Why Do I Need An Attorney Who Specializes In Elder Law?

Do you remember The Great Recession that we Americans experienced that officially lasted from December 2007 until June 2009? I was young enough to be able to rebuild some savings, but many elderly people lost everything they’d saved for their retirement years. People are still worried about how they’ll manage in their later years. Elderly people, especially those who are depressed or cognitively impaired, are especially vulnerable to financial fraud.

StopFraud.gov defines elder fraud as acts in which scammers try to deceive older adults with promises of goods, services that were misrepresented, financial benefits that do not exist, were never intended to be provided. The site goes on to describe financial exploitation as the illegal or improper use of an older adult’s funds or property. As the population ages, scammers find more and more opportunity to defraud the elderly. The results of such scams affect society as a whole as the results filter through families and social structures.

Attorneys who specialize in elder law do more than just protect people from financial fraud. Your elder law attorney specialized in the practice of law pertaining to elderly and disabled persons, and their family members. Some things they can help with include estate planning, long term care planning, social security disability planning, disability planning, special needs trusts, wills and trusts, probate, power of attorney, advance medical directives, guardianships and conservatorships, and veterans benefits. Face it. Many of us don’t know what all this means. I know I don’t. Fortunately, I’ve met some fine attorneys who have carefully and patiently explained things as they’ve helped me navigate through the legal maze.

Do you need help with the legal process? Find resources near you at eldercare.gov.