Estate Planning Lawyer in London, Kentucky

An image of Downtown London, Kentucky, where a growing senior population often needs estate planning services.

At Elder Law Guidance, we help London and Laurel County families protect what they have worked for their entire lives. Our estate planning lawyers focus on creating clear, legally sound plans that protect your home, your assets, and your family, so your wishes are honored and your loved ones are not left guessing.

For many families in London, a home is their most valuable asset. With the median home value in London, Kentucky around $173,000, protecting that equity through proper estate planning is vital. Without the right plan in place, even modest estates can be delayed by probate or unintentionally exposed to unnecessary costs or conflict.

We help individuals, couples, parents, and grandparents put the right documents in place, from wills and trusts to powers of attorney, using a patient approach. Our goal is not to rush you or pressure you, but to help you understand your options so you can make confident decisions that fit your family and your values.

Clients often tell us that they feel calm and reassured after meeting with our team. One review captures the experience well:

“They are very patient to explain the complex ins and outs of elder law, trusts, powers of attorney, and wills… They carefully guide you through the process to achieve what you want.”

Whether you are planning ahead or simply want to make sure your family is protected if something unexpected happens, we are here to guide you with clarity, respect, and care.

What Is Estate Planning and Why It Matters in London, Kentucky

Estate planning is the process of deciding who will make decisions for you, who will receive your property, and how your wishes will be carried out if you become incapacitated or pass away. For families in London and throughout Laurel County, it is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your home, your savings, and your loved ones.

At its core, estate planning typically includes wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives. Together, these documents make sure your family has clear legal authority to act, your assets are distributed according to your wishes, and unnecessary court involvement is avoided whenever possible.

Without an estate plan, your family may be required to go through probate at the Laurel County Circuit Court Clerk. Probate can be time-consuming, stressful, and public, even for relatively simple estates. A well-designed estate plan can reduce delays, minimize conflict, and help your family avoid court altogether.

Our Estate Planning Services

We provide comprehensive estate planning services for individuals and families in London and throughout Laurel County, including:

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 Choose Our London, Kentucky Estate Planning Lawyers

Families across London and Laurel County choose Elder Law Guidance because they want estate planning that feels clear, respectful, and genuinely supportive. Our clients often come to us feeling uncertain or overwhelmed—and leave feeling confident and at ease.

“Calmed all fears during a very difficult time”

— Trisha Fuson

Families often reach out during stressful or emotional moments. Our role is to bring calm, structure, and reassurance, so you don’t feel alone or pressured when decisions matter most.

“It was like talking to my family about our wishes”

— Jim Root

Estate planning is personal. We listen carefully, ask thoughtful questions, and help you plan for real-life situations. Clients appreciate being treated with respect and care, not as a file or a transaction.

“Always available to answer any questions or concerns”

— Larry Curry

Our team-based model confirms continuity and access. Clients are supported by knowledgeable professionals who know their plan and are available when questions come up—before, during, and after documents are signed.

“Trustworthy, professional, and thorough”

— Greenhat Custom

Integrity matters. We coordinate with financial advisors, CPAs, and family members when appropriate, and we stand behind our work with ongoing support.

Can I Keep My House If I Go on Medicaid in Kentucky?

In many cases, yes, Kentucky Medicaid does not automatically require you to sell your home to qualify for long-term care coverage. Your home may be treated as an exempt asset if it is still considered your primary residence.

That said, protecting the home depends on details like:

  • Whether you (or your spouse) still live in the home
  • The equity value of the property and how Medicaid classifies it
  • Whether a spouse, minor child, or disabled child lives there
  • Whether Medicaid later seeks repayment through estate recovery after death
  • How the home is titled (individual ownership, joint ownership, trust planning, etc.)

Even if the house is exempt while you’re alive, families are often surprised to learn about Medicaid estate recovery, which can create a claim against the estate after the Medicaid recipient passes away.

If protecting your home in London or Laurel County is a priority, we can review your situation and explain options that may help you preserve the property while staying compliant with Kentucky Medicaid rules.

How Our Estate Planning Process Works in Laurel County

Estate planning should never feel rushed, confusing, or overwhelming. At Elder Law Guidance, we follow a clear process designed to give you confidence at every stage and make sure nothing important is missed.

Here’s what families in London and Laurel County can expect:

  1. Free Consultation
    You begin with a no-pressure conversation focused on education. We listen to your concerns, answer questions, and help you understand what estate planning can accomplish for your family.
  2. Strategy Session
    In this dedicated planning meeting, we review your goals, assets, family situation, and wishes. Your attorney explains your options and recommends a plan tailored to you.
  3. Document Drafting
    We prepare your wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives based on the strategy you approved. Every document is designed to work together as a complete plan.
  4. Review and Signing
    We walk through each document carefully so you understand what it does and why it matters before anything is signed.
  5. Funding and Coordination
    When needed, we help coordinate with banks, financial advisors, and other professionals so your plan works as intended in real life, not just on paper.
  6. Ongoing Support
    Life changes, and your plan should keep up. Our team remains available to answer questions, make updates, and provide guidance as your circumstances evolve.

About Elder Law Guidance

Elder Law Guidance was founded in 2015 with a clear purpose to help families protect what they’ve worked for and avoid having to start over with each generation.

That mission is personal. After witnessing firsthand how quickly assets and stability can disappear without proper planning, our founder committed to helping families receive clear guidance, dignity, and peace of mind.

Today, we serve families throughout London and Laurel County with an education-first approach built on patience, respect, and transparency. We take the time to explain every option, answer questions thoroughly, and help clients make informed decisions without pressure.

We are a team-based practice, not a one-person office. Clients are supported by knowledgeable advisors, attorneys, and staff who work together to confirm continuity of care and follow-through at every stage of the planning process. 

From your first conversation to long after your documents are signed, our goal is the same, to help you feel confident, protected, and at ease about the future.

What Are Some Common Estate Planning Mistakes Kentucky Families Make?

Kentucky families often run into problems not because they meant to, but because key steps get missed. Common mistakes include:

  • Waiting too long to plan, especially when long-term care becomes a possibility
  • Relying on a will alone, without powers of attorney or healthcare directives
  • Forgetting beneficiary designations and titling, so accounts don’t match the plan
  • Making gifts or transfers too late, without understanding Medicaid’s 5-year lookback
  • Using the wrong trust (or no trust) for the level of protection the family wants
  • Overlooking Medicaid estate recovery, which can affect what’s left to heirs
  • Failing to update documents after marriages, divorces, deaths, or major asset changes

Local Resources for Estate Planning in London

We regularly work alongside local institutions and professionals to make sure estate plans are practical, coordinated, and easy for families to carry out. Helpful local resources include:

  • Laurel County Circuit Court Clerk – Probate Division – London, KY
  • CHI Saint Joseph London – London, KY
  • Laurel County Health Department – London, KY
  • Local financial advisors and CPAs serving Laurel County
  • Area Agency on Aging & Independent Living (AAAIL) – Southeastern Kentucky

Schedule a Consultation with a London, Kentucky Estate Planning Lawyer

Estate planning doesn’t have to be overwhelming or intimidating. With the right guidance, it can be one of the most reassuring steps you take for yourself and your family.

At Elder Law Guidance, we start with a free consultation focused on education, not pressure. We’ll explain your options clearly, answer your questions patiently, and help you understand what makes sense for your situation.

If we believe estate planning will genuinely benefit you, we’ll explain why. If not, we’ll tell you that too, honestly.

Schedule your free consultation today.

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

Schedule Now

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