Elder Law Provides Unique Service for Seniors

Article submitted by SWendy Atkins Pierce, CELA.
For more information, she can be reached at 251-928-1499.

If you're reading this, chances are that you're part of the biggest and most powerful market force in our society today -- the elder population. We've all realized that living longer and healthier lives has created changes, complications, complexities and concerns that none of us can avoid. Facts of life that confront us are, at the very least, the cost of independent living today, assisted and long term care living tomorrow, and the overall cost of healthcare.

Another change has taken place: It used to be that you could go to an attorney for any variety of problems -- a dispute with your neighbor, a wayward child arrested for reckless driving, and a desire to get your "papers" in order in the event that something happened to you. Well, that's not the case any longer. Life is more complex than ever, and the legal profession has recognized that aging creates special important legal needs that merit specific attention. The legal profession has responded by identifying "elder law" as an area of specialization.

The term "elder law" has just recently been added to the list of legal specializations. The National Elder Law Foundation certifies an attorney to become a Certified Elder Law Attorney (CELA). The attorney must meet strict requirements regarding the practice of Elder Law and must pass a strenuous examination over and above the required state bar examination. Currently, there are approximately