Elder law is a fairly new field of law as compared to other segments of the legal profession. With senior citizens more active and living longer than ever before, as well as becoming the fastest growing segment of the population, a more specialized area was needed in the legal community to deal with their specific needs. Elder law combines several elements of the legal profession to assist senior citizens:

• Wills and trusts;
• Estate planning;
• Guardianship and power of attorney;
• Tax law;
• Health care planning;
• Social Security;
• Medicaid/Medicare planning; and
• Elder rights.

Attorneys specializing in the field of elder law are often consulted on a multitude of issues that involve the elderly, including:

• Housing
• Estate plans
• Estate administration
• Abuse, neglect, or exploitation of the older person
• Health and life insurance
• Long-term care
• Social security/Medicaid/Medicare benefits
• Employment
• Retirement

Elder law is unique within the legal field, as it is more defined by the clients it serves than the areas of practice of the attorney. In essence, it is the only area in the legal profession that takes a ‘holistic’ approach to a client needs.

With today’s senior citizens more active and living longer than ever, they face a new set of legal concerns and challenges that have rarely been addressed by earlier generations. Elder law seeks to address those concerns and challenges and preserve the rights of the elderly.

Legacy APC, A Trusts & Estates Law Firm is a member of the American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys.

Tags: elder law

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