What is Elder Law?
Rather than being defined by technical legal distinctions, elder law
is defined by the client to be served. In other words, the lawyer who
practices elder law may handle a range of issues but has a specific type
of clients--seniors.
Elder law attorneys focus on the legal needs of the elderly, and work
with a variety of legal tools and techniques to meet the goals and objectives
of the older client.
Under this holistic approach, the elder law practitioner handles general
estate planning issues and counsels clients about planning for incapacity
with alternative decision making documents. The attorney would also assist
the client in planning for possible long-term care needs, including nursing
home care. Locating the appropriate type of care, coordinating private
and public resources to finance the cost of care, and working to ensure
the client's right to quality care are all part of the elder law practice.
Questions & Answers When Looking For an Elder
Law Attorney
Legal problems that affect the elderly are growing in number. Our laws
and regulations are becoming more complex. Actions taken by older people
with regard to a single matter may have unintended legal effects. It is
important for attorneys dealing with the elderly to have a broad understanding
of the laws that may have an impact on a given situation, to avoid future
problems.
Unfortunately, this job is not made easy by the fact that Elder Law encompasses
many different fields of law.
