How to Find an Elder Law Attorney
Questions To Ask:
- What information, documents should I bring to the initial consultation?
- Is there a fee for the consultation? What is the attorney’s hourly rate? Does he/she charge a flat fee for any work?
- How long has the attorney been in practice? In Elder Law?
- Does the attorney use a written fee agreement?
Areas of Expertise. Elder Law attorneys should have a special sensitivity to aging-related issues and problems. Ask the attorney you are considering hiring about their background and whether they network and utilize the expertise of other aging services professionals. Older adults and their families can benefit by finding an attorney who has experience in some or all of the following areas:
- Avoiding spousal impoverishment when one spouse needs long-term care.
- Planning for disability using durable powers of attorney, living trusts, living wills, and other means of surrogate decision-making.
- How to pay for nursing home or other long-term care.
- Medicare issues, including disputed claims & appeals
- Mental Health Law
- Probate; including Conservatorships and Guardianships
- Estate planning
- Age discrimination
- Elder abuse, including nursing home residents' rights
Not all Elder Law Attorneys practice in all of these areas. Ask the attorney if he or she regularly handles matters in the area of concern to you. Referrals from trusted friends, clergy, social workers and financial advisors are a good place to start. Agencies who serve older adults may also be able to assist you.
- Alzheimer's Association 970.282.9109
- Area Agency on Aging 970.498.6800
- Hospital or Nursing Home Social Workers
- Other attorneys
Open communication and trust is essential to creating a productive attorney-client relationship. Take the time up front to ask questions and to evaluate whether it's a good fit for you.
Colorado Bar Association Online Find A Lawyer Attorney Member Directory.
