10 Common Senior Legal Services, California
Senior citizens are a vulnerable sector of society in the United States. If you’re 60 or older, you may find these senior legal services, California helpful.
The growing population of senior citizens faces a variety of unique challenges.
As one of the most vulnerable and underrepresented sectors of society, seniors need to prepare themselves for unexpected economic or healthcare challenges. Seeking legal counsel is often a challenge for seniors, as many live near or below the poverty line.
Fortunately, seniors can take advantage of the legal assistance programs available or enjoy discounted legal services for seniors.
Today, we’re exploring some of the most common legal services for seniors available.
Senior Legal Services, California
Seniors are a vulnerable sector of society. If you are a senior and fall victim to abuse or scams or are taken advantage of in some other way, know that there are legal services available to you for your protection.
Sometimes you may just need a consultation with an attorney. Other times you may need an attorney to represent you in a court proceeding. There are free and low-cost services available in some instances. If you’re not sure where to get started, consider contacting an attorney referral service for help.
As a certified attorney referral service in California, we make it easy to find a lawyer so you can move quickly and resolve your legal matter.
Now, let’s take a look at some of the more common legal services for seniors …
1. Elder Abuse Protective Services
Abuse of elders is an unfortunate problem that exists for millions of seniors in this country. The abuse takes many forms and is often committed by trusted family members or someone for whom an elder relies on for care.
Victims are often reluctant to report abuse because they are embarrassed or ashamed. They may be confused or not thinking clearly about what is happening to them. They may have difficulty expressing their fear or concern. They may be too frail to respond.
Abuse can take many forms. It can be physical, emotional, or financial and can be devastating for the victim. Legal assistance for abused elders can include Adult Protective Services, possibly working with the District Attorney’s Office and law enforcement to stop the abuse. Restraining orders are often used in these cases.
An attorney knows what steps to take to protect abused seniors. This could include facilitating removal of an abuser who lives with the victim, a court action called “kick-out” order.
Some attorneys, aware of elder limitations, will offer to visit with the elderly in their own homes. If court proceedings are required, an attorney will represent the victim as much as possible.
2. Guardianship Programs for Minor Children
Grandparents are sometimes caregivers for minor children in their homes. These children may have been abused by their parents or abandoned or neglected. Loving grandparents are able to keep the children with their families rather than becoming wards of the Court and being placed in foster care.
Grandparents in this situation can get legal advice on guardianship and other alternatives like caregiver affidavits from a qualified attorney. They can be represented by an attorney or can be advised if self-representing in court proceedings.
3. Social Security and Other Public Benefit Programs
Many California residents are dependent on a fixed income from Social Security Retirement programs or on a needs-based program like Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
If there is any dispute over receiving benefits from these programs, an interruption in the flow of expected income can result in the inability to pay bills, get food or medical care, remain in a house or apartment, or have any money for discretionary spending.
Dealing with a government agency can be daunting. It is difficult to raise challenges in the appropriate form or meet with the appropriate contact person.
An attorney will review and evaluate the issues involved including any reduction or cessation of benefits. The attorney will offer advice on how to proceed with an appeal claim as well as help with any required hearings. He or she will also help negotiate a settlement.
4. Naturalization Assistance
California is an ethnically and culturally diverse state. Many senior immigrants in the state desire U.S. citizenship but may be unsure of how to go about it. An elderly person may face special challenges including possible language barriers that prevent them from conducting the required immigration process.
An attorney can help seniors file an application for citizenship. And in those cases where the senior is unable to meet language requirements, the attorney can obtain a waiver of the English language interview or the Civics test.
5. Conservator Assistance
Conservators are persons appointed by the court to be responsible for managing the affairs of those who can no longer make their own decisions about finances or health care. Family members often request the court to appoint a conservator or guardian for the incapacitated person.
There are two types of conservators. One is responsible for taking care of healthcare issues. That person is called the “conservator of the person.” The other type is the one who handles financial matters and is called a “conservator of the estate.”
An incapacitated person may need just one type of conservator or both, and one person may be designated to handle both responsibilities. The conservator is accountable to the court.
A conservator is usually appointed for people who are in comas, suffer from Alzheimer’s Disease or suffer from some other serious disease or significant injuries.
6. Help with Health Insurance (HICAP)
HICAP(Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program) is a volunteer program that helps Medicare beneficiaries make informed decisions and provides advocacy when health care rights or benefits are threatened.
The program provides education and counseling on Medicare and Medicare Advantage Plans, supplemental insurance, prescription drugs, long-term Insurance, and low-income assistance programs.
To find out more about health care programs or get assistance from HICAP, you can schedule an appointment with a trained volunteer counselor who is registered with the California Department of Aging.
7. Legal Aid Services
The Legal Services Corporation (LSC) is an independent nonprofit agency established by Congress in 1974 to provide free legal assistance to low-income people. The corporation provides funding to 133 independent legal aid organizations in every state and U.S. territories.
You can check with a California LSC office for further information on what legal aid programs might be available to you for your particular need.
8. Help with Disability Rights
The National Disability Rights Network (NDRN) is a nonprofit organization that offers legal assistance to people with disabilities through a nationwide network of federally mandated agencies including Protection and Advocacy Systems (P&A) and Client Assistance Programs (CAP).
If you want more information on NDRN, the California office is located in Sacramento.
9. Senior Legal Services
The Administration on Aging offers senior legal services that may include free or low-cost legal advice, legal assistance or access to legal representation for people over the age of 60.
10. Lawyer Referral Services
A certified attorney referral service working with the California Bar Association can refer you to the best legal assistance available for your particular needs. It might be a lower-cost legal solution as part of an unbundled package or it may for a full legal representation. That’s up to you.
When you, as a senior, need legal services, it is comforting to know that you have help. There are many options available to you, and many are free. An attorney referral service has experience in giving seniors the support they need up front to make it as easy as possible to defend themselves from unfair loss or harm.
Are you in search for a certified attorney to represent you?
Let us help you find one today!