what is an elder law lawyer

What is elder law?

• Elder law is a legal practice tailored to the needs of senior citizens
• A big component is finding and affording long-term care, like in a nursing home
• Elder law attorneys might also be able to help create an estate plan
• While elder law and estate planning overlap, they are not the same

Full Answer

What questions should I Ask an elder law attorney?

May 17, 2021 · Elder law attorneys are advocates for the elderly and their loved ones. 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 one consider hiring an elder law attorney?

Apr 19, 2022 · Elder law attorneys help clients that are looking for long-term care solutions, and Medicaid eligibility is the key. This jointly administered federal/state government health insurance program for people with limited resources will cover custodial care.

What all attorneys should know about elder law?

Jul 26, 2021 · Elder law attorneys are advocates for the elderly and their loved ones. 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. ( FindLaw)

Who needs to hire an elder law attorney?

Elder law is a practice area defined by the people whose legal needs are served—senior citizens. It is an area of law which grew out of the need for estate planning attorneys to address legal problems facing older clients and their children. Elder …

How much does an elder law attorney make in Florida?

The average salary for Elder Attorney Jobs in Florida is $108,500*.

What is elder law in Florida?

Elder Law is defined as any legal issue involving health and personal care planning for the senior population and their caregivers.

What is elder law in PA?

An elder law attorney deals with long-term care planning and public benefits, end-of-life issues, housing assistance and options, elder abuse, neglect and exploitation, age discrimination in employment, veterans' benefits, services of the Area Agencies on Aging, the legal rights of residents of nursing facilities, and ...

What is elder law in Kansas?

The Senior Citizen Law Project (SCLP) gives legal services to persons age 60 and older. SCLP focuses on civil legal issues. The goal is to target older persons who have the greatest needs. Top issues include helping seniors get income and medical assistance needed for their well-being.

What type of elder abuse is most common?

neglectQuick Facts About Elder Abuse According to the National Council on Aging (NCOA), elders are more likely to self-report financial exploitation than emotional, physical, and sexual abuse or neglect. According to the NCEA, neglect is the most common type of elder abuse.Mar 4, 2020

What is elder law?

What is an Elder Law Attorney? If your aging loved one is facing legal or financial problems or has questions about the sale of a home, a move to senior living, preserving their assets, or managing their estate, you may look into hiring an elder law attorney. Attorneys often work in specialized fields.

Why should I retain an elder law attorney?

You may want to retain an elder law attorney to help get your aging parents’ affairs in order before a move to senior living or assisted living, to help navigate the maze of healthcare options, or if you aren’t sure of your loved one’s rights in legal, medical, or financial matters.

What are some specialties in elder abuse?

Other fields of specialty may include: Mental health law. Health law. Estate planning. Disability planning. Moving to senior living.

Is it better to call an elder law attorney?

A boutique legal practice may be able to offer a referral to another lawyer in the area to assist with specific issues. When in doubt, it’s better to call an elder law attorney for a free consultation rather than to try to represent your aging loved one yourself. Caring for an older adult can be a full-time job, as it is.

Do elder law attorneys need a license?

Elder law attorneys require no special licensing or certifications, but should be licensed to practice law in your state. Rather, elder law attorneys are defined by the type of clients they serve, and the specialized knowledge and skills they possess to serve this client base.

Is it a job to care for an elderly person?

Caring for an older adult can be a full-time job, as it is. If you can afford it, hiring an elder law attorney is one of the best ways to protect your senior loved one and their assets. (833) 457-8271.

What is an elder law attorney?

From planning for the future, like making sure an estate plan is in place and establishing a durable power of attorney, to dealing with money matters in the here and now, such as tax guidance and coordinating with financial planners, an elder law attorney is typically well-versed in looking at clients’ larger financial picture.

What is elder law?

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.

Do elder law attorneys specialize in every area of law?

It’s important to note that elder law attorneys do not necessarily specialize in every area of law affecting seniors. If you’re especially concerned with a matter of guardianship, for instance, or need guidance on government benefits, take care to find an attorney with experience in that area.

What is an elder law specialist?

These legal professionals may also be considered certified elder law attorneys, meaning that they have obtained an approved certification as an expert in that field. A certified specialist in elder law is an attorney who has received specific training in elder law issues, has practiced in that field for a certain amount of time, ...

How to become an elder law attorney?

Although the specific requirements for certification as a specialist in elder law may vary from state to state, many states recognize the elder law certification issued by the National Elder Law Foundation (NELF). That organization sets forth the following requirements in order to qualify as a certified elder law attorney: 1 The attorney must be licensed to practice law in at least one state or the District of Columbia. 2 The attorney must have practiced law for at least five years before applying for certification and must be practicing law at the time of their application. 3 The attorney must be a member in good standing in the bar where they are licensed. 4 The attorney must have spent an average of at least sixteen hours per week practicing elder law in the three years preceding the application and have handled at least sixty elder law matters during those three years. 5 The attorney must have participated in at least forty-five hours of continuing legal education in elder law in the three years prior to their application. 6 The attorney must submit the names of five attorney references who are familiar with his or her competence and qualifications. 7 The attorney must pass a full day certification examination.

How long do you have to practice elder law?

The attorney must be a member in good standing in the bar where they are licensed. The attorney must have spent an average of at least sixteen hours per week practicing elder law in ...

What can an elder law attorney do?

An elder law attorney can help determine whether you are eligible for either program, discuss strategies for spending, advise whether it is in your best interest to apply, and help with the application process. Medicaid may be able to serve as a partial funding mechanism even if you have significant resources available.

What is elder law?

Elder law incorporates elements of financial and estate planning, but it also considers a broader perspective such as medical concerns and other issues facing older adults. Estate planning deals primarily with financial planning for persons of any age and protecting assets when an individual passes away.

What is a caregiver in a long term care facility?

Long-term care facilities also provide care and assistance with the activities of daily living, but the staff is present during the night to respond to issues more quickly.