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Home >> How Can an Elder Law Attorney Help Me?

How Can an Elder Law Attorney Help Me?

September 15, 2022 by Joshua K. Crawford

Vero Beach elder law attorney

As the older population in the United States has increased in recent years, legal issues related to the elderly and to those who care for them have taken on heightened importance. Given that elder law is such a relatively new area of the law though, you may not even recognize that you need an elder law attorney when you have a legal issue. To help you understand when you might need one, a Vero Beach elder law attorney at Kulas & Crawford discusses how an elder law attorney might be able to help you.

The Need for Elder Law

As the population of older Americans began to increase dramatically during the latter half of the 20th century, the need for attorneys that focused on the legal issues faced by older individuals increased as well. In answer to the growing need, the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, or NAELA, was formed in the late 1980s to better serve the growing segment of the population made up of older Americans. Five years after the creation of NAELA, the National Elder Law Foundation was formed. The purpose of the non-profit NELF was to help improve the professional skills of attorneys who choose to focus on elder law. Toward that end, NELF then developed a national certification program for attorneys known as the Certified Elder Law Attorney, or CELA, certification program.  Attorneys who wish to gain certification in the area of elder law may do so through a rigorous and selective certification program recognized by the American Bar Association and administered by NELF. CELA certification indicates that an attorney has chosen to focus on elder law issues.

What Would I Need an Elder Law Attorney?

The reason it can be difficult to recognize when you need an elder law attorney is because, unlike most other types of attorneys, an elder law attorney does not strive to become an expert on one narrow area of the law. Instead, an elder law attorney works at understanding how numerous areas of the law impact the elderly and those who care for them. Consequently, there is a wide variety of legal matters that might call for the assistance of an elder law attorney, such as:

  • Estate planning – every adult should have a comprehensive estate plan in place; however, the need for estate planning typically increases with age. By the time you reach your retirement years, your estate plan should be well-grounded and all-inclusive. An elder law attorney can help you make any changes or modifications to your plan that are called for as you age.
  • Long-term care/Medicaid planning – the high cost of long-term care (LTC) often results in the need to rely on Medicaid to help pay for that care. Qualifying for Medicaid can put your assets at risk if you fail to plan ahead by incorporating Medicaid planning into your estate plan. An elder law attorney can help you create a Medicaid plan or assist with last-minute Medicaid planning strategies if you did fail to plan ahead.
  • Nursing home abuse or neglect – as a family member or caregiver, you may come to believe an elderly loved one is the victim of elder abuse or neglect. If so, an elder law attorney can help you to understand your legal options which may include filing a civil lawsuit against the facility.
  • Guardianship/conservatorship – if you are concerned that an elderly loved one can no longer safely care for himself/herself and/or manage his/her finances, it may be time to consider petitioning for guardianship/conservatorship. An elder law attorney can help you make the difficult decision to become a guardian/conservator.
  • Incapacity planning – as a senior, you should incorporate an incapacity planning component into your estate plan to ensure that your wishes will be honored if you reach a point at which you are unable to express those wishes because of Alzheimer’s or another incapacitating condition.

Contact a Port St. Lucie and Vero Beach Elder Law Attorney

To learn more, please join us for an upcoming FREE seminar. If you have additional questions about elder law, or you believe you may need an elder law attorney, please contact an experienced Port St. Lucie and Vero Beach elder law attorney at Kulas & Crawford by calling (772) 398-0720 to schedule a consultation.

Filed Under: Elder Law

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Everyone treated us extremely well.  Robert explained how a trust works and the benefits of having one.  We decided to move forward and complete the process.  He was very kind and knowledgeable.  Julie was also very helpful and very patient with our questions.  We felt very comfortable with this firm handling our affairs.  We would highly recommend this firm to our friends and family.

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"Everyone treated us extremely well.  Robert explained how a trust works and the benefits of having one.  We decided to move forward and complete the process.  He was very kind and knowledgeable.  Julie was also very helpful and very patient with our questions.  We felt very comfortable with this firm handling our affairs.  We would highly recommend this firm to our friends and family."

Janice M
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August 25, 2020
    

Robert Kulas and staff made making a will an easy to understand process. They were very knowledgeable and attentive to my wishes. All my documents were provided in an organized binder which will be a great asset to my family. I would definitely recommend them.

Krissy L.
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I have worked with Mr. Kulas & staff before. And they are very professional. I am very satisfied with Mr. Kulas and his staff and give them the highest satisfaction and 5 star rating.

Leo C.
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Mr. Kulas and his staff have been extremely helpful & knowledgeable for the over 3 years we have been associated. They are easy to talk to and explain everything without feeling rushed. Very competent and professional.

Mildred W.
Client Review
August 25, 2020
    

I have known Robert Kulas for 20 years since I was co-executor for friends who had Mr. Kulas prepare a Trust for them. When I felt I needed a trust also, I came to him. I have always been completed satisfied with his work and that of his charming, competent staff.

Joan C.
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August 25, 2020
    

We began our estate plan process in 2004 (12 years ago) and have been pleased with the periodic reviews we have gone through and when changes have been needed the firm has been thorough and professional in making those changes.

L.G.K.
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