Best Elder Law Lawyers in Belgium

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Advocatenkantoor Pirard
Brussels, Belgium

Founded in 1983
English
Established in 1983 and located in Borgloon, Advocatenkantoor Pirard has built a solid reputation for providing comprehensive legal services across various domains, including criminal justice, debt collection, divorce, estate planning, family law, mediation, trial representation, and youth care....
Kelecom Tanguy
Liège, Belgium

1 person in their team
English
Kelecom Tanguy is a Liège-based attorney known for focused practical advice and courtroom experience across civil and family matters. The firm emphasizes protection of persons and their patrimony, providing tailored solutions in debt mediation, asset administration and succession matters while...
Cabinet d'avocats BOUVIER
Namur, Belgium

Founded in 1967
5 people in their team
English
Cabinet d'avocats Bouvier is a Namur-based law firm founded in 1967 by Christian Bouvier. The practice has grown into a five-attorney team spanning three generations, offering a diversified suite of services across real estate, patrimonial planning, corporate and commercial matters, criminal...
Notaris Hans Derache
Brussels, Belgium

Founded in 2002
8 people in their team
English
Notaris Hans Derache operates a notary office in Tessenderlo, Belgium, delivering notarial services with a focus on Real Estate, Corporate & Commercial matters and Private Client needs. The practice is known for precise documentation, thorough due diligence and a client focused approach designed to...

English
HuisRAAD Advocaten & Bemiddelaars, based in Maaseik, Belgium, is a law firm that concentrates on family law and mediation, serving individuals, families and entrepreneurs with legal and mediation services. The practice presents itself as a firm that reconciles legal expertise with a human,...

Founded in 2010
1 person in their team
English
Advocatenkantoor RECHT[PUNT]GENT is a Ghent-based law practice led by advocate Katia De Vos that concentrates on practical legal solutions for individuals. The firm handles matters including debt mediation and collective debt settlement, rent and lease disputes, traffic law, family law,...

11 people in their team
English
Louis-Marie PONSGEN & Alessia SALERNO, Notaires associes, operate from Seraing in Liège, offering professional notarial services to individuals and businesses across Belgium. Their practice spans real estate transactions, estate planning, family matters and corporate governance, drawing on...
JAK Avocats
Liège, Belgium

Founded in 1985
6 people in their team
English
JAK Avocats is a Liège-based law firm with nearly four decades of experience in Belgian civil law, specializing in road traffic law and in the law of insurance and liability. Founded in 1985, the firm has built a reputation for precise advocacy in complex accident and liability matters and...

Founded in 2016
English
Successio - Spécialiste en déclaration de succession is a Belgian firm dedicated exclusively to estate planning and succession declarations. Founded in 2016 by Martin Vanden Eynde, a licensed expert in law and notarial studies from UCL, the firm offers comprehensive guidance through the intricate...
Notaire Fabienne Jeandrain
Flemalle, Belgium

6 people in their team
English
Notaire Fabienne Jeandrain, Notaire, operates from Flémalle and serves clients across the Liège region with a focus on precision, discretion and tailored guidance. The office emphasizes ongoing professional development, availability and strict respect for client confidentiality, guided by the...
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About Elder Law in Belgium

Elder Law in Belgium encompasses a range of legal issues that primarily affect the aging population. These issues include healthcare decisions, guardianship, pension rights, elder abuse, estate planning, and legal support for families of the elderly. As the population ages, Elder Law becomes increasingly significant, ensuring that the rights and needs of older individuals are protected. The legal framework in Belgium is designed to address both individual needs and societal challenges related to aging, providing vital protections and guidance for older citizens and their families.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

There are several situations where an individual may require legal assistance in the field of Elder Law:

  • Estate Planning: Preparing wills and trusts to manage and allocate assets effectively.
  • Guardianship: Establishing legal guardianship for individuals who can no longer make decisions themselves.
  • Elder Abuse: Seeking protection and recourse for individuals facing neglect or abuse.
  • Healthcare Decisions: Navigating complex healthcare rights and decisions, such as living wills and power of attorney.
  • Pension and Retirement Benefits: Understanding and claiming rightful retirement benefits and entitlements.
  • Long-Term Care: Legal aspects related to residential care or nursing home agreements.

