The month of May is when our nation celebrates the contributions of Americans aged 65 and older. Americans have been doing this each May since President Kennedy made the official declaration in 1963. To show its support, the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, the most prestigious association of attorneys that specialize in elder law, declared May to be National Elder Law Month.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Why does Elder Law matter? With the population of Americans aged 65 and older growing at an unprecedented rate, it is more important than ever to plan for the legal, health, and financial issues that affect older adults and their families.
Unlike traditional attorneys, elder law attorneys focus on working with their clients “holistically”-helping with the issues that affect a particular segment of the population rather than a particular area of law.
When clients visit an elder law attorney, they generally present issues beyond the need for a will or a power of attorney. Elder law attorneys are familiar with the unique and multifaceted aspects of this complex area of law, as well as a network of services and providers who can effectively assist clients.
The people elder law attorneys most often serve face a unique set of legal, financial, and personal problems, many of which are caused by failing health. Elder law gives clients a way to solve these problems. Elder law attorneys provide a wide range of services including estate and trust administration, asset protection, guardianships, Medicaid planning and application, elder abuse and exploitation, and special needs planning.
Some elder law attorneys will advise on all these issues, while others will choose to specialize in just a few. Even lawyers who limit their practice to elder law may not be experts in all these areas. Therefore, it is vital to do your homework in finding the elder law attorney in your area that is the right fit for your needs.
It is also important to note that not all elder law attorneys have the same credentials. You may want to consider finding a Florida Bar board certified elder law attorney, frequently referred to as the “gold standard” for elder law. A Florida Bar board certified elder lawyer is an attorney who has received specific training in elder law issues, has practiced in that field for at least five years, and has met the testing standards to show they are highly qualified in elder law by the State Bar of Florida. In addition to other requirements, board certification applicants must take an extensive, two-day exam. They are also subject to peer review by other board-certified elder lawyers in the state of Florida.
Burzynski Elder Law has specialized in elder law for more than two decades. Our lead attorney, Jill Burzynski, is a Florida Bar Board Certified Elder Lawyer. Our entire legal team is constantly monitoring the ever-changing statutes and regulations which older adults look to for their daily existence. We also offer representation over time, which is a welcome relief for families caring for loved ones on the long-term care journey.
Elder Law attorneys throughout the country are observing National Elder Law Month this May. If you would like to have one of our speakers address your group for more information, please contact us at 239-434-8557 to schedule a presentation.