Lexington Elder Law and VA Disability Attorney

A sign for the Lexington, Kentucky national horse center, where a large elder population may need elder law and Va services

Founded in 2015, Elder Law Guidance combines military service, ministry, and community roots with a focus on compassion and education. We help with Medicaid planning, VA disability and pension claims, wills, trusts, probate, and guardianship, all explained in clear language.

With more than 17% of Fayette County residents age 65 or older and thousands of veterans receiving care at the Lexington VA Medical Center, the need for trusted elder law guidance is growing every year.

Nursing homes typically cost $7,500–$9,500 per month, which puts tremendous financial pressure on families without a plan, making early preparation with wills, trusts, and powers of attorney especially important.

Whether you meet us in our Richmond office, at home, in a hospital, or near your community in Lexington, our mission remains the same: protect your family, preserve your wealth, and give you peace of mind.

Understanding Elder Law in Lexington

Elder law is the branch of law that helps seniors and their families protect assets, qualify for care, and prepare for the future. In Lexington, this often includes Medicaid planning, VA disability and pension benefits, wills and trusts, and guardianship or probate proceedings.

Probate and guardianship matters in Lexington are handled through the Fayette County Probate Court. Without powers of attorney or a trust in place, families must petition the court for authority to manage a loved one’s care or estate, a process that adds stress and expense.

Community resources also play a key role. The Lexington Senior Center offers meals, activities, and social support for older adults, giving families practical help alongside legal planning.

Elder law in Lexington is about protecting your home, savings, and benefits while making sure  your family’s wishes are honored both in daily life and in court.

Our Elder Law and VA Services in Fayette County

scott-collins talking to elderly client

Get Trusted Legal Support Today

For straightforward legal advice and representation, contact Elder Law Guidance. Call (859) 544-6012 to schedule your consultation.

Schedule A Consultation

Why Families in Lexington Choose Elder Law Guidance

Since 2015, Elder Law Guidance has helped families across Lexington and Central Kentucky handle Medicaid planning, VA benefits, estate documents, and guardianship with honesty and compassion. 

Families turn to us because we:

  • Turn fear into clarity – guiding you step by step through major life transitions.
  • Educate first, draft second – offering free webinars and plain-English consultations.
  • Protect what matters – from your savings to your legacy and long-term care options.
  • Provide honest guidance – if we can’t save you more than you spend, we’ll tell you.
  • Work as a team – clients describe our staff as “wonderful, knowledgeable, personable, and professional.”

Our mission is simple. Protect your family, preserve your wealth, and give you peace of mind.

What Is VA Disability and How Does It Work?

VA disability benefits are monthly payments from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs for veterans whose service-connected injuries or conditions impact daily life or work.

In Lexington, many veterans receive care through the Lexington VA Medical Center, where claims often begin with medical evaluations and documentation. The VA reviews your service records and medical evidence, then assigns a disability rating from 0% to 100% based on the severity of your condition.

Your monthly compensation depends on that rating, and veterans with multiple conditions may receive combined ratings or Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU), which pays at the 100% level.

Understanding how the VA system works can make the difference between a denied claim and the full compensation you’ve earned for your service.

Our Elder Law & VA Disability Process in Lexington

Families in Lexington often call us after a sudden health change, a Medicaid application denial, or a VA disability delay. Our process is designed to replace fear with clarity, guiding you step by step.

Step 1: Start with a Free Consultation

Your journey begins with a free consultation, either in person, virtually, or at our Richmond office. This is where we listen, learn your goals, and explain your options.

Step 2: Strategy Session

Next, you’ll meet with an attorney for a personalized planning session. Together, we’ll review Medicaid eligibility, VA benefits, wills, trusts, and guardianship. Many families tell us this stage “calmed all fears” because they left with a clear written roadmap.

Step 3: Document Drafting & Signing

Once your plan is set, we carefully draft your wills, trusts, and powers of attorney. Clients often describe this as “like talking with family about what matters most.”

Step 4: Funding & Follow-Up

We help retitle assets, fund trusts, and coordinate with tax professionals, making sure your plan works in real life, not just on paper.

Step 5: Benefit Applications

If you’re applying for Medicaid or VA disability, our team handles the process from start to finish. The VA typically takes 4–6 months to issue decisions, and we make sure your medical evidence and paperwork are strong from day one to help avoid delays.

Step 6: Ongoing Support

Many Lexington families choose to stay connected through our 12-month implementation plan, which includes regular check-ins and caregiver guidance. 

We also host two free webinars every month on Medicaid, VA benefits, and estate planning, available to anyone in the Lexington and Fayette County area. Every participant receives a recording, because peace of mind should start with education.

What Is Medicaid Planning for Nursing Home Care?

Medicaid planning helps families in Lexington protect their savings while qualifying for long-term care coverage through Kentucky Medicaid. With nursing homes costs increasing, careful planning can prevent families from spending down their life savings.

Medicaid planning involves:

  • Structuring assets to meet Kentucky Medicaid eligibility rules
  • Creating trusts, transfers, and spend-down strategies that comply with the 5-year look-back period
  • Preparing powers of attorney and advance directives for decision-making
  • Coordinating care and benefits for spouses or dependents

Working with an elder law attorney familiar with Fayette County Medicaid offices and nursing home procedures makes sure your plan meets both state requirements and your family’s long-term goals.

What Disabilities Qualify for VA Compensation?

Veterans in Lexington may qualify for VA disability benefits if a medical condition was caused or worsened by military service. Claims are often supported by evaluations through the Lexington VA Medical Center or Franklin R. Sousley Campus.

