Find Elder Law Attorney By Annie Pan
Elder law involves legal issues pertaining to the elderly population. Elder law includes estate planning, trusts, wills, guardianship, healthcare planning including Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security, supplemental and long-term insurance policy issues, nursing home issues, retirement living, and disability planning. Elder law attorney has a broad understanding of the law that may affect an elderly person's life and works to help him or her avoid potential problems in the future. Elder law attorney can also help the elderly with appropriate planning in different areas of his or her life.
Certified Elder Law Attorney
The National Elder Law Foundation awards attorneys with enhanced knowledge, skills, experience and proficiency in the field of elder law with certification. The certified elder law attorney must have a deep understanding of health and long-term care planning, public benefits, surrogate decision-making, legal capacity of an elderly person, the conservation and disposition of an elderly person's estate. In advising about these matters, the elder law attorney must also know and consider the relevant tax consequences of the action.
Furthermore, the certified elder law attorney must be capable of identifying issues of concern that may crop up during attorney-client meetings, such as elder abuse, insurance issues, housing issues, employment issues, and retirement issues.
Finally, the certified elder law attorney must be familiar with additional professional and non-legal resources that cater to the elderly population.
Questions to Ask Your Potential Elder Law Attorney
As a part of the overall assessment in selecting the right elder law attorney for you, consider the following questions.
- How long has the attorney been practicing?
- How much of the attorney's practice is dedicated to elder law?
- Does the attorney specialize in a particular area of elder law?
- Is the attorney experienced with respect to the specific matter of your concern?
- What is the extent of the attorney's training in elder law?
- Is the attorney a certified elder law attorney? If not, why not?
Fee Structure
Attorney fees can be charged on a flat fee for a specific service or on an hourly basis. Prior to meeting with an attorney, ask to see a fee schedule. Low-income elderly or disabled persons may qualify for free legal assistance from non-profit organizations such as the Legal Aid Society.
Additional Legal Services:
Nationwide Find an Attorney Services:
American Bar Association
Service Center
321 North Clark Street
Chicago, IL 60610
800-285-2221
Martindale-Hubbell
121 Chanlon Road
New Providence, NJ 07974
800-526-4902 ext. 8001