Elder Law for Bucks County Families

Elder law is the practice of law focusing on the needs of the elderly and disabled. It is more of a legal context that seeks to apply legal principles consistent with the changing social and medical issues presented to the elderly and disabled. Each circumstance is unique, but the problems require expertise in many areas of law — agency, contracts, tax, trusts, estate planning, Medicare and Medicaid, Social Security, Veterans Benefits, Guardianship and Capacity, and areas that cross all of these lines at once. An elder law attorney needs to be well versed in many areas of the law and able to correlate the client's circumstances and the law into a reasonable plan, often during a family crisis.

An elder law attorney may charge by the hour, by the case, or by the outcome. It is essential — and required — that these fees be communicated to clients in writing before beginning a case matter. Ensure you understand and agree to the fees and what they will purchase in terms of time and outcome before hiring the attorney.

A CELA ("Certified Elder Law Attorney") is a specialty certification that means you have found a knowledgeable attorney who has taken an exam in the areas important to elder law, has handled many elder law cases, and is recognized by peers. It is a good measure — but a CELA alone does not guarantee competence. Many attorneys with advanced law degrees do not seek this certification but are excellent elder law lawyers who may have qualifications that exceed those of a CELA.

If you or a family member is facing a serious illness, cognitive decline, or the prospect of long-term care, the time to consult an elder law attorney is now — before a crisis forces your hand. Early planning creates options that crisis planning does not. If a loved one is already in a nursing facility and you have not done any planning, call us. There is almost always something that can be done.