May Is National Elder Law Month

The month of May is National Elder Law Month, established by 1963 presidential proclamation. Elder law attorneys across the country will be educating seniors and their families about their legal options.

What Is Elder Law?

Elder law is a part of estate planning that deals specifically with the needs and rights of older adults and people with special needs. An elder law attorney has special experience and education to assist older adults and their families plan for retiree benefits, healthcare and long-term care, Medicaid and Medicare coverage, and home care and nursing home care and:

• Estate planning, including drafting wills, establishing trusts, tax planning, and other techniques
• How to avoid the need for guardianship through the durable powers of attorney
• Planning for future housing, medical, and other care needs
• Assisting with business and property succession plans
• Advising about guardianships when someone becomes incapacitated
• Pursuing personal injury and other claims against negligent nursing homes and other care facilities

5 Questions To Ask When Hiring an Elder Law Attorney

Before hiring an elder law attorney, you should interview them to make sure they can provide the services you need and to determine if you will be comfortable working with the attorney and his legal team.

1. What is your experience?
What experience does the attorney have in elder law services you need? How long have they been in practice? Where did they attend law school? What states are they licensed to practice law in?

2. Do you have a free consultation?
Does the attorney offer a free consultation to explain their services and expertise? If so, what is covered in an initial consultation? If not, how much does an initial consultation cost?

3. Do you have a flat fee for your services?
Does the attorney charge a flat fee for each elder law service, or do they charge by the hour? Are the rates in writing? How will you be charged if you want to make a change in the future?

4. Do you offer a guarantee?
An attorney is not allowed to guarantee results. However, they can guarantee the quality of his or her legal services. Will your money be refunded if you are not completely satisfied with their services?

5. Can you provide references? 
Can the attorney provide you with names or testimonials from clients who have used their elder law services? Referrals and recommendations are an important part of an attorney’s business, and an elder law attorney should be happy to provide you with non-confidential client testimonials.

DuPage County Elder Law Attorney

A compassionate and experienced Lombard elder law attorney can explain your rights and advise you of the best estate planning options for older adults and persons with disabilities. For more information about how an elder law attorney can help you, contact the Estate & Probate Legal Group in Chicago Illinois today at 630-864-5835.