What Is Elder Law and Elder Lawyer? How Can It Help Your Senior Loved One?

What is Elder Law and Elder Lawyer? That is a common question between our clients and potential new clients. There are more than 46 million people age 65 and older in the US.

That number is quickly growing. By 2050, there will be more than 90 million older adults living in the US. As that number grows, so too does the need for elder law attorneys.

But what exactly is elder law and how can an attorney specializing in this area help your loved one? For older adults and their family members alike, these are important questions. We're answering both in this quick guide to elder law for seniors.

What Is Elder Law?

There are complex laws and regulations that vary by state and govern many aspects of senior citizens' lives. Elder law is an area of law that specializes in the legal issues affecting senior citizens and older adults.

These laws range from creating an estate planning to elder abuse. Applying for government benefits is also something that an elder lawyer will do as well. Elder law attorneys are lawyers who specialize in this area of law.

How Can an Elder Law Attorney Help Your Loved One?

An elder law attorney is a specialist in the legal issues that affect senior citizens. These legal issues are unique to aging populations and include:

• • Health care
  • Long term care planning
  • Retirement
  • Guardianship or conservatorship
  • Disability and special needs planning
  • Social Security
  • Medicare/Medicaid
  • Estate planning
  • Elder abuse

As someone who works with older adults, an elder law attorney has a deep understanding of both the legal and personal issues of older adults. They understand that aging can make people more physically, financially, and socially vulnerable. An elder law attorney has the experience necessary to handle these challenging situations.

In addition, an elder law attorney will have an extensive network of professionals to call on when additional help is required. They'll be able to recommend excellent doctors, social workers, and psychologists when and if it's needed.

Finding an Elder Law Attorney

The laws and regulations that affect the lives of older adults are many. As such, many elder law attorneys have a particular focus. You should ensure that you find the right type of elder law attorney for your particular needs or the needs of your loved one.

Similarly, not all issues that involve an older adult require an attorney who specializes in elder law. In some cases, a social worker or doctor may be better suited to the issues faced by you or your loved one.

However, there are some things you definitely want to seek the expertise of an attorney for. These are items such as writing wills, probate, estate planning, and specifically when applying for government benefits like Medicaid.

Looking for Elder Law, Chandler?

Elder law attorneys can help older adults, caretakers, and/or their family members navigate the complex legal issues, laws, and regulations that impact the lives of seniors. These specialists are not only knowledgeable in law, though. They're typically well suited to help seniors and their caretakers with the personal issues that affect the lives of older adults, as well.

If you're looking for elder law attorneys in Chandler, look no further. Citadel Law Firm specialize in many areas of elder law. Contact us for your free consultation by clicking here or call (480)565-8020.