The month of May has been designated as National Elder Law Month. Elder Law attorneys are dedicated to improving the lives of seniors, people with disabilities and others.

“Elder law attorneys are competent, caring and compassionate professionals,” said Craig Reaves, former president of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA). “They focus on the overall picture of what is best for clients and their families.”

What is Elder Law?

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 care issues, with a primary emphasis on promoting the highest quality of life for the individuals. Typically, Elder Law attorneys address the client’s perspective from a holistic viewpoint by addressing legal, medical, financial, social and family issues.

 

Demand for Elder Law Is Growing
The number of older individuals in the population is projected to increase to 71.5 million in 2030, representing nearly 20 percent of the U.S. population. As a result the need is growing for specialized legal advice about aging-related issues.

 

What are the Issues Addressed By Elder Law Attorneys?
Elder Law attorneys advise clients about what they should consider with regard 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 are experts in 13 key areas including: Estate Planning and Probate, Estate and Gift Tax Planning, Guardianship/Conservatorship, Medicaid, Medicare, Entitlement Programs, Retirement Benefits, Age Discrimination, Elder Abuse/Neglect, Housing, Long Term Care Financing, Medical Decision Making, Disability Planning and Insurance.

 

Who are the Clients of Elder Law Attorneys?

 

In addition to seniors, Elder Law attorneys deal with the entire life spectrum. From people with disabilities to those facing end of life, Elder Law attorneys promote planning now for the future.

About the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA)
Established in 1987, the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, Inc., (NAELA) is a nonprofit association that assists lawyers, bar organizations and others. Members of NAELA are attorneys who are experienced and trained in working with the legal problems of aging Americans and individuals of all ages with disabilities. The mission of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys is to establish NAELA members as the premier providers of legal advocacy, guidance and services to enhance the lives of people with special needs and people as they age. NAELA currently has more than 4,000 members across the United States, Canada, Australia and the United Kingdom.

Attorney Jackie Bedard and Carolina Family Estate Planning are proud members of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, along with the National Network of Estate Planning Attorneys and the Medicaid Practice Network.  If you are concerned about the care and planning options for yourself or a loved one, please call our office at (919)443-3035 or visit our website at www.carolinafep.com for more information.

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