Local Laws Overview

The legal landscape for Elder Law in Belgium is shaped by both national legislation and European Union directives. Key aspects include:

  • Succession Law: Governing how estates are managed and distributed after death, with mandatory inheritance laws.
  • Social Security: Provision of pensions and benefits, ensuring financial support for the elderly.
  • Healthcare Regulations: Ensuring access to medical care and defining patients' rights within the healthcare system.
  • Guardianship Laws: Procedures and regulations surrounding the appointment of legal guardians for incapacitated individuals.
  • Consumer Protection: Safeguards to prevent financial exploitation and enforce fair practices in care facilities.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is covered under Elder Law in Belgium?

Elder Law encompasses a wide range of issues including estate planning, healthcare, guardianship, pensions, and protection against elder abuse.

How does Belgian succession law affect inheritance?

Belgium's mandatory inheritance laws dictate how estates are distributed, requiring certain percentages to be left to close family members.

Can I choose anyone to be my legal guardian?

While you can nominate a guardian, the court must approve the appointment based on the individual's ability to manage your affairs.

What rights do I have regarding healthcare decisions?

Elder individuals have the right to make informed decisions regarding their healthcare, including the use of advance healthcare directives.

How do I report elder abuse in Belgium?

Elder abuse can be reported to local police or through organizations dedicated to protecting vulnerable individuals.

Are nursing home agreements legally binding?

Yes, they are contracts that outline the terms of care and must comply with Belgian consumer protection laws.

How can I ensure my estate is distributed according to my wishes?

Proper estate planning with a lawyer can help ensure your assets are distributed as you intend while adhering to legal mandates.

Do Belgian laws offer protection against financial exploitation?

Yes, there are consumer protection laws and fiduciary responsibilities designed to protect the elderly from financial abuse.

Is private legal insurance advisable for the elderly?

Legal insurance can provide coverage for legal disputes and consultations, offering peace of mind and assistance when needed.

How do Belgium's social security benefits affect pensioners?

Belgium offers a comprehensive social security system that provides various pension benefits, subject to individual circumstances and contributions.

Additional Resources

There are several resources available for individuals seeking assistance in Elder Law:

  • FPS Social Security: For information on pensions and social security benefits.
  • Belgian Consumer Protection: For concerns related to contracts and elder exploitation.
  • European Institute of Bioethics: For healthcare rights and ethical considerations.
  • Local Guardianship Authorities: For information on establishing legal guardianship.
  • Non-Profit Elder Support Organizations: Offering advice and support for elder individuals and their families.

Next Steps

If you need legal assistance in Elder Law, consider the following steps:

  1. Research: Understand the specific area of Elder Law relevant to your situation.
  2. Consultation: Seek a legal consultation to discuss your needs and options.
  3. Documentation: Gather any relevant documentation or evidence related to your case.
  4. Select a Lawyer: Choose a lawyer with expertise in Elder Law for competent representation.
  5. Regular Reviews: Engage in regular reviews of your legal arrangements to ensure they remain relevant and effective as circumstances change.

Lawzana helps you find the best lawyers and law firms in Belgium through a curated and pre-screened list of qualified legal professionals. Our platform offers rankings and detailed profiles of attorneys and law firms, allowing you to compare based on practice areas, including Elder Law, experience, and client feedback.

Each profile includes a description of the firm's areas of practice, client reviews, team members and partners, year of establishment, spoken languages, office locations, contact information, social media presence, and any published articles or resources. Most firms on our platform speak English and are experienced in both local and international legal matters.

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Disclaimer:

The information provided on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While we strive to ensure the accuracy and relevance of the content, legal information may change over time, and interpretations of the law can vary. You should always consult with a qualified legal professional for advice specific to your situation.

We disclaim all liability for actions taken or not taken based on the content of this page. If you believe any information is incorrect or outdated, please contact us, and we will review and update it where appropriate.