Finding the right legal partner for an older adult is essential. Seniors often face various legal issues related to their age and condition. They must have a trusted professional to help them navigate issues like drafting wills, incapacity planning, and asset protection.
Continue reading to learn tips on helping seniors and their families find the right legal partner.
Finding the Right Legal Partner for Seniors
Understand Your Needs
The first step is to understand the services you need. Knowing what you need from an attorney makes it easier to find the right one. Are you working on estate planning? Do you need help navigating Medicaid issues? Is it something more serious like elder abuse? The following are legal services older people might need:
- Wills and Trusts
- Long-Term Care Planning
- Probate Administration
- Incapacity Planning
- Medicaid Planning
- Asset Protection Strategies
- Real Estate and Housing Issues
- Guardianships
- Age Discrimination Claims
- Elder Abuse and Fraud Prevention
Search for Attorneys
The most common legal partners for older people are elder law attorneys. They are specialists in various legal concerns that are particular to older people.
Start your search for a legal partner online by searching for legal partners in your area to get a list of results. You can also ask people you know to recommend an elder law attorney they trust.
Research Attorneys
List all the elder law attorneys you found online or through recommendations. Head to their websites to start evaluating them. Look at the services they have listed on the site. Check out the “About Us” page or other pages that may have information about the attorneys and their team. You should also look for online reviews about the attorney.
National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA)
The National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys can be a valuable resource in your search for a legal partner. They can help you find member attorneys near you with a simple search. You can also look up attorneys by name to see if they are members. An attorney being a member can be a good sign that they are reputable. The site can also provide information about an attorney’s license, background, and services.
Arrange a Consultation
Once you have narrowed the list down to around three to five attorneys, it’s time to arrange consultations. You can do this through their website or over the phone. Start evaluating them from the initial contact to make an appointment. Be ready to ask questions about the services you need. Consider how well you communicate with the attorney and their staff.
Take your time when searching for the right elder law attorney. You want a trustworthy professional with the right skills and experience. Additionally, you must ensure the attorney and their team are people you feel comfortable working with.
