Why certification in elder law is so important?
Attorneys certified in Elder Law offer you something that other attorneys do not:
- Professional expertise in the unique needs of older, maturing populations. Certified Elder Law Attorneys are not just authorities on legal issues affecting seniors, they also are familiar with other vital resources and services – both public and private – that can help meet the needs of senior citizens including those with disabilities.
- By choosing a Certified Elder Law Attorney (also called a “CELA”), you know you will receive expert advise and representation from a lawyer who has demonstrated a serious commitment to helping seniors by becoming certified in Elder Law.
- Elder Law Attorneys are certified by the Board of Certification of the National Elder Law Foundation (“NELF”), a non-profit organization founded in 1993. NELF is dedicated to developing and improving the professional confidence of lawyers in the focused area of Elder Law and Special Needs.
- The certification program identifies those lawyers who have specialized knowledge, skills, experience and proficiency to resolve issues that affect older people. NELF’s Elder Law Certification Program is the only Elder Law accredited by the American Bar Association.
What a Certified Elder Law Attorney can do for you…
With professional expertise in the following areas, a CELA is your best choice for important issues facing older Americans, such as:
- Health and Long Term Care Planning
- Public benefits (such as Medicaid, Medicare and Veteran’s Benefits)
- Conservation, disposition and administration of Estates (including Wills, Trusts and Probate)
- Surrogate Decision – Making (Powers of Attorney and Guardianship)
- Establishment of the legal capacity of an older person
- Special Needs counseling (Trusts, housing and education)
