What Is an Elder Law Attorney?

Senior citizens have a unique set of legal needs that not all attorneys are necessarily able to meet. Elder law attorneys work with seniors to meet these needs in a variety of ways. One way they do this is by working with clients on general estate planning issues, as well as on more complex estate planning strategies that will help seniors to be financially prepared to care for themselves and their families in case they become incapacitated. Elder law attorneys can also help seniors prepare for long-term care needs, including finding the type of care that is right for them and coordinating resources like VA benefits and Medicaid to help pay for the care they need. Many elder law attorneys belong to the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, or NAELA, which is an organization for attorneys who specialize in rendering legal services for the benefit of elderly people and who understands the aging process and the needs of the elderly. While many attorneys can prepare a basic estate plan for their clients, only elder law attorneys take the specialized approach that help senior clients to prepare for their future in a way that is legally secure. To find an elder law attorney in your area or for more information about elder law attorneys, visit www.naela.org.