Dallas Long-Term Care Planning Lawyer
Plan Ahead with Confidence, Compassion, and Legal Clarity
At DebnamRust, P.C., we understand that planning for long-term care isn’t just about preparing for the unknown — it’s about making proactive, thoughtful decisions to protect your health, your home, and your future. Led by founding attorney Derek Mergele-Rust, our Dallas estate planning team offers trusted legal guidance for families planning ahead for aging, chronic illness, or disability.
Long-term care planning ensures that you or your loved ones receive the care you need, when you need it, without unnecessary legal or financial stress. We work closely with clients to create practical, legally sound strategies that reflect their goals — and provide peace of mind for years to come.
Schedule a confidential consultation with our Dallas long-term care planning lawyer at (214) 758-8681 to begin creating a plan that reflects your values and protects your future.
Why Choose DebnamRust, P.C. for Long-Term Care Planning?
Attorney Derek Mergele-Rust brings deep experience in estate and elder law, combined with a client-first approach that prioritizes education, transparency, and peace of mind. As a Super Lawyers nominee and adjunct professor of law, Derek offers clients a rare combination of legal precision and practical guidance.
We help clients with:
- Asset protection and Medicaid eligibility
- Powers of attorney, advance directives, and healthcare planning
- Establishing trusts tailored to long-term care goals
- Coordinating with financial planners and care providers
We don’t just prepare documents — we develop full-spectrum strategies built around your needs, values, and long-term security.
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Highly professional and experienced, these lawyers provide comprehensive guidance on all aspects of your case, helping you carefully assess and weigh your options.Raji S.
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We were referred to DebnamRust by a friend. Derek, Meghana, Hope, and Erin were all very pleasant to work with. They were very responsive to our questions and took care to recognize the sensitive nature of what we needed. We have referred a few of our friends to them. The thank you card after our work was done was a nice touch.Travis A.
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Very personable, knowledgeable, and reliable.Kathryne D.
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Everyone at the firm is amazing and I would definitely recommend them if you are in need of a good lawyer!Ali H.
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They did a great job at explaining the case, expenses and breakdowns, and also reassuring all of our questions during the process.Ty S.
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Very helpful and supportive firmOscar G.
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Very detailed oriented. 100% satisfied. I highly recommend Michael Debnam and his team to anyone in need of an attorney.Martin G.
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Pleasant experience when I called. Erin listened to everything and didn't rush me off the phone. She was so nice and caring, I definitely knew DebnamRust was the law firm I needed to go with! Thank you for being so kind.Sofia O.
A Thoughtful, Collaborative Process
Every long-term care plan is different. We take the time to understand your goals, discuss care preferences, and identify the legal tools that make sense for your situation. Whether you’re planning for yourself or helping an aging parent, our team is here to simplify the process and reduce stress.
What Is Long-Term Care Planning?
Long-term care planning involves preparing for the possibility of needing assistance with daily living or medical needs over an extended period of time. This can include services like:
- In-home care
- Assisted living
- Skilled nursing or memory care
- Hospice or palliative care
These decisions carry both personal and financial weight. A well-structured plan can preserve assets, ensure eligibility for Medicaid, and reduce the burden on family members. Our role is to help you understand your options and create a plan that honors your wishes while complying with Texas law.
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Simple Estate PlanningSecure your legacy and safeguard the people who matter most with our experienced team.
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Your Family Law Advocates
Legal support that defends your family through every stage of life, with compassionate counsel.
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Our Team is Here for You
Our team is proud to provide inclusive, respectful support for every client and every family.
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Start Your Next Chapter
Connect with our team to explore your options and find the legal guidance you need.
Our FAQ
Have questions? We are here to help. Still have questions or can't find the answer you need? Give us a call at 214-758-8681 today!
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Will Medicaid take my home?
Not necessarily. Texas law offers protections for your primary residence in many cases. With smart legal structuring, we help families preserve their homes while still qualifying for Medicaid support.
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What are common mistakes to avoid?Relying on Medicare to cover long-term care (it doesn’t), waiting until a crisis, or transferring assets too late can all create serious challenges. Legal guidance helps you avoid these pitfalls.
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Can I start planning before retirement?Absolutely. Early planning gives you more flexibility and control. It also allows for stronger asset protection and more long-term financial options.
Legal Considerations for Texans Planning Long-Term Care
Planning in Texas requires a detailed understanding of Medicaid eligibility, income caps, and asset protection strategies.
Key legal factors include:
- The Medicaid five-year look-back period
- Limits on income and countable assets
- Use of Qualified Income Trusts (QITs)
- Protection of the primary residence and community spouse allowances
Attorney Derek Mergele-Rust is highly experienced in long-term care and Medicaid planning, helping Dallas families avoid costly missteps and secure the benefits they’re entitled to — without putting their life savings at risk.
Let’s Build a Plan That Works for You
Long-term care planning is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your future — and your family’s. With trusted guidance from Attorney Derek Mergele-Rust, you’ll gain clarity, security, and confidence in the years ahead.
Call (214) 758-8681 to schedule your consultation and get started.
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Put People FirstIt takes two to be successful: our clients and our team. We value both, as we can’t do what we do without either. Sometimes putting people first can mean walking with them through grief and the hardest parts of life. We’re willing and ready to do that for you.
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Strive for ExcellenceWe want to be the best in all that we do. We seek something more tangible than perfection: Excellence. With that goal always in mind, we make the best arguments and get the best results for our clients.
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Sweat the Small Stuff
Details matter. Precision creates efficiency, and we at DebnamRust know what details, patterns, and intricacies to look for. After all, if you get things right the first time, you won’t have to go back and fix errors later.
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Show Up
We show up in the community, and we understand what our clients are going through. We aren’t a faceless organization, but real members of the same community that we advocate for. We also show up for each other, as a team. We count on each other so that you can count on us.
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Take the InitiativeAt our firm, initiative looks like taking action to make a case go a little smoother. We all hit roadblocks, and so we all problem-solve, too. If we ever anticipate an issue, we’ll give you a heads-up.
