Most of us have heard the saying that “variety is the spice of life”. However, when it comes to professionals, this saying does not necessarily apply. For example, most individual attorneys do not practice in a vast array of legal areas. Why? The best explanation probably can be summed up with another well-known figure of speech “Jack of all trades, master of none.” For example, most doctors do not have more than one specialty, like cardiology and orthopedics, because the areas themselves are just too vast and complex. The same is true of attorneys. Different areas of law can be quite different and require a significant amount of time and experience to become a seasoned practitioner. One area of law this is quite complex is that of elder law. As such, a person searching for an elder law attorney, must take extra care to make sure he or she limits their search to only those attorneys with significant experience handling elder law cases. When searching for an elder law attorney, you will want to keep the following in mind:
- The area of elder law involves more than wills & trusts: Some attorneys will say that they practice ‘elder law’, but only have experience with wills and trusts. While a skilled elder law attorney may handle wills and trusts, these areas make up only a small portion of an elder law attorney’s skill set. The area of elder law encompasses much more than what happens to your physical possessions upon your death.
- Elder law is comprised of various smaller areas of law: Giving legal advice to older adults about long-term health planning, is just a portion of what a seasoned elder law attorney can do. An experienced elder law attorney will also have vast knowledge in many of numerous areas that make up elder law. These areas can include: Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security, veteran’s benefits, special needs trusts, powers of attorney, nursing home rights/care issues, elder abuse, retirement benefits and mental health law, just to name a few.
- Elder law certification is important: When you see that an attorney is a “certified elder law attorney” (CELA), do not gloss over the word “certified”. The right to refer to one’s self as a CELA is an important and valued designation. Not just any attorney can refer to him or herself as being a CELA. CELA attorneys are recognized by the National Elder Law Foundation and must attest to the following:
- Been in practice for a minimum of 5 years and have spent at least 50% of their last 3 years of their practice on elder law cases;
- Show substantial involvement in the area elder of law, as demonstrated by handling a certain minimum number of elder law cases across a variety of the areas that make-up elder law;
- Undergo a peer review;
- Be in good standing with their legal community; and
- Pass a rigorous written examination.
An Elder Law Attorney can help you or your loved one address a variety of concerns, from answering your legal questions about Medicare coverage for nursing home care to assisting you with allegations of elder abuse. If you or a loved one you are caring for is in need of the services of a Kansas City Elder Care Lawyer, you can turn to Hubbard & Kurtz, L.L.P. Attorney William Hubbard has been certified as an elder law attorney by the National Elder Law Foundation, a specialty authorized by the American Bar Association. The law firm of Hubbard & Kurtz, L.L.P. has substantial experience helping clients with elder law issues. To speak with one of our experienced elder law attorneys, please contact our office at (816) 472-4673 to schedule a consultation.