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.
Are elder care attorneys worth it?
A reputable elder law attorney helps protect your senior’s legal and financial situation and helps you figure out how to pay for the care they’ll need. The fees are well worth it if they can save your family thousands of dollars and avoid future legal headaches.
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?
If you know any attorneys, ask them for a referral to an elder or special needs law attorney. An attorney is in a good position to know who handles such issues and whether that person is a good attorney. Such persons are often the best and safest sources of referrals. Take the time to interview prospective attorneys.
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?
What is an elder care specialist?
According to the Aging Life Care Association (formerly the National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers), an Aging Life Care Specialist is defined as “a health and human services specialist who helps families who are caring for older relatives.”
What questions should I ask an elder care attorney?
10 questions to ask before hiring an elder care attorney
- How much of the lawyer’s practice is elder law?
- How long has the lawyer been practicing elder law?
- How much of the lawyer’s elder law practice is handling types of cases like yours?
- When was the last time the lawyer handled a case like yours?
What does elder law include?
Elder law is a field of law that specializes in legal issues that affect older individuals. Major areas of elder law include disability and special needs planning, long-term care planning, estate planning and settlement, guardianship or conservatorship, and elder abuse.
What is the difference between elder law and estate planning?
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.
How do I interview an elder law attorney?
National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys….Ask Questions First
- How long has the attorney been in practice?
- Does his or her practice emphasize a particular area of law?
- How long has he or she been in this field?
- What percentage of his or her practice is devoted to elder law or special needs planning?