Is Your Elder Law Attorney REALLY An Elder Law Attorney?

Posted on March 22, 2012 by Alice Reiter Feld

No one knows elder law like an Elder Law attorney.

As Elder Law attorneys, we specialize in estate and longevity planning, Medicaid, special needs trusts, and VA benefits for people over 65. Our education is geared to that. Our training is geared to that. And our experience – in my case, 33 years – is geared to that.

Recently, while perusing a bar association list of “Elder Law” attorneys, I was surprised to see that many of them were, in actuality, general practitioners. I was a bit disturbed, because drafting simple wills and trusts does not really qualify an attorney as an Elder Law specialist.

Wills, in my opinion, are “death planning.” But today’s seniors need so much more. Powers of Attorney. Long-term care planning. Asset protection (even if a senior needs long-term care). Special Needs Trusts. Caregiver support. Living wills. Assistance with government agencies such as the VA or Medicaid or Social Security. And longevity – not only death – planning.

So…will the real Elder Law attorney please stand up?

A traditional estate plan is designed to do three things:

  1. Minimize estate taxes
  2. Avoid probate court
  3. Distribute the deceased’s assets to his/her heirs.

On the other hand, Elder Law is truly “longevity planning.” Elder Law attorneys help you plan for all the things you – or your spouse – might need while you’re still alive! Our job is to improve the lives of our clients…not just to figure out who-gets-what when someone passes away.

So how do you find a real Elder Law attorney? Ask these questions:

  • How many Medicaid applications does your firm do in a year?
  • How many veterans does your firm assist with the VA aid and attendance benefits each year?
  • How many Elder Law-oriented estate plans has your firm done this year?

In my 33 years of Elder Law practice, my office has helped thousands of South Floridians navigate the elder-care journey. We’ve done it with professionalism. With compassion. And, when necessary, with a soft shoulder.

At the Law Offices of Alice Reiter Feld & Associates, we practice Elder Law – and only Elder Law. We know the ropes. And we’ll walk you through it…every step of the way.

We’re just a phone call away.





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