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Elder Law Attorneys
What Does an Elder Law Attorney Do?
Created by Findlaw's team of legal writers and editors / Last updated May 17, 2021
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Elder law attorneys are advocates for the elderly and their loved ones. 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.
In many ways, elder law attorneys are "specialists" because of their focus on the needs of older adults, which are often different and more specialized than the needs of younger adults. Not only can they handle important financial and estate planning matters, but they also take care of day-to-day issues affecting the actual care of seniors, such as assisted living and life planning.
In addition, elder law attorneys are often more equipped to handle the sensitive emotional and physical needs of older or disabled adults and are therefore able to handle a variety of challenging situations.
How Can an Elder Law Attorney Help You?
An elder law attorney can help with any one of the following:
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Discuss the importance of wills and estate planning, including planning for a minor or adult with special needs, probate proceedings, and other matters.
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Create a durable power of attorney.
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Provide help with health care and planning, including long term care options, patient rights, Medicare, and health care power of attorney.
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Financial representation: financial planning (including durable financial power of attorney), housing opportunities and planning, income, estate, and gift tax matters.
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Guardianship: help with the selection and appointment of a legal guardian.
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Help locate long term care facilities and manage assisted living cost.
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Explain nursing home resident rights and help file nursing home claims.
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Draft a living will or other advance directives, including a durable power of attorney and long term planning documents.
In simple cases, you can create a living will, power of attorney, or living trust with DIY forms.
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How Do Elder Law Attorneys Bill For Their Services?
Elder law attorneys generally charge by the hour based on the type of work. In some cases, elder law attorneys charge a predetermined flat rate charge based on the type of work, such as review and signing of documents, filing of tax returns, and will preparation.
What Questions Should I Ask an Elder Law Attorney?
Most elder law attorneys do not specialize in every area of law affecting seniors, so it is important to hire an attorney who has experience in your particular area of concern. Also, before selecting an elder law attorney, you should feel comfortable that he or she will represent you or your loved one in a sensitive and understanding manner.
Here are some questions you should ask:
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What percentage of your time is devoted to elder law?
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What information should I prepare for our first meeting?
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How are your fees computed?
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How long have you been practicing law?​
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Southwest Ohio is blessed to have a plethora of excellent elder law attorneys. The following list contains a few for your consideration:
Gudorf Law Group
8153 N. Main Street
Dayton, Ohio 45415
Phone: 937.898.5583
www.DaytonEstatePlanningLaw.com
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Ted Gudorf, J.D., LL.M., Managing Partner
Satellite Offices:
Cincinnati, Ohio
Centerville, Ohio
Troy, Ohio
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Lavin Law Group
27 W. Mulberry Street, Suite A
Lebanon, Ohio 45036
Phone: 877.822.6424
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Chris Lavin, Managing Partner
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Office locations:
Vandalia, Ohio
New Albany, Ohio
Fort Thomas, Kentucky
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Dennison Keller, LLC
4240 Hunt Road
Cincinnati, Ohio 45242
Phone: 513.818.1111
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R. Dennison Keller
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Cooper, Adel, Vu & Associates
30 Overbrook Drive, Suite D
Monroe, Ohio 45050
Phone: 800.798.5297
www.CooperAnd Adel.com
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Mitchell J. Adel, Managing Partner
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Daniel Vu, Partner
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Office Locations:
Centerburg, Ohio
Monroe, Ohio
Sidney, Ohio
Chillicothe, Ohio
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