best job of helping people,” Margie says. “The smallest missteps in this area could have serious consequences. I know the ins and outs of Medicaid and can guide them through the process.”
A common misconception that happens with parents is they don’t think they have to do anything in terms of guardianship of their children over 18, especially if they have special needs that need to be addressed.
“Legally, guardianship needs to be established,” she says. “And when a student goes off to college, if a parent doesn’t have a healthcare power of attorney, they cannot have access to medical information about their child or make decisions.”
Why Practice Elder Law?
People also often ask Margie why she wanted to enter into elder law.
“Since my father married later in life, at a younger age than most people, I had to help my mother deal with a lot of the complicated issues of having a senior parent,” she says. “I’ve known from a very young age that I wanted to be an attorney, and once I earned my law degree, this seemed like the most natural fit. Running my practice and helping people plan their estates, often during stressful and emotional times, is something I find very rewarding. They trust me to help them face difficult decisions regarding health care, financial security, family relationships and end-of-life issues.”
She says seeing clients come into her office with a look of worry and leave with a sense of ease and relief is her favorite part of the job.
This time of year, with people having a little more time off over the holidays, is a busy season for Margie. Now would be a good time to schedule an appointment.
Margaret T. Karl, Attorney at Law, is located at 25800 North Depot Street, Suite 102, in Olmsted Falls. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Call 440-782-5051 or visit OlmstedOhioLaw.com.