May is National Elder Law Month

The month of May has been dedicated National Elder Law Month.  Elder law is a specialized area of law that involves representing, counseling and assisting seniors, people with disabilities, and their families in connection with a variety of legal issues, from estate planning to long term issues, with a primary emphasis on promoting the highest quality of life for the individuals.  Typically elder law attorneys address the client’s perspective form a holistic viewpoint by addressing legal, medical, financial, social and family issues.

Elder law attorneys advise clients about what they should consider with regards to retirement income, long term care, lifestyle and housing needs and preferences.  In addition wills, living wills, durable powers of attorney for property and health and insurance coverage are issues that seniors should discuss with elder law attorneys.  

Elder law attorneys can concentrate in 13 key areas including:  Estate Planning and probate, Estate and Gift Tax Planning, Retirement Benefits, Age Discrimination, Elder abuse/neglect, Housing, Long Term Care Financing, Medical Decision Making, Disability Planning and Insurance.  For more information on Elder Law Attorneys visit the National Academy of Elder Law website @ www.naela.org