Questions To Ask An Elder Law Attorney Before Hiring Them
Posted on: 23 May 2022
Elder law refers to legal services that cater to the needs of the elderly and their loved ones. Some of the legal issues elder law attorneys handle include estate planning, arranging for long-term care, Medicaid, social security, guardianship, grandparents' visitation rights, etc. Therefore, it's accurate to refer to elder law attorneys as specialists in the senior population's matters. So, if you're planning on hiring an elder law lawyer, you need to get the best one for the job. Below are some guiding questions to help settle on the best lawyer for your case.
Are They Experienced in Handling Cases Similar to Yours?
Before hiring an elder law attorney, inquire about their working experience in the field. You also need to ask whether that experience includes handling cases similar to yours. If the attorney has dealt with such cases, go ahead and query about the outcomes of the cases.
Are They Certified as an Elder Law Attorney?
In the United States, elder law attorneys receive certification from the National Elder Law Foundation (NELF). The NELF is responsible for the training and education of elder law attorneys when dealing with issues related to senior citizens. Proof of certification helps you confirm the attorney's skills in elder law. Before an elder law lawyer is certified, there are several requirements they must fulfill. Some of the requirements include practicing law for more than five years, completing over forty-five hours of elder law education in the past three years, and passing the certification exam. Additionally, they should have a license to practice in more than one state and present proof of practicing elder law.
What Is Their Area of Specialization in Elder Law?
It's essential to ask an elder law attorney about their field of specialization in elderly law. As a client, work with an attorney specializing where you need representation or legal counsel. Some of the areas of expertise in elder law include estate planning, Medicaid and Medicare, elder abuse and fraud, disability, guardianship, grandparents' visitation rights, long-term care, power of attorney, retirement, pensions, and social security. This question is also essential as you might require additional help from another area of elder law. Therefore, it's in your best interest to ensure your lawyer has a wide range of skills.
Final Word
The above questions will help you vet potential elder law attorneys. And only when you've checked their certification, confirmed their areas of specialization, and analyzed their level of experience will you be able to make the right choice.
To learn more, contact an elder law attorney.
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