Hiring a Texas Elder Law Attorney

Certified Elder Law Attorney (CELA)

A Certified Elder Law Attorney (CELA) is an attorney who has received specific training in elder law issues, has practiced in that field for a certain amount of time, and has been certified as highly qualified in elder law by their State Bar or by another accrediting organization.

Most elder law attorneys handle a wide range of legal matters affecting an older or disabled person, including issues related to health care, long term care planning, guardianship, retirement, Social Security, Medicare/Medicaid, and other important matters.

Elder law is an area of legal practice that specializes on issues that affect the aging population. The purpose of elder law planning is to prepare the elderly person for financial freedom and autonomy through proper financial planning and long-term care options.

A reputable elder law attorney helps protect your senior's legal and financial situation and helps you figure out how to pay for the care they'll need. The fees are well worth it if they can save your family thousands of dollars and avoid future legal headaches.

The biggest reasons of hiring an Elder Law Attorney is because their expertise is broad enough to cover a wide range of issues facing older adults. Financial planners may only understand the financial picture; Medicaid planning, estate-planning attorneys may only understand their area of expertise. When it comes to dealing with legal issues that affect the elderly having a lawyer on your side is important. It's a broad and very important specialty, but anyone can claim to specialize in elder law.

Only hire an Elder Law Attorney when your needs involve Medicaid and long-term care issues.

Certified elder law attorneys have knowledge spanning a broad range of issues that affect the elderly, and they can consult on how your financial plans might affect your assisted living situation, Medicaid or Medicare coverage, and other issues. Choosing an attorney who specializes in Texas elder law holds a elder law certification.

A Certified Elder Law Attorney has to pass a rigorous series of requirements in order to attain certification. Elder law can cover a wide range of issues, ranging from Texas nursing home Medicaid eligibility requirements and Medicare claims to special needs trusts, estate planning, elder abuse and fraud recovery, retirement issues, and issues surrounding assisted living and long-term care.

About Elder Law Certification

A certified specialist in elder law is an attorney who has received specific training in elder law issues, has practiced in that field for a certain amount of time, and has been certified as highly qualified in elder law by their State Bar or by another accrediting organization. They are and have...

Experience practicing as an attorney for at least five years with a focus on elder law for at least three.
Passing a specialized exam with a focus on legal issues that affect the elderly.
A peer review from five practicing attorneys.
Continuing education to keep up with the latest changes in elder law.

Many of the issues covered under elder law are financial, and also come under the expertise of financial planners-who receive commissions based on what they sell. An elder law attorney's advice may be less biased, because their income is not determined by what they sell.

Why You Might Need An Elder Law Attorney

If you or a loved one is concerned about cost of long term care and how you will pay for it, then you should speak to an elder law attorney. The elder law attorney will be able to explain to you the various methods of paying for long-term care, including the government benefit programs that are available and how to qualify for them.

Hiring an attorney who specializes in elder law can be a challenge. Talk to friends and family members who have been through the process to find recommendations, and be sure to choose someone who's certified in the state of Texas in the field of elder law. If you do, you're more likely to find someone who can help you with all your legal issues-not just a few.

Are you looking for an attorney who has demonstrated expertise in elder law and special needs, passed a rigorous examination, maintains continuing education and involvement standards, and has been recognized by his or her peers and colleagues? Click here to locate a Texas Certified Elder Law Attorney (CELA).

Disclaimer: Elder Options of Texas is not rendering any legal or professional advice. If legal advice is necessary the reader should consult a competent attorney.

DISCLAIMER: Links to other websites or references to products, services or publications do not imply the endorsement or approval of such websites, products, services or publications by Elder Options of Texas. The determination of the need for senior care services and the choice of a facility is an extremely important decision. Please make your own independent investigation.