How to Find an Elder Law Attorney, Los Angeles

Whether you need help with estate planning, preparing power of attorney, or any other legal matter that relates to elder law or preparing for the future, you may find it difficult to find an elder attorney, Los Angeles, if you’re not sure where to start your search.

Today, we’re exploring a few options so you know how to find the right attorney with confidence.

Here’s how to find a Los Angeles elder law attorney.

Elder Law Attorney, Los Angeles

Do you qualify yourself as a senior, even if you’re truly young at heart? No matter how youthful you feel, seniorhood will bring special legal challenges and decisions to the table that can be extremely frustrating to deal with. California’s elder law system is notoriously complex; even the most knowledgeable layperson may struggle to understand it at times.

The good news is that there’s absolutely no need to risk your assets or your rights by attempting to handle everything on your own. No matter how much or how little experience you have in navigating California’s complex legal system, a Los Angeles elder law attorney can help.

Whether you just want to finalize a will, or you need to protect your assets from abusive family members, this guide will help you find the “best of the best” the first time around.

What is “Elder Law,” Exactly?

The first step to finding the right lawyer is to understand why you might need an elder law specialist in the first place.

Elder law refers to a specific legal specialization that focuses on issues concerning older Americans. This includes planning your estate, writing a will, applying for Medi-Cal or Social Security Disability (SSD), or setting an advanced medical directive in case you become incapacitated.

“Elder law” also includes issues like scams and rip-off strategies from con artists who target seniors due to their naivety. The fact of the matter is that seniors are one of the most targeted groups in America for criminals. It may also involve protecting yourself or another senior in your family from financial abuse or manipulation.

While the legal definition of “elder” generally includes anyone over 60, there is no specific cut-off age for when someone can struggle with these types of concerns. It is very possible for someone to begin creating a will at, say, 45 or 50, rather than waiting until they become a senior. In fact, it’s highly advisable to plan for your golden years early, rather than waiting until problems arise!

Can I Really Afford a Lawyer?

Many people facing complex legal concerns worry about the financial load of hiring an attorney. Your financial situation needn’t prevent you from protecting your rights.

No matter what your income level, there are options available to ensure you have access to legal services. This is true even if you are low income (e.g., SSD) or no income at all (not working; relying on a family member).

The senior legal services program provided by the SFVBA provides affordable initial 20-minute consultations with highly-qualified volunteer attorneys.

Starting Your Search

Sometimes, the biggest challenge is locating which lawyers near you specialize in elder law. You have a handful of options available to aid you in your search.

• Call the California Bar: The California Bar maintains an in-house legal referral service and can help you review your options. They can also provide simple answers to basic questions, like how to tell if a lawyer is legitimate or what to do if you have a complaint.
• Use a lawyer referral service: An attorney referral service will help match you with the most qualified attorney near you. The process starts with a conversation about your legal matter, after which an attorney referral consultant will match you with the attorney best suited to help you with your case. This can be an excellent way to find your options if you’re feeling unsure about your search. There’s no need to worry about being misdirected or linked with an inappropriate choice, either, as the California Bar licenses and oversees all lawyer referral services in the state.
• Ask friends and family: Your own friends and family can be very helpful in your search if you trust their judgment, especially if they’ve used a local elder law attorney themselves. Ask them to tell you about their experience and share suggestions to help you create your list. Your accountant, tax person, doctor, or existing lawyer may be able to refer you to someone, too.
• Look around your neighborhood: Most popular lawyers use advertising, both online and locally, to reach new clients. It can be advantageous to look around your neighborhood for billboards, signs, and even storefronts while you handle everyday errands. Make a note of anyone with “elder law” or “senior law” on their advertisements.

How to Narrow Your Shortlist

Once you have a shortlist of options available, it’s time to narrow down your choices and verify their legitimacy. Start by calling the California Bar to confirm each lawyer has an active license to practice law. Also ask whether or not the lawyer has had complaints lodged against them, whether they have ever been disciplined, and if they have ever been suspended.

If complaints or disciplinary actions are present, assess them. A fine for late Bar fees is much different than a complaint of fraud. It’s up to you to choose whether the situation makes the attorney ineligible.

You should schedule at least one initial consultation with a small handful of attorneys who fit your needs. Ask them how successful they are, where they graduated, how much they charge (per item or per hour), how many cases they have handled, and how they generally communicate with clients. These questions should give you a sense of how they are to work with.

How to Make a Final Decision

At this point, you should have at least a baseline understanding of who might best suit your needs. Your last step should be to consider how you feel with the elder law attorney: do they make you feel comfortable? Do you feel respected, valued, and heard, and does the lawyer seem interested in your case? Make your decision based on these influences as well as all other information for best results.