What is Elder Law?

Elder Law attorneys primarily work with seniors, adults pre-planning for their senior years, and families of individuals with special needs.  They also work with other professionals such as accountants, financial planners, and geriatric care managers to address their clients’ complex legal issues in the most comprehensive way possible.  

An Elder Law Attorney may do the following:

• Prepare wills, trusts, powers of attorney, health care proxies, homestead declarations, and other estate and healthcare planning documents.

• Assist with obtaining substitute authority for incapacitated persons via guardianship or conservatorship, and provide advice to guardians and conservators once appointed.

• Assist families in administering estates.

• Advise on buying long-term care and supplemental health insurance, and evaluation of proposed policies.

• Advise about Social Security, Social Security disability, and other public and private retirement benefits.

• Assist in applying for Community and Long-Term Care Medicaid (MassHealth in Massachusetts), Medicare, and other programs.

• Provide special needs planning and advocacy to help families maximize the potential and quality of life of their loved ones with special needs.

• Ensure that nursing home residents’ rights are respected and that there is appropriate response to quality of care complaints.

• Represent clients in disputes involving nursing homes, assisted and independent living facilities, Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, or managed care.

• Help address instances of elder abuse or exploitation.

• Assist in applying for Veteran’s Benefits.