Elder Law Attorneys

A power of attorney (POA) is a legal document that authorizes someone to make financial or medical decisions on your loved one's behalf if they become unable to do so. Without one in place, families often face a lengthy and expensive court process to gain legal authority. A durable financial POA and a healthcare POA (sometimes called a healthcare proxy) are the two most important documents to establish.

Legal documents require the person to have legal capacity — the ability to understand what they're signing and what it means. Once cognitive decline reaches a certain point, it may be legally too late to execute documents without court involvement. If your loved one has been recently diagnosed or is showing early signs of memory loss, contact an elder law attorney as soon as possible. Time matters more than most families realize.

Medicaid planning involves structuring assets so your loved one can qualify for Medicaid-funded long-term care while preserving as much as possible for the family. It must be done carefully: Medicaid has a five-year look-back period on asset transfers, meaning gifts or transfers made in the five years before applying can result in a penalty period. State rules vary significantly. Planning well before care is needed produces far better outcomes than planning in a crisis.

CELA stands for Certified Elder Law Attorney — a credential from the National Elder Law Foundation indicating demonstrated competence and experience in elder law. Attorneys must pass a comprehensive exam, demonstrate significant elder law experience, and meet ongoing education requirements to earn and maintain the designation. It's the most rigorous elder law credential available and a strong indicator of specialization.

Estate planning attorneys handle wills and trusts. Elder law attorneys go further — they understand Medicaid, long-term care planning, guardianship, and the legal complexities specific to aging. For families navigating care decisions, Medicaid eligibility, or cognitive decline, an elder law specialist is almost always the better fit. If your primary goal is writing or updating a will for a healthy adult, a general estate attorney may be sufficient.

At minimum: a durable financial power of attorney, a healthcare power of attorney (or healthcare proxy), a living will or advance directive, and an updated will. Depending on the situation, a trust may also be appropriate. An elder law attorney will review what exists, identify gaps, and recommend what needs to be created or updated. Don't assume old documents are still valid — laws and circumstances change.

Initial consultations typically cost $200 to $500, and many attorneys apply this toward the total fee if you proceed. Full estate planning packages — including POA, advance directive, and will — typically range from $1,500 to $5,000 or more depending on complexity. Medicaid planning engagements are often higher, reflecting the complexity and time involved. Ask for a written fee estimate before committing.