Our Services
What is Elder Law?
Elder Law is the legal practice of counseling and representing older persons and their families concerning the legal aspects of long-term care planning, estate planning, public benefits, asset protection, and legal capacity.
Elder Law attorneys are experienced in recognizing issues of concern that arise with respect to trusts, asset protection, estate planning, special needs planning, retirement benefits, taxes, and insurance. In addition they are aware of the professional and non-legal resources and public services available to meet the needs of older persons.
- Medicaid and Asset Protection Planning
- Medicaid Applications and Advocacy
- Estate and Tax Planning for clients of all ages
- Wills and Trusts
- Federal Estate Tax Planning
- Special Needs Trusts for Disabled Children and Adults
- Disability Planning
- Powers of Attorney
- Advance Directives or Living Wills
- Estate and Trust Administration
- Guardianships
- Incapacity Planning
- Insurance Matters
- Review of Annuities and Long Term Care Insurance policies
- Review of Nursing Home, Assisted Living, and Continuing Care Community contracts
- Counseling regarding care options and public and private funding sources
What is a Certified Elder Law Attorney?
The National Elder Law Foundation has a certification program for attorneys committed to the practice of Elder Law. The purpose of the program is to identify lawyers who have the enhanced knowledge, skills, experience and proficiency to be properly identified as certified. To be certified, lawyers must demonstrate integrity and substantial, extended involvement in the practice of Elder Law. They must have participated in at least 45 hours of continuing legal education in the preceding three years, and must pass a peer review process. Finally, they must pass a comprehensive examination on tax, asset protection, public benefits, capacity, end of life decision-making, estate planning, guardianship and other related topics. Ms. Hazen has been a Certified Elder Law Attorney for over five years. You can find a Certified Elder Law Attorney in your area at www.nelf.org.