what is a certified elder law attorney

by Marlee Hahn 7 min read

What is a Certified Elder Law Attorney?

  • Substantial Involvement –. Prior to submitting their application, a CELA is required to spend an average of at least 16 hours per week practicing elder law during the three years ...
  • Continuing Legal Education –. ...
  • Peer Review/Professional References –. ...
  • Bar-style Examination –. ...
  • Integrity/Good Standing –. ...

Full Answer

What questions should I Ask an elder law attorney?

What Questions Should I Ask At My First Meeting With An Elder Law Attorney? NAELA also has a recommended list of questions to ask when you choose an elder law attorney you want to work with. Once you’ve explained your particular situation and the reason for your meeting, you’ll want to find out the answer to the following issues:

What is elder law and how can it help you?

Elder Law is a specialized area of law that involves representing, counseling, and assisting seniors, disabled individuals, and their families in connection with a variety of legal issues, from estate planning to long-term care issues, with emphasis on promoting the highest quality of life.

How do you find an elder law attorney?

  • You're in a second (or later) marriage
  • You own one or more businesses
  • You own real estate in more than one state
  • You have a disabled family member or you've become disabled
  • You have minor children
  • You have "problem" children
  • You don't have any children
  • You want to leave some or all of your estate to charity

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Will lawyers for senior citizens?

"Biden announces Medicare stimulus that provides free dental work to all Seniors who need it ... A Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) spokesperson told AFP: "By law, Medicare cannot cover most dental care, dental procedures, or supplies ...

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What is Cela certification?

The Certified Elder Law Attorney (CELA) certification has frequently been referred to as “the gold standard” for elder law and special needs practitioners. This reflects the hard work and proof required before an attorney can proudly proclaim that he or she holds the valued designation.

What is elder law in Canada?

Elder Law encompasses a broad range of issues, including: Page 2 -2- • estate, life, financial and disability planning; • legal capacity counseling; • nursing home residents' rights and quality of long-term care issues; • elder abuse and exploitation; • age and disability discrimination in employment and housing; and • ...

What is elder law in PA?

An elder law attorney deals with long-term care planning, end-of-life issues, housing assistance and options, elder abuse, neglect and exploitation, age discrimination in employment, veterans' benefits, services of the Area Agencies on Aging, the legal rights of residents of nursing facilities, and federal and state ...

What does Cela stand for?

CELA is an acronym or abbreviation which stands for a Certified Elder Law Attorney having received the certification from the National Elder Law Foundation.

How much does a living trust cost in PA?

You'll likely spend a few hundred dollars at most. Additionally, this method is less expensive than hiring an attorney, but DIY estate planning also presents some risks. If you'd rather hire a lawyer, you'll likely spend at least $1,000. This could be a less risky approach than DIY planning, but it'll cost you more.

What is the penalty for elder abuse in Pennsylvania?

Violation of the act resulting in serious bodily injury is punished as a felony of the first degree, the penalty for which is a fine of not more than $25,99 and a term of imprisonment of not more than 20 years.

How do I become an elder law attorney?

2 ways an elder law attorney helps seniors and family caregiversPlan for the future and protect assets. ... Ensure all the legal documents are correct for your state. ... Get a referral from someone you know. ... Check the National Academy of of Elder Law Attorneys. ... Meet for an initial consultation (possibly free)More items...

What is Microsoft cela?

Microsoft Corporate, External, and Legal Affairs (CELA) is committed to holding ourselves accountable for diversity and inclusion progress.

What is an elder law attorney?

What is a Certified Elder Law Attorney? Elder Law Attorneys are certified by the Board of Certification of the National Elder Law Foundation (NELF), a non-profit organization founded in 1993, which is devoted to developing and improving the professional competence of lawyers focused in elder law and special needs planning.

How many hours of continuing education do you need to become an elder law attorney?

Have participated in at least 45 hours of continuing education in elder law during three years preceding the application.

What is CELA certification?

The CELA certification by the National Elder Law Foundation is the only accepted certification in the field of Elder Law. It is the only ABA approved Elder Law Certification that is recognized by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court.

What is a Certified Elder Law Attorney?

