Elder Law Attorneys
Specialized lawyers worth every penny.
When to hire one
- Estate planning beyond simple will.
- Medicaid asset protection planning.
- Long-term care planning.
- Special needs trusts (children with disabilities).
- Guardianship proceedings.
- Senior real estate (selling family home).
- Veterans benefits applications.
- Elder abuse cases.
Find one
- NAELA — National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys. naela.org. Best directory.
- National Elder Law Foundation — Certified Elder Law Attorneys (CELA).
- State bar association — referral services.
- AARP Legal Services Network — discounted.
- Local Area Agency on Aging — recommendations.
- Look for "CELA" certification — gold standard.
Cost ranges
- Initial consult: $0-300 (often free).
- Simple POA: $200-500.
- Will + POA + Healthcare directive bundle: $500-1,500.
- Living trust: $1,500-3,500.
- Medicaid planning: $2,000-10,000.
- Guardianship: $5,000-15,000.
- Hourly: $200-500/hr.
- Flat fees common — ask.
Vetting questions
- How long practiced elder law specifically?
- What % of practice is elder law?
- Are you a CELA?
- How handle Medicaid in this state?
- Fee structure — flat or hourly?
- Initial consult free?
- Communication: phone/email + how often?
- References from other seniors?
Free + low-cost options
- Legal Services Corporation — lsc.gov. Free if low income.
- Legal Aid — local nonprofits, free.
- Senior Legal Hotline — many states have free.
- AARP Free Legal Help — for some matters.
- Law school clinics — students supervised by professors.
- VA legal services — for veterans.
- Justice in Aging — justiceinaging.org.
Avoid these
Avoid "estate planning seminars" that pitch overpriced trusts. Avoid attorneys who push annuities. Avoid generalist lawyers for complex elder matters. Avoid online-only services for complex situations. Avoid pressure to make decisions same day. Take time to research.