6 Questions to Ask When Hiring An Elder Law Attorney

At some point, you will likely need to consult with an attorney regarding long-term care planning for yourself or a loved one. You’ve done a Google search and have a few names of attorneys from friends, but how to do determine who to hire?

Elder law is commonly defined as an area of legal practice that specializes on issues that affect the aging population. The purpose of elder law planning is to prepare people for financial freedom and autonomy through proper financial planning and long-term care options.

Elder law attorneys help individuals and their families plan for retiree benefits, healthcare and long-term care, Medicaid and Medicare coverage and more. Elder law attorneys can also help with decision-making documents and provide guidance on other legal issues for seniors.

Here are a few questions to ask when hiring an elder law attorney.

• How long has the attorney been practicing elder law and how much of their practice is elder law?
• When was the last time the attorney handled a case like yours?
• Will your attorney be handling the case or will it be assigned to another lawyer in the practice?
• What kind of training does the law firm’s paralegals have?
• Has the attorney ever been disciplined by their state bar association? If so, when and what for?
• What are the attorney’s fees? Is there written fee agreements and firm policies regarding telephone, email, meetings, after hours contact, etc?

Once you have set up an appointment, make sure to bring all information necessary to get the most out of the time with your attorney. Ask a trusted loved one to come with you to meet your elder law attorney, assess any paperwork, and help you make the right decision for you.

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