As the name suggests, an elder law attorney is a professional who practices legal issues pertaining to older adults. While this is a general definition, it gives you a solid understanding of the target demographic of these attorneys.
The deeper you dig the more information you will uncover, such as the areas in which elder law attorneys specialize. While every lawyer has the right to set his or her specialties, here are several areas in which most provide services:
- Estate planning
- Asset protection and business planning
- Medicaid
- Family owned businesses
- Financial planning assistance
- Incapacity planning
- IRA and retirement planning
- Legacy planning
- LGBTQ estate planning
- Pet planning
- Special needs planning
- Trust administration and probate
Need an Elder Law Lawyer? Ask these Questions
It is one thing to know what types of services an elder law lawyer can offer. It is another thing entirely to choose the professional that is best for you, your family, and your situation as a whole.
Before making a final decision on which attorney to hire, ask the following questions:
- How long has the attorney been practicing in this area of the law?
- What percentage of the law firm is dedicated to elder law?
- What is the attorney’s experience regarding the specific matter you require assistance with?
- Does the attorney belong to any professional organizations?
- Can the attorney provide you with references from past or current clients?
- What is the fee for the type of service you require?
You may be able to find some of these answers on your own, such as by searching the internet. However, at some point you need to contact each attorney you are considering to ask these questions and receive answers.
There is no point in being shy during your search for an elder law attorney. Once you know that this type of professional is best for you, it is time to narrow down your options and make a final decision.
Steps to Take
The first step is to learn more about the types of services provided by elder law attorneys. From there, you should make a list of lawyers in your area that may be able to assist you.
The last step is to make a final decision on which law firm best suits your needs, and to then schedule an appointment with the attorney of your choice. At this point, you can begin to prepare for your meeting and get excited about the fact that you will be in good hands soon enough.
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