Common qualifying conditions include:

  • PTSD and other mental health disorders
  • Hearing loss or tinnitus
  • Back, neck, or joint injuries
  • Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
  • Sleep apnea
  • Nerve damage or neuropathy
  • Heart disease or hypertension
  • Exposure-related illnesses (e.g., burn pits, Agent Orange)

Each condition must be service-connected to qualify. 

Our Service Areas in Lexington

We offer elder law and VA services throughout Fayette County:

  • Downtown / Gratz Park
  • Chevy Chase
  • Ashland Park
  • Bell Court
  • Woodland Park
  • Tates Creek
  • Kenwick
  • Castlegate
  • Masterson Station
  • McConnells Trace
  • Gardenside
  • Palomar
  • Elkhorn Park
  • Headley Green
  • Belleau Woods
  • Bryan Station
  • Meadowthorpe
  • Lansdowne
  • Garden Springs
  • Claymont

Local Elder Law & VA Trends in Lexington

Elder law in Lexington reflects both statewide shifts and unique local needs.

Aging in Fayette County

The U.S. Census reports that more than 17% of Fayette County residents are 65 or older, a number that continues to rise. This growth drives increased demand for long-term care, Medicaid planning, and estate services.

Rising Care Costs

Facilities like Sayre Christian Village, Tanbark Health Care Center, and The Willows at Citation face high occupancy and rising monthly rates. Families who do not plan ahead often turn to Medicaid in crisis, risking asset loss.

Senior Centers as Support Hubs

The Lexington Senior Center plays a vital role by offering meals, activities, transportation, and caregiver respite. These community supports work hand-in-hand with legal planning to reduce stress on families.

Probate and Guardianship in Fayette County

The Fayette County Probate Court  has seen steady growth in guardianship and probate filings. Families without powers of attorney or trusts are left to petition the court for authority to act, adding time, cost, and stress.

Veterans’ Needs in Lexington

Thousands of veterans rely on the Lexington VA Medical Center for healthcare, but disability claims remain delayed by backlogs at the VA. Missing evidence or deadlines can add months or years to the process, making experienced legal guidance vital.

Local Resources We Work With Fayette County

  • Fayette County Probate Court
  • Hon. Bruce T. Bell, Probate Judge
  • Lexington VA Medical Center
  • Sayre Christian Village
  • Tanbark Health Care Center
  • The Willows at Citation
  • Lexington Senior Center

Ready to Protect Your Family and Legacy in Lexington?

Experience compassionate, education-driven elder law guidance at our office in Richmond, conveniently located just off Robert R. Martin Bypass near Lancaster Avenue. 

Schedule your free consultation today or book online to reserve your spot at our next free elder law webinar. Peace of mind starts with one conversation.

The Elder Law Practice of Scott E. Collins, PLLC

Serves residents throughout Central and Southeastern Kentucky

    Bath

    Bell

    Bourbon

    Boyle

    Breathitt

    Casey

    Clark

    Clay

    Estill

    Fayette

    Fleming

    Floyd

    Garrard

    Harlan

    Jackson

    Jessamine

    Knott

    Knox

    Laurel

    Lee

    Leslie

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Not seeing your area? Give us a call at (859) 544-6012

Client Testimonials

S.B. | Richmond, KY

Elder Care Law

“I have been working with Scott Collins’ law firm for a couple of months. They have always treated me with respect and have been very knowledgeable in the Elder Care Law. They calmed all fears that I had during a traumatic time with my elder mother. If you need any legal help in the elder law field I highly recommend this law firm.”

G.C. | Richmond, KY

Elder Law, Trusts, Power of Attorney

“Exceptionally pleased with Scott and his team! They are very patient to explain complex ins and outs of elder law, Trusts, Powers of Attorney, Wills, risk assessments, etc. They patiently and carefully guide you through the Trust process, especially those of us unfamiliar with estate planning to achieve what YOU want. They are also willing to work with other estate partners like financial advisors, financial institutions, CPAs and family members in these efforts. We’ve used his services for our parents and now for our estate planning. Scott’s team is trustworthy, professional, thorough, receptive and knowledgeable. We highly recommend them!!”

V.F. | Union City, KY

Estate Planning, Medicaid Planning, Probate

“I tried to do everything myself and the bills got so overwhelming with parents in assisted living and the nursing facility. I quickly realized I was not going to be able to make the money work so that’s the point I started searching for help ….Scott sat down with us and made us feel very comfortable … we went over the options we had and the things he could help us with…. There was no pressure.”

S.H. | Kirksville, KY

Medicaid Planning, Probate

“We were dealing with a lot of emotions, a lot of really hard times and then you have to worry on top of that if somebody is going to hurt your family more…  I never felt that with Scott and his team … Every time I came in, I felt welcomed and at that time I really needed that because it showed compassion when you’re going through a crazy, Topsy turvy life.”

C.W. | Richmond KY

Veterans Pension, Estate Planning

“I would recommend anyone nearing retirement to talk to Scott and get what needs to be done prepared for the future … A lot of times we think the future is way off, it’s not. I found that out myself.”

B.C. | Irvine, KY

Guardianship, Medicaid Planning

“He was right there with me all the time to help me take care of everything… I had a small farm my mommy and daddy left me, which is the first thing they wanted…. He saved me a lot of things I could have lost if it hadn’t been for him.”

View More Reviews
scott-collins talking to elderly client

Get Trusted Legal Support Today

For straightforward legal advice and representation, contact Elder Law Guidance. Call (859) 544-6012 to schedule your consultation.

Schedule A Consultation