Elder law attorneys specialize in issues that are most critical and common to the elder community. This is one of the fastest growing specialties of law, given the increasing complexity of our benefits, healthcare, and tax systems.  There are many issues that seniors face at various stages of life, such as Medicare claims, estate planning, employment issues, and end-of-life planning. As such, elder law attorneys often focus exclusively on elder issues.

• Medicaid or Medicare claims and appeals
• Social Security and disability claims and appeals
• Supplemental and long-term health insurance issues
• Disability planning (durable power of attorney, living trusts, living wills, etc.)
• Conservator-ships and guardianships
• Estate planning, including wills, probate, and trusts
• Administration and management of trusts and estates
• Long-term care placement
• Nursing home issues such as patient’s rights and nursing home quality
• Elder abuse
• Housing issues (including age discrimination)
• Employment issues (including age discrimination)
• Retirement, including public and private retirement benefits and pension benefits
• Health law
• Mental health law

When choosing an elder law attorney, one important selection criteria you should note is membership in the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NELF).  The CELA certification given by the NELF shows that the attorney has been practicing law in the area of elder law for at least five years and maintains an in-depth, working knowledge of elder law.  The certification is given only after a comprehensive exam.  It should be noted, however, that the states of Colorado, Illinois, Massachusetts, Missouri, Nevada and Ohio do not recognize any certificates, including the CELA.