Elder Law Attorney – Find One Near You
Most people want to avoid lawyers wherever possible. However, elder law attorneys are good people to know when you or a loved one experiences aging or a disability. These professionals can help their clients navigate the complex legalese, hoops, and hurdles surrounding long-term care, senior finances, and end-of-life planning, all of which are unavoidable as we age.
What is Elder Law?
Elder law is a broad term that encompasses many legal concerns related to aging, disabilities, and long-term care. Issues that may fall under elder law include:
- Estate planning.
- Retirement planning.
- Living will.
- Special needs trust.
- Conservatorships and guardianships.
- Senior defense against elder abuse.
- Skilled nursing facilities (nursing homes).
- Power of attorney.
- Medicare and Medicaid planning.
What Does an Elder Law Attorney Do?
Elder law attorneys offer legal services related to long-term care planning. That means they can perform duties such as:
- Offering professional advice.
- Drafting legal documents, such as durable power of attorney and healthcare power of attorney (medical power of attorney) forms.
- Advocating for senior rights and protections.
- Guiding people through the estate-planning process.
- Crafting living wills.
How to Find an Elder Law Attorney Near You
Not all lawyers are created equal; it can be tricky to find the right attorney. Knowing what to look for and where to look for one can simplify the process.
Qualifications for an Elder Law Attorney
The exact qualifications for being called an elder law attorney vary from state to state.
Most states, however, recognize those who have received certification as an elder law attorney by the National Elder Law Foundation (NELF). Lawyers have to apply for this specific certification (Certified Elder Law Attorney, or CELA), which is recognized by the American Bar Association.
The following are the basic criteria for NELF elder law certification:
- Be licensed and in good standing with the individual’s state bar association.
- Be currently practicing law at the time of application for certification.
- Have at least 5 years of experience practicing law before applying.
- Have at least 45 hours of continuing legal education credits in elder law in the 3 years prior to application.
- Spend an average of 16 hours/week practicing elder law within the 3 years prior to application.
- Have handled 60 elder law matters 3 years before applying
- Provide 5 qualified attorney references.
- Take the official exam within 2 years of applying for the certification.
Not every elder law attorney is a CELA, which is a specific, prestigious designation.
Find an Elder Law Attorney in the United States
Easy ways to find an elder law attorney include:
- Using the National Elder Law Foundation’s CELA Directory Search, which shows you CELAs
- Using the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys’ Directory, which shows you elder and special needs law attorneys
- Contacting your local Area Agency on Aging (AAA) to receive help finding elder law attorneys near you
- Using the American Bar Association’s (ABA) directories to find lawyers or free legal help
- Contacting your state bar association
Find an Elder Law Attorney in Missouri
Missourians can seek legal help from the following resources:
- Missouri Senior Legal Helpline, which people can contact at 1-800-235-5503
- St. Louis Area Agency on Aging (SLAAA), which people can contact at (314) 612-5918
- The Missouri Bar’s LawyerSearch directory
- Missouri Association of Area Agencies on Aging
- Legal Services of Eastern Missouri (LSEM), which people can contact at 800-444-0514
- Northeast Missouri Area Agency on Aging (NEMO AAA), which people can contact at 1-660-665-4682 or 1-800-664-6338 (toll free)
Final Thoughts
From crafting living wills to navigating Medicaid, elder law attorneys are the lawyers you want to meet when you have questions or concerns regarding senior or disability issues.
