An elder law attorney, sometimes referred to as an elder care attorney, can help older adults and their families navigate the complicated financial and legal decisions they face. It’s a growing specialization, with nearly 500 certified elder law attorneys across all 50 states.

What does an elder care lawyer do?

Most elder law attorneys handle a wide range of legal matters affecting an older or disabled person, including issues related to health care, long term care planning, guardianship, retirement, Social Security, Medicare/Medicaid, and other important matters.

When should I hire an elder law attorney?

When to Hire an Elder Law Attorney They want to file a Medicare or Medicaid claim or a social security and disability claim. They are planning to file a claim pertaining to age discrimination in employment. They want to plan their estate (management during their life and disposition on death)

How do I choose an elder law attorney?

2 ways an elder law attorney helps seniors and family caregivers

1. Plan for the future and protect assets.
2. Ensure all the legal documents are correct for your state.
3. Get a referral from someone you know.
4. Check the National Academy of of Elder Law Attorneys.
5. Meet for an initial consultation (possibly free)

What does elder law consist of?

Elder law focuses on the rights, responsibilities and legal issues that concern or predominantly affect, elder or senior people. It generally addresses four main areas of concern, long-term health care issues, the management of personal affairs, elder abuse and estate planning and administration.

What questions should I ask an elder law attorney?

Ask Your Elder Law Lawyer These 10 Questions

• Can my loved one sign legal documents even with dementia?
• What are the core planning documents I need?
• What is the single greatest threat to my financial security?
• Are you (the lawyer) a certified specialist?
• Are there dementia-specific provisions for Powers of Attorney?

Does AARP Offer Free legal Advice?

All services provided by CLPE are free of charge and there are no income or asset limits. The Hotline is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

How much is an elder care attorney?

A seasoned lawyer in a big city can charge upwards of $600 an hour, while a younger, less experienced attorney in a more rural state may only cost $125 an hour. Most lawyers will charge a flat rate fee for Medicaid planning. Depending on the package of services that are selected, the costs will vary.

Why do I need an elder law attorney?

Elder law attorneys provide counsel for the unique requirements of older clients and their loved ones. Most often, elder law attorneys are also accomplished at estate planning. A reputable elder law attorney will assess and protect a client’s legal and financial situation, both present and future.

Is elder law the same as estate planning?

Elder law and estate planning are not so different in some respects. Both areas of the law involve long-term planning for the future. The primary difference between them is that elder law focuses on what happens while you are living, while estate planning usually centers around what happens after you pass away.

What is a senior lawyer?

This Senior Lawyer oversees all activities of the junior Lawyers and deals with all complex legal transactions, identifying legal issues and offering the business and its consumers optimum solutions as well as ensuring that the business responds appropriately to any legislative changes.

How do I interview an elder law attorney?

National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys. Ask Questions First

1. How long has the attorney been in practice?
2. Does his or her practice emphasize a particular area of law?
3. How long has he or she been in this field?
4. What percentage of his or her practice is devoted to elder law or special needs planning?

What is the estate planning process?

Estate planning involves determining how an individual’s assets will be preserved, managed, and distributed after death. It also takes into account the management of an individual’s properties and financial obligations in the event that they become incapacitated.

What are some of the common legal needs of elderly clients?

health care and long-term care planning. government benefits (including Medicaid, Medicare and Social Security) decision-making by others on the senior’s behalf (including powers of attorney, conservatorship and guardianship) the ability to understand and make legal decisions by the senior.

What does an estate attorney do?

An estate lawyer is a bar certified attorney who specializes in estate planning and assists clients in drafting and implementing legal documents, including wills and trusts. Other personal and business matters that estate lawyers can handle include retirement plans, life insurance policies and charitable contributions.

Is elder law Real?

Elder law is an area of legal practice that specializes on issues that affect the aging population. The purpose of elder law planning is to prepare the elderly person for financial freedom and autonomy through proper financial planning and long-term care options.