Founded in 2015, Elder Law Guidance brings military service and community roots into every case. We help with Medicaid planning, VA disability and pension claims, wills, trusts, and guardianship, all explained in clear, easy-to-understand language.
Facing elder law or VA disability issues can feel overwhelming, from the rising cost of nursing homes in Kentucky (often $7,500–$9,500 per month) to the VA’s 4–6 month average claim decision time, families in Madison County often come to us in crisis. Our job is to turn that stress into clarity.
Clients describe us as “very patient to explain complex ins and outs of elder law” and “like talking to my family on our wishes.” That’s because we focus on dignity and education, not pressure.
Whether you meet us at our historic A.R. Burnam House office off Robert R. Martin Bypass, at home, or in a hospital room at Baptist Health Richmond, you’ll find a compassionate team committed to protecting your assets, benefits, and legacy.
Your Trusted Elder Law and VA Attorneys in Madison County
Founded in 2015 by Scott E. Collins, Elder Law Guidance is built on a life of service. Scott Collins is a U.S. Army veteran and former minister who turned personal family experiences into a mission to help Kentucky families protect assets, access care, and preserve legacy.
Our office is based in a historic setting on Lexington Road in Richmond, which clients have described as welcoming and personal, a reflection of our values.
Scott has chaired the Elder Law Section of the Kentucky State Bar, is a member of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, and is a VA Accredited Attorney. His background shapes the way our entire team practices law, with compassion, patience, and plain-English explanations.
We proudly serve families across Central and Southeastern Kentucky, with deep roots in Madison County and surrounding communities.
Our Elder Law and VA Services
- Medicaid Planning
- Crisis Medicaid Planning
- VA Disability Compensation
- Estate Planning
- VA Pension
- Long Term Care Planning
- Probate
- Guardianship and Conservatorship
- Elder Law
Get Trusted Legal Support Today
For straightforward legal advice and representation, contact Elder Law Guidance. Call (859) 544-6012 to schedule your consultation.
Why Choose Elder Law Guidance in Richmond
Families in Richmond choose us because we combine legal skill with a service-first, no-pressure culture. Our mission is not just to draft documents but to walk with you through some of life’s hardest seasons.
Deep Roots in Service and Community – Our firm was founded on a background in military service, ministry, and community work. That foundation shapes how we treat every client, with dignity, patience, and compassion.
Experience That Understands Families – We have guided hundreds of families through Medicaid, VA benefits, and estate planning. Clients often say we “calmed all fears” during difficult times.
Educators at Heart – Our team believes in explaining the law in plain English. From free monthly webinars to one-on-one consultations, we empower you to make informed decisions.
Commitment to Protecting Wealth and Legacy – Our focus is on protecting your assets and confirming your family’s stability. As one review put it: “They gave us the confidence we were making the correct decisions.”
Compassionate, Team-Based Approach – Clients describe our staff as “wonderful, knowledgeable, personable and professional.” You will meet a coordinated team, not a solo attorney, and every step is guided with care.
No-Pressure Promise – If we cannot save you more than you spend, we will say so. Families trust us because our advice is honest, reliable, and centered on their needs.
Understanding Elder Law and Why It Matters in Richmond, KY
Elder law is planning and advocacy for aging adults and their families, covering asset protection, long-term care, Medicaid eligibility, VA compensation, estate documents, and guardianship.
Richmond’s elder law needs reflect the community’s close-knit, generational nature. Many families here care for loved ones at home or through local providers such as Morning Pointe of Richmond, Kenwood Health & Rehabilitation Center, and Telford Terrace.
A Richmond-based elder law attorney understands how to coordinate between these local systems, like filing at the courthouse, communicating with area care facilities, or making sure your plan complies with Kentucky’s unique elder care regulations.
Our approach centers on three outcomes:
- Keep care affordable without exhausting your life savings
- Keep decision-making in trusted hands with powers of attorney and guardianship planning
- Keep your legacy intact so the next generation starts ahead, not over
Clients say our process “calmed all fears” and gave them “confidence we were making the correct decisions.” That comes from our education-first culture. We teach first, draft second, so you know exactly what’s happening with your plan.
