Elder Law Attorney Matching

Elder law attorneys specialize in legal issues affecting older adults: estate planning (wills, trusts, powers of attorney), Medicaid planning and eligibility, nursing home contracts, Social Security and veterans benefits, guardianship, and elder abuse. They provide planning that addresses the intersection of aging, healthcare, and financial security.

The most important times are: when creating or updating estate planning documents, when a family member is diagnosed with a serious illness or dementia, before entering a nursing home or assisted living facility, when planning for long-term care costs, and when facing guardianship or conservatorship proceedings.

Fees vary by region and service complexity. Simple estate planning packages (will, power of attorney, healthcare directive) range from $500–$2,500. Medicaid planning and complex trusts run $2,000–$10,000 or more. Many attorneys offer free initial consultations. Legal aid programs serve qualifying low-income seniors at no cost.

Search the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA) directory at naela.org, or look for attorneys certified by the National Elder Law Foundation (CELF). State bar associations maintain referral services. Area Agencies on Aging also provide referrals to vetted legal resources in your community.