By Patrick Nolan, Attorney at Law — serving Kirksville and across Missouri

Getting older brings new legal and practical questions most families don’t expect to face. What happens if one spouse needs nursing-home care while the other stays at home? How do you qualify for Medicaid or VA benefits without losing your life savings? Who steps in if someone loses the ability to make financial or medical decisions? These are difficult conversations, but with the right planning and honest guidance, they don’t have to become crises.

As a Missouri attorney who has helped families through every stage of aging and incapacity, I approach elder law with two goals: preserve dignity and protect stability. That means crafting clear, compliant documents that keep your wishes legally enforceable — and anticipating the financial realities that come with long-term care. I routinely advise clients on Medicaid and MO HealthNet eligibility, spousal impoverishment protections, and asset-preservation strategies that comply with 42 U.S.C. § 1396r-5 and Missouri’s own Medicaid statutes.

Beyond the financial side, I help clients build the legal authority their loved ones may one day need. A durable Power of Attorney ensures that a trusted person can manage your affairs under RSMo § 404.710, while a properly drafted Health-Care Directive and Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care — under RSMo §§ 404.800 – .865 — guarantee that medical decisions reflect your values, not guesswork. When those documents don’t exist, I guide families through guardianship or conservatorship proceedings under Chapter 475, minimizing court intrusion while restoring control to responsible hands.

I also counsel veterans and surviving spouses on VA Aid & Attendance benefits, help children handle probate or small-estate affidavits when a parent passes, and step in when financial exploitation or facility disputes arise. In every matter, my aim is to simplify complex laws into clear, actionable steps — so you can make informed decisions with confidence, compassion, and peace of mind.

Elder law is ultimately about family. It’s about protecting a spouse, ensuring quality care, and leaving a legacy of order rather than uncertainty. Whether you’re planning ahead or responding to an immediate need, I’m here to help you chart the safest path forward — one that keeps your loved ones secure and your intentions honored.