aarp how to select an elder lawyer

The most effective way to locate a qualified, elder law attorney is through a recommendation from a family member, friend, or an attorney you have consulted before and trust. The AARP (http://www.aarp.org/legalsolutions) and the state bar association (www.hg.org) offer impartial attorney recommendations.

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Where can I find AARP legal counsel for the elderly?

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How do I find an elder law attorney?

“Talk with your friends, your financial advisor, your accountant, your family attorney and anyone else you trust who may know of an elder law specialist in your community,” recommends Smith. “A reliable referral can come from someone who knows an attorney professionally or has personally used their services.”

What does the AARP Foundation do for legal advocacy?

AARP Foundation conducts legal advocacy through its litigating arm, AARP Foundation Litigation, which advocates for systemic change in federal and state courts nationwide to advance the legal rights and interests of people 50 and older, particularly vulnerable individuals and those living with low income.

Where can I get free legal advice for seniors?

They contract with local attorneys to provide free or reduced-fee legal assistance for seniors. In many areas, there are branches of the Legal Services Corporation (also known as “Legal Aid”), which specializes in assisting low-income persons with legal issues.

Does AARP advocate for seniors?

AARP Foundation conducts legal advocacy through its litigating arm, AARP Foundation Litigation, which advocates for systemic change in federal and state courts nationwide to advance the legal rights and interests of people 50 and older, particularly vulnerable individuals and those living with low income.

What does the AARP advocate for?

Advocacy. AARP fights for age 50 and over individuals and their families at the local, state and national levels. We work on important issues, such as: Leading efforts to update Social Security and promote other retirement savings efforts to help everyone achieve lifetime financial security.

What does AARP do for the elderly?

At $16 a year, AARP provides access to hundreds of benefits that help you live your best life. From health and financial tools, volunteering opportunities, travel and restaurant discounts, to everything in between, if it has to do with enriching the lives of people 50-plus, this is what AARP is all about.

Does AARP offer estate planning?

Our FREE Personal Estate Planning Kit is a tool for organizing your estate — saving you time, protecting your assets, and helping you establish your legacy.

What are AARP 4 key principles?

Our Purpose These AARP-branded products and services cover a wide range of member's needs and are managed with four key principles in mind: Value, Quality, Put the Member in the Middle, and Ease of Access.

What tactics does the AARP use?

-Strategies used by the AARP to gain support include:lobbying.electioneering.appealing to the public.

Why you should not join AARP?

Unless one is on a very severe monthly budget, the cost of an AARP membership is not liable to be a valid reason to not join. It only costs $16 for the first year to join, and then after that, membership renews at $12/year. For the amount of benefits, discounts, and perks one receives, that's simply impossible to beat.

Is AARP worth the money?

There can be some great benefits to getting older, including the discounts and promotions that many companies offer to senior citizens. AARP caters to older people who are looking for benefits and a sense of community. The organization offers an annual membership that provides access to senior discounts and offers.

What age is senior citizen?

age 62 or olderIn the United States it is generally considered that a senior citizen is anyone of retirement age, or a person that has reached age 62 or older. However the standard threshold for Medicaid is age 65.

Does AARP help with trusts?

Trust & Will is now the exclusive provider of AARP member benefits for estate planning.

What is a beneficiary planner?

Beneficiary Planner. This unique Beneficiary Planner has been prepared for. you by Colonial Penn Life Insurance Company as a service to you. It has been specially designed to make it very easy for you to tell a family member or friend where things are… and what your wishes may be after you pass away.

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 is an attorney in fact?

Attorney-in-fact. Your attorney-in-fact (also called your agent) is given power through a power of attorney. He or she can act for you only while you are alive and have the authority to make decisions on your behalf for your financial and legal affairs.

Who is in charge of administering your estate after you die?

Executor and trustee. Your executor is in charge of administering your estate after you die. This means he or she will have to take an inventory of your estate assets, retain an attorney, pay your creditors, prepare your final taxes, and distribute assets to your beneficiaries.

How to live if you lose your independence?

Don't shy away from talking about how you want to live if you lose the ability to be completely independent. Talk it through with your possible caregivers and representatives. The roles you are assigning them come with great responsibility. A transparent conversation or instructions about your finances and wishes will be their road map and ease their caregiver stress. What you share with them today makes their lives — and yours — easier tomorrow and provides peace of mind for all involved.

What are the traits of a good executor?

Persistence and efficiency are also positive traits. Like your agent, the executor and trustee are held to a fiduciary standard. The courts don't look kindly on lazy fiduciaries. So, if the executor is not handling affairs or progressing a probate case forward, the judge is going to ask for an explanation.

What is a family caregiver?