You may be wondering what a Certified Elder Law Attorney (CELA) is. In 1988 the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA) was formed to address the unique needs of elders and people with disabilities.

NATIONAL ELDER LAW FOUNDATION

In July of 1993, NAELA assisted in the formation of a nonprofit organization called the National Elder Law Foundation (NELF). The purpose of NELF is to develop and improve the professional competence of lawyers in the field of elder law.

CERTIFIED ELDER LAW ATTORNEYS

The law firm of Hale Ball Carlson Baumgartner Murphy, PLC, is proud to have two CELAs on its staff. Jean Galloway Ball was certified as a CELA in 1996. Loretta Morris Williams became certified as a CELA in 2008.

How many hours do I need to become an elder law attorney?

The qualifications are summarized below: Substantial Involvement – Prior to submitting their application, a CELA is required to spend an average of at least 16 hours per week practicing elder law ...

What is the National Elder Law Foundation?

Note: The National Elder Law Foundation (NELF) is the only national organization accredited by the American Bar Association to certify attorneys in Elder Law. NELF is a private organization, whose standards for certification are not regulated by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

How Elder Law Became a Practice

The Older Americans Act (OAA) was signed into law by President Lyndon B. Johnson and is credited by the American Bar Association with being the foundation for the practice of elder law. The OAA was the first initiative on a federal level to address and provide a wide range of services for senior citizens.

What Areas of Life Can an Elder Law Attorney Be Helpful?

At some point in our life, chances are good we will need the help of an attorney. As we age and begin planning for our retirement future, and ultimately, our death, seeking counsel from an elder law attorney can be beneficial. Attorneys who practice elder law are knowledgeable in several areas that directly affect senior citizens.

What Questions Should I Ask When Choosing An Elder Law Attorney?

If you decide that speaking with an elder law attorney is right for you, there are some questions you will want to consider asking before entering into an agreement. The National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA) says in your initial phone call to an attorney’s office, you may end up speaking with the attorney’s secretary or office manager.

What Questions Should I Ask At My First Meeting With An Elder Law Attorney?

NAELA also has a recommended list of questions to ask when you choose an elder law attorney you want to work with. Once you’ve explained your particular situation and the reason for your meeting, you’ll want to find out the answer to the following issues:

How Do I Find An Elder Law Attorney?

If you would like to find an elder law attorney to speak with or work with, asking your friends and family who they recommend is always a good place to start. The National Elder Law Foundation (NELF) is the only national organization that certifies elder and special needs law attorneys.

Why do you need an elder law attorney?

A reputable elder law attorney helps protect your senior's legal and financial situation and helps you figure out how to pay for the care they'll need. The fees are well worth it if they can save your family thousands of dollars and avoid future legal headaches.

What is a certified specialist in elder law?

A certified specialist in elder law is an attorney who has received specific training in elder law issues, has practiced in that field for a certain amount of time, and has been certified as highly qualified in elder law by their State Bar or by another accrediting organization. They are and have...

What is elder law in Texas?

Elder law can cover a wide range of issues, ranging from Texas nursing home Medicaid eligibility requirements and Medicare claims to special needs trusts, estate planning, elder abuse and fraud recovery, retirement issues, and issues surrounding assisted living and long-term care.

Is elder law biased?

Many of the issues covered under elder law are financial, and also come under the expertise of financial planners—who receive commissions based on what they sell. An elder law attorney’s advice may be less biased, because their income is not determined by what they sell.

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Requirements For Certification as An Elder Law Attorney

  • Although the specific requirements for certification as a specialist in elder law may vary from state to state, many states recognize the elder law certification issued by the National Elder Law Foundation (NELF). That organization sets forth the following requirements in order to qualify a…
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Where Can You Find A Certified Elder Law Attorney?

  • NELF’s website provides a list of specialists by state. However, it is not the only certifying entity and you can also locate a certified elder law attorney through the state bar for your state, some of which may even include this information on their websites. The State Bar of California, for example, provides a Legal Specialist Search, allowing you to find specialists by area of law. You …
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Additional Resources

  • For additional information on elder law generally, see FindLaw's "Elder Law" and "Intro to Elder Law" articles.
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