An elder law attorney is a legal professional who specializes in issues that affect seniors. They can assist with matters that include Social Security benefits appeals, Medicare/Medicaid, estate planning, elder abuse and housing issues. While the legal issues they deal with may be varied, these professionals are experienced in dealing with matters that are of concern to older adults.
Elder Law Attorneys Understand the Needs of Seniors
Elder law attorneys spend a lot of time working with seniors. They understand their concerns and the unique emotional and physical needs of older adults at different stages of their retirement years. They can help with difficult personal decisions about estate planning as well as delicate concerns about long-term care, and they can help settle estates and handle the issues that may arise after the death of a loved one.
Elder Law Attorneys Offer Diverse Services
Seniors can contact elder law attorneys about a variety of legal concerns, including:
- Selecting and appointing a legal guardian
- Creating a durable power of attorney
- Writing a last will and testament or creating a trust
- Choosing a long-term care facility and handling ongoing care costs
- Managing complaints or disputes about neglect or abuse at a care facility
- Drafting a living will
- Working with other experts to deal with financial matters, including estate planning, gift tax and benefits
- Medicare/Medicaid and health insurance planning for ongoing health care costs
In most cases, these attorneys charge by the hour. However, for some tasks they may charge a flat rate. Seniors can contact their local Area Agency on Aging to be put in touch with law firms that offer low-cost or free legal help for seniors in need.