Our Service Areas in Richmond
We provide elder law and VA services across Richmond:
- Downtown Richmond
- Gibson Bay
- Boones Trace
- Arlington
- Meadowbrook / Meadowview
- Country Club Heights
- Northridge Estates
- Stonewall
- Tates Creek
- Wellington
- Deer Creek
- Hidden Hills
- Braemar
- Burnam Woods
- Seven Oaks
- Quail West
- South Pointe
- Rolling Hills
- Fairview
- Canyon Grove
What Is VA Disability and How Does It Work?
VA disability benefits are monthly payments provided by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to veterans who have a medical condition or injury that was caused or worsened by their military service.
These benefits are designed to provide financial support and healthcare access for veterans whose service-connected disabilities affect their ability to work or perform daily activities.
When you apply for VA disability, the VA reviews your medical records, service history, and supporting evidence to determine whether your condition qualifies. If approved, the VA assigns a disability rating between 0% and 100%, reflecting how much your condition impacts your life and earning ability.
Your monthly compensation amount depends on this rating. In some cases, veterans with multiple conditions may receive combined ratings or qualify for Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU), which pays at the 100% rate even if their combined rating is lower.
Understanding how VA disability works, and how to present your claim effectively, can make the difference between a denied claim and full compensation for your service-connected injuries.
Our Elder Law & VA Disability Process in Richmond
Families come to us at different moments, planning for the future, after a hospitalization at Baptist Health Richmond, while preparing for a Medicaid application, or after receiving a VA disability denial. Wherever you start, our process is built to reduce fear, bring clarity, and move step by step toward peace of mind.
Step 1: Free Consultation
We begin with a no-cost consult at our office near Lancaster Ave, or by phone/Zoom. This is your chance to share concerns, ask questions, and meet our team without pressure.
Step 2: Strategy Session
Next, you’ll meet with an attorney for a well-rounded planning session. We outline Medicaid eligibility timing, VA disability or pension benefits, and options for trusts, wills, and caregiver arrangements.
Step 3: Document Drafting & Signing
We prepare custom documents, wills, trusts, powers of attorney, guardianship papers, tailored to your wishes. Nothing is cookie-cutter. One client put it simply: “It was like talking to my family on our wishes.”
Step 4: Funding & Tax Follow-Up
We walk with you through retitling accounts, moving assets into trusts, and coordinating with tax professionals. This step makes sure your plan works in practice, not just on paper.
Step 5: Applications
When needed, we prepare and submit Medicaid or VA benefit applications. The VA currently averages 4–6 months for an initial decision, but our team tracks deadlines and evidence requirements so you don’t face denials for missed details.
Step 6: Implementation Plan
For families wanting continued guidance, we offer a year-long support plan with regular check-ins and caregiver help.
We also host two free webinars each month on topics like Medicaid look-back rules, VA disability evidence, and the differences between revocable and irrevocable trusts. Every attendee gets a recording, making it easy to share with family.
Local Elder Law & VA Trends in Kentucky
These local realities make elder law and VA disability planning not just optional but vital. By combining legal planning with knowledge of Kentucky trends, our team helps Richmond families stay ahead of costly surprises.
Aging Population in Kentucky
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, more than 17% of Kentuckians are now 65 or older, and Madison County mirrors this growth. This means more families are encountering issues like Medicaid eligibility, guardianship, and long-term care planning each year.
Nursing Home and Care Pressure
The Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services reports that nursing homes and assisted living facilities across the state are at high occupancy, and costs are increasing annually.
In Richmond, families often struggle to secure beds at facilities near Lake Reba or within reach of Eastern Kentucky University neighborhoods, which puts pressure on Medicaid crisis planning.
VA Disability Backlogs in Kentucky
Kentucky is home to over 275,000 veterans, and a significant portion rely on disability compensation or pension benefits. The VA has acknowledged continued backlogs at regional offices, meaning that veterans in Madison County may face longer wait times without legal help to track and escalate claims.
Guardianship and Probate Trends
Local courts, including the Madison County District Court, have reported steady growth in guardianship filings as more adult children step in to manage finances and care for aging parents. Without proactive powers of attorney, families are left to petition the court, which adds cost and stress.
Local Resources We Work With Richmond
- Madison County Courthouse
- Baptist Health Richmond
- Eastern Kentucky University (EKU)
- Madison County Veterans Service Office
- Richmond Senior Citizens Center
Ready to Protect Your Family and Legacy?
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 reserve your spot at our next elder law webinar to start planning with clarity and confidence.
Peace of mind starts with one conversation.