Most family caregivers are tasked with some degree of medical and financial coordination for their care partners. It's important to consider who your caregivers will be and give them the authority to help you with these tasks without having to go to court to get it. The way to do this is by appointing your legal representatives in estate planning ...

Can a trustee act on your behalf?

Depending on the type of trust you set up, your trustee may be able to act on your behalf when you're alive or after your death (or both). The trustee will have the power to control your assets according to terms and conditions you set up in your trust. For both of these roles, look for someone who is good with money.

Do you need to appoint the same person to manage your health care and money?

Considering your options. You do not need to appoint the same person to manage your health care and money. One of your children may be efficient and a whiz at accounting. The other may have a nursing background and be an excellent communicator.

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Who is the senior attorney for AARP?

AARP Foundation's Senior Attorney McCann' s testimony before the House Education and Labor Committee on age discrimination and the proposed Protecting Older Workers Against Discrimination Act.

What is an AARP brief?

In an amicus brief, AARP and AARP Foundation urges the Minnesota District Court in Ramsey County to send absentee ballots to all registered voters and to waive requirements. Voters should not have to choose between risking their health and casting a ballot. Keep abreast of case progress. Read Amicus Brief (PDF), Order on Motions (PDF), Stipulation and Consent Decree (PDF), Stipulation and Consent Decree 2 (PDF), Press Release

What is AARP discrimination?

This landmark protection prohibits discrimination against individuals with mental and physical disabilities. Individuals segregated from the community by placement in nursing facilities or long-term care facilities, when their choice would be to live in their community, is one example of discrimination based on disability. AARP Foundation Litigation has also addressed violations of the ADA in employment, housing, and transportation. Read

What is AARP Foundation?

A public interest law firm at the intersection of aging and social justice. AARP Foundation conducts legal advocacy through its litigating arm, AARP Foundation Litigation, which advocates for systemic change in federal and state courts nationwide to advance the legal rights and interests of people 50 and older, ...

What is the AARP lawsuit against Yale University?

AARP Foundation filed a class action lawsuit against Yale University for violating both the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Genetic Information Nondiscrination Act (GINA) by requiring employees to participate in Yale's workplace wellness program or be charged $1,300 annually. Listen

What to bring to an estate planning appointment?

Once you have arranged an appointment, be sure to bring all information necessary to get the most out of the time with your attorney. Fully informed, open communication will result in the best outcome for estate planning services, long term care planning, and asset protection. Information to bring: 1 Bank and investment account statments including joint accounts 2 Retirement statements including pensions, IRAs and 401 (k)s 3 Mortgage and property tax statements 4 Debt summaries 5 Asset summaries including vehicles, significant posessions, pre-paid funeral plans, and/or expected inheritance 6 Life insurance policies 7 Health insurance policies, including long term care or disability policies 8 Income sources of self and spouse 9 Dependent information 10 Prior estate planning documents including wills, trusts, POA

Do people realize the degree of specialization that exists among attorneys?

“Many people do not realize the degree of specialization that exists among attorneys,” Heiser notes. “You want to make sure that the attorney you hire matches your particular area (s) of concern.”

How to choose an elder law attorney?

While calling potential Elder Law attorneys, you should ask standardized questions in order to choose the attorney who is right for you. It is important that the attorney’s background demonstrate a focus in and concentration on elder law issues. Also, be aware of the fact that not all Elder Law attorneys specialize in the same areas. Be sure that the attorney has experience with the specific legal issue that you need help with. Before hiring an attorney, ask the following questions: 1 How long has the attorney been in practice? 2 What percentage of his/her practice is devoted to elder law? 3 What is his/her area of emphasis? 4 How long has he/she been in this particular field? 5 What is the fee for the initial consultation? 6 What information should you bring to your first meeting?

Why do you ask questions when calling an elder law attorney?

While calling potential Elder Law attorneys, you should ask standardized questions in order to choose the attorney who is right for you.

Do elder law attorneys need to pay attention to tax consequences?

For instance, elder law attorneys are aware of the necessity to pay close attention to the tax consequences of any legal action. They will advise clients to seek the assistance of a tax professional should that be necessary.

What can an elder law attorney do?

An elder law attorney can help with common legal issues older people face, including: Disability planning, including creating financial and medical powers of attorney. Establishing guardianships and conservatorships if the senior is not legally capable of granting a power of attorney.

What is the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys?

The National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA) is an excellent resource. Attorneys who are members of NAELA endorse aspirational standards for excellence in practice, and are generally up to date with important developments in elder law.

Can a person who has lived independently for decades live on their own?

Adults who have lived independently for decades may become mentally or physically unable to live on their own. Living arrangements may need to change for the senior’s own safety.