What do you do when you want to get your affairs in order, but you’re not sure where to start? For many older adults, that answer is to consult with an elder law attorney. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), reports that there will be more than 80 million seniors in the U.S. by 2040. Because older adults often have different legal concerns than younger adults, it is important to hire an attorney who understands the issues that affect older adults and the state and federal laws about them. This helps the elder law attorney a better opportunity to advocate for older adults and their loved ones.
Certified elder law attorneys handle a large range of legal matters including:
- Health Care
- Long-term care planning
- Guardianship
- Retirement
- Social Security
- Medicare/Medicaid
- Estate Planning
- Financial Planning
- Assisted living and nursing home requirements
- Wills and end-of-life planning
- Fraud and financial exploitation
- Day-to-day problems
Elder law attorneys usually charge by the hour, based on the type of service they complete. Occasionally, they complete work on document preparation based at a flat rate. It is important to ask about fees when engaging any attorney.
Finding the right elder attorney for you is very important. You can ask friends for recommendations or look online for and use a referral site such as Senior Navigator or FindLaw. Also, The National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys and the American Bar Association can help families find qualified attorneys.
Because most elder law attorneys don’t specialize in every area of elder law, it is important to ask questions to make sure that they will be able to assist you and your loved ones. A few questions to ask according to FindLaw are:
- How long have you been practicing law?
- What percentage of your time is devoted to elder care law?
- Do you specialize in certain areas of elder law?
- What information should I bring to our first meeting?
- How are your fees computed?
Asking these questions will help you find the right elder law attorney for you and your loved ones.
How Care is There can help:
- Help you and your loved one understand the services that an elder law attorney provides
- Help you decide if an elder law attorney is right for you
- Help you find a reputable elder law attorney
- Help you ask an elder law attorney the questions that are important to you and your loved ones
- Care is There’s Daily Money Managers are available to help with financial issues and to help communicate with elder law attorneys
Next Steps
Contact Care is There today for a free consultation!
Central Virginia: 434.326.5323
Shenandoah Valley: 540.246.0211
Toll Free: 800.434.1633
Email: Info@CareisThere.com