Elder law includes a broad range of legal issues related to elderly persons and those who may be entrusted with their financial, health care, housing, and estate planning decisions.
In Minnesota, elder law encompasses various legal matters affecting older adults and their caregivers, including estate planning, health care directives, guardianship, conservatorship, and protection against elder abuse. Estate planning may involve creating wills, trusts, and powers of attorney to manage an individual's affairs. Health care directives, also known as living wills, allow individuals to outline their preferences for medical treatment in the event they cannot communicate their wishes. Guardianship and conservatorship proceedings can be initiated when an elder is unable to make personal or financial decisions, respectively, and a court appoints someone to do so on their behalf. Minnesota also has laws aimed at preventing elder abuse, which can be physical, emotional, or financial. The Minnesota Adult Abuse Reporting Center (MAARC) is the state's system for reporting suspected maltreatment of vulnerable adults. Additionally, the Minnesota Department of Human Services provides resources and services to help protect and support the well-being of older residents.