Working with law firms can be stressful, so much so that many people put it off until it’s absolutely necessary. This is especially true in areas like elder law and estate planning, where thinking ahead and planning for the inevitable can feel daunting.
Jewell Law Office LLC (JLO) was created to change that. Founded by Kimberly Jewell in November 2020, JLO focuses on removing the anxiety and complexity from the legal process.
Jewell began her career in financial planning but discovered her true calling in law, and she hasn’t looked back since.
JLO handles all aspects of estate planning, including wills, trusts, powers of attorney and advanced health care directives. Additionally, it also focuses on long-term care planning. This means helping families protect their assets while still qualifying for the care they need.
“Nobody really wants to think about estate planning, and nobody wants to talk about it,” Jewell says. “I always joke that nobody actually wants to see me, and I don’t take it personally. The only person they probably want to see less is the funeral director. That said, I promise I don’t bite, and most people tell me the process is surprisingly painless. My goal is always to make it as easy as possible.”
Planning for the future can feel intimidating, but it is an essential step in protecting yourself and your loved ones. Life is unpredictable, and the consequences of being unprepared can be overwhelming. Taking the time now to plan ahead ensures that you are ready for whatever challenges may come.
“Right now, only about 30% of people have estate plans in place,” Jewell says. “But having the right documents is absolutely essential if something unexpected happens, like a heart attack or a stroke, because it makes it possible for loved ones to step in and help without unnecessary stress or delay.”
In addition to this, JLO offers assistance with the Medicaid application process. A process that can often be confusing and discouraging.
“Many people think you have to be completely broke to qualify for Medicaid assistance, but that’s not true,” Jewell says. “In many cases, we can help people qualify while preserving a significant portion of their assets. For a single or widowed individual, we can typically protect about 50% of their assets, and for married couples, we can often preserve 90–95%. There’s a lot of misinformation about Medicaid, so I want people to know that they have options to protect their assets while still qualifying for the care they need.”
Looking ahead, Jewell and the team at JLO will seek to build the firm further and help as many Hoosier families as they can to prepare for their futures.
“One of my biggest tips to families is this: yes, it costs money to hire an attorney, but having well-drafted estate planning documents in place usually saves money, time and stress in the long run and ensures your plans protect you for life,” Jewell says.
If you would like more information about Kimberly or Jewell Law Office LLC, visit its website at jewellelderlaw.com or call 317-705-8805.
