Shannon Pawley, The Estate & Asset Protection Law Firm Owner, shares important information for unpaid family caregivers who would like to be compensated for their service.

DECATUR, GA, October 18, 2024: Shannon Pawley, Owner of The Estate & Asset Protection Law Firm, has posted a new article on the law firm’s website entitled “The Do’s and Don’ts of Compensating Family Caregivers.” Ms. Pawley offers information that could provide some financial relief for many unpaid family caregivers.

Pawley writes, “If you are providing unpaid care for an elderly or disabled family member, you are not alone.” As Pawley notes, “The number of unpaid family caregivers in the United States is estimated to be around 53 million adults.” Pawley continues, “The American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) recently updated their “Valuing the Invaluable” report which estimates that “family caregivers provided 36 billion hours of unpaid care worth $600 billion in 2021.” The report also stated that “the average caregiver pays more than $7,200 annually in out-of-pocket costs for transportation and other needs.”  Click to read the full report

“As an unpaid family caregiver,” Pawley states, “you are likely profoundly aware of the impact this act of love is having on your life. Especially if you are caring for elderly parents and have a family of your own and a fulltime job.” Pawley emphasizes, “What is important to learn as an unpaid family caregiver is that you may be able to be compensated.”

According to Pawley, “Some states and counties provide stipends, reimbursement, or other forms of compensation for family caregivers.” Pawley goes on to write, “There are several important things you’ll want to do, however only one very important “don’t” in terms of seeking compensation as a family caregiver.”  She explains, “Don’t try to do it on your own. If you want to apply or arrange to be paid for your services as a family caregiver, you’ll need to fully understand the applicable law and its implications. “

The entire article can be read by here: The Do’s and Don’ts of Compensating Family Caregivers

About The Estate & Asset Protection Law Firm

The Estate & Asset Protection Law Firm was established to serve the legal needs of retiring citizens. The Firm focuses its entire practice on providing strategies to protect independence, privacy, assets and taxes from the government. Shannon Pawley has grown her law practice by providing excellent customer satisfaction with personalized wealth protection plans.

About Shannon M. Pawley, J.D., LL.M

Shannon is the Owner and CEO of The Estate & Asset Protection Law Firm. Originally from the Tidewater area of Virginia, she grew up in a close-knit family with a strong tradition of military service. She learned early on the importance of integrity, hard work, and giving back to her community. Her upbringing shaped her desire to make a positive impact and instilled a deep sense of responsibility to ensure that every individual is treated with respect and care.

Her passion for serving others took root during her junior year of high school, when she served as a U.S. House of Representatives Page during the 101st Congressional Session in Washington, D.C. This life-changing experience opened her eyes to the power of diverse perspectives and the importance of advocating for those whose voices are often unheard. Inspired by the experience, Shannon decided to pursue a career in law, dedicated to guiding others through life’s most challenging moments.

Shannon’s educational journey led her to North Carolina Wesleyan College, where she earned her undergraduate degree, followed by a Juris Doctor from Michigan State University College of Law. She then specialized further, obtaining an LL.M. in Taxation from Wayne State University. Licensed to practice in both Michigan and Georgia, Shannon is also a VA Accredited Attorney, making her a formidable advocate for her clients.

Throughout her career, Shannon has been a fierce champion for clients from all walks of life, representing everyone from international corporations to single parents. She has always been driven by a profound belief that everyone deserves to have their rights and wishes honored, especially when they are most vulnerable. Whether advocating in the courtroom or guiding families through complex legal decisions, Shannon’s mission is clear: to protect the dignity and independence of every client she serves.

Her passion for advocacy goes beyond legal representation—it’s about ensuring that people’s voices are heard, even when they may not be able to speak for themselves. Shannon is deeply committed to helping her clients age with dignity, grace, and independence, working tirelessly to prepare them and their families for the complexities of aging. Her work is more than a profession; it is a calling to serve, empower, and uplift every individual and family she has the privilege to represent.