Elder law focuses on the concerns of older people. It's a broad area of law that includes attorneys helping people plan for retirement, prepare advance health care directives, file Social Security and disability claims and appeals, help manage property and financial assets, and prepare estate-planning documents. Elder law attorneys also help locate government services and funding and offer input on care for patients needing support, and represent clients in cases involving appointing guardians, rights of an older person, and other disputes.

Estate Planning

Estate planning is a major part of elder law practice. Elder law attorneys can help prepare estate-planning documents to secure benefits. Securing Social Security and Medicare benefits as well as state-based aid can be critical in old age.

Advance Care Directives, Power of Attorney, and Guardianship

Elder law attorneys frequently help clients prepare advance healthcare care directives to spell out treatment wishes for when they will no longer able to make or communicate decisions. Granting a power of attorney can give someone the power to make healthcare decisions.

Changes may occur in this area of law. The information provided is brought to you as a public service, and is intended to help you better understand the law in general. It is not intended to be legal advice regarding your particular problem or substitute for the advice of a lawyer.

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