ABQ Elder Law, PC, founded by Lori Millet, J.D., LL.M., is an Albuquerque, NM law practice providing services to elders and their families.
Watch Lori’s interview with Edward Nunez on Albuquerque GOVTV
Areas of Practice
Lori provides cost effective services in the following areas:
- Estate Planning for all ages. Whether you are single, married or in a domestic partnership, Lori will help you decide if a will or a trust is right for you in order to ensure your wishes regarding thedistribution of your estate are followed. She also provides sophisticated financial and healthcare powers of attorney to ensure that you are protected to the fullest extent possible in the event of your disability or incapacity.
- Probate. Probate is a court case that transfers ownership of the decedent’s assets to his or her heirs through a will or in accordance with state law (also known as intestacy law). Whether simple or complicated, Lori will assist you in the probate process.
- Guardianship and Conservatorship. Even with well written powers of attorney or other kind of estate plan, sometimes people need to be protected with a guardianship (medical decisions) and conservatorship (financial and property decisions). These are district court cases that are often quite complex and involve multiple court appointed professionals. Lori also has extensive training in mediation of guardianship and conservatorship cases. On July 1, 2018, the law pertaining to guardianship and conservatorship changed significantly, including, but not limited to, new reporting and bonding requirements.
- Guardian Ad Litem Services. Lori frequently serves as guardian ad litem (court appointed attorney) for developmentally disabled individuals and other adults in need of protection in a guardianship or conservatorship case or minors in a domestic relations case.
- Elder Law. Elder law typically encompasses Medicaid planning, estate planning, guardianship, conservatorship, probate, VA benefits, and real estate. Elders face unique problems and have planning needs that not all attorneys can address effectively. Lori possesses the specialized skills required to address these elder issues.
- Elder Mediation and Facilitated Family Meetings. Elder mediation is a relatively new area of mediation that involves an older person as a participant or a situation that involves guardianship, end of life, healthcare, caregiver or other family issues pertaining to an older person. Situations sometimes arise that result in a conflict among children or during estate administration in the context of a probate, conservatorship, or trust. The elder may not be able to participate in resolution of the dispute because of capacity issues. Lori’s education and experience makes her uniquely suited to serve as mediator or facilitator in these situations.
- Planning for VA Benefits or Medicaid. Lori assists many clients in determining whether or not VA benefits, such as Aid & Attendance, or Medicaid is the right path for the client or client’s loved one. Great care must be taken in this kind of planning because the VA programs and Medicaid are very different, and qualification for one program may preclude qualification for another in the future. Additionally, on September 18, 2018, the Veteran’s Administration issued new rules regarding pension (Aid & Attendance) benefits that are effective October 18, 2018. The law is very different now, but Lori is prepared to assist you with deciding how to navigate the maze of benefits that may be available to you or your loved one.