Elder Law Attorney- what do they do?
We all know that there is an attorney for everything and everyone, including one that specializes in navigating the world of aging and older adults- aka an Elder Law Attorney.
So, what exactly does and Elder Law Attorney specialize in?
Elder law attorneys are advocates for the elderly and their loved ones. They can assist on a wide range of legal matters affecting an older, disabled, or special needs person.
These issues can include:
- Health care (Medical Power of Attorney, Advanced Directives/POLST, DNR)
- Long term care planning (Estate Planning, Wills, Trusts)
- Disability
- Guardianship
- Retirement
- Social Security
- Medicare/Medicaid
- End-of-life Planning
- Elder Abuse
- Adults with Special Needs
How do I find an Elder Law Attorney?
You will need to find one in your state, as the laws in each state vary and change often. Also, not every Elder Law Attorney handles all of the issues listed above. Some may only specialize in two or three.
Here are a few websites to help you in your search:
- ​Elder Counsel​
- ​National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys​
- ​Elder Law Answers​
​These websites also have fantastic resources and blogs to answer any questions you might have.
Questions to ask an Elder Law Attorney before hiring them:
- How long have you been practicing law?
- Do you specialize in a particular area of Elder Care Law?
- I don’t know what I or my parent needs to protect them, what do you recommend ?
- What information do I need to share with you?
- What do you charge and how is it determined?
I do recommend interviewing two to three attorneys before selecting one to hire. You will find that you will become very close to this professional and will want to feel comfortable with the suggestions they make.
One important thing to note…
As I mentioned above, find an attorney in your state. However, if you move, be sure to ask them if they can still assist you and if your paperwork can be upheld in a court of law of a different state. You can never be too careful!
