May is National Elder Law Month

Haven’t heard of National Elder Law Month? You’re not alone. It’s actually an awareness day created by the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys and the goal is to make sure that seniors and those who care about them know about this largely underutilized area of law.

Elder Law provides those over 65 years of age with help for all of their legal needs, and the unique issues that older adults face in planning to age with dignity. While Elder Law encompasses the need to plan for their end-of-life wishes, it’s actually about providing all forms of legal support to those who are often underrepresented, senior citizens.

What Does a Florida Elder Law Attorney Do?

There are a number of things that we all associate with getting older, but hiring a Florida Elder Law Attorney is likely not one of them. In fact, you may not even have heard of an Elder Law Attorney, but if you or someone you love is getting older, you should.

A Florida Elder Law Attorney helps older adults to get the legal help and support that they need for this new stage of their lives. That doesn’t necessarily mean anything different from what an attorney would provide to any other client. Instead, it means making sure that seniors are able to access the information,  care and support they need as they get older.

6 Tips on Hiring a Florida Elder Law Attorney

Are you or someone you know in need of an Elder Law Attorney? Then you want to make sure you’re hiring the right one and that starts with a few tips.

1. Always Have An Initial Consultation 

The first thing you want to do before you hire any specific attorney is to have a consultation with them. In most cases you can have an introductory consultation for free, which lets you get to know the attorney and helps you decide if they’re someone you want to work with.

2. Ask About Their Experience

If you’re searching for a Florida Elder Law Attorney to help you with a specific matter it’s a good idea to find out how familiar the attorney you’re talking to is with that legal service. For example, how many Living Wills have they written? How much Estate Planning or Medicaid Planning have they done? All of this will help you decide if they are a good fit for your specific legal needs.

3. Decide How You Feel About Them 

When you hire someone to help you with anything you should feel comfortable working with that person. When you sit down to talk with the attorney do they make you feel important and listened to? Do they treat you professionally and explain clearly? If you aren’t comfortable then it’s time to keep looking. If you are, they might be the right choice.

4. Check References

Don’t just take anyone’s word for their credentials. You want to check everything out to make sure you’re hiring a qualified, experienced attorney. Visit their testimonials and client reviews to see what other people say about their experience.

5. Get Some Advice

You may want to take someone with you to meet with the attorney or you may want to ask about the experience others have had when it comes to hiring an attorney and who they would recommend. This can help you decide if you’re getting the right sort of impression from the attorney you’re considering.

6. Discuss Payment Plans 

Attorneys charge sessions in many different ways; some charge a flat rate for certain documents or tasks, while others charge on an hourly basis. Discuss openly with your attorney to determine the best payment method for you and your family, and ensure that the terms decided upon by you and your attorney allow you to terminate your agreement.

National Elder Law Month is a good time to start your search for a Florida Elder Law Attorney and make sure you have a lawyer who’s going to be there for you and protect your interests.

Learn More:

• What Does An Elder Law Attorney Do?

We Represent Seniors Living In South Florida

At Siegel Law Group, we understand that finding compassionate and trustworthy representation in legal matters is of the utmost importance, and we are here to help with your Elder Law needs. Call us today for a free consultation at (561) 955-8515(561) 955-8515, or contact us through our website for more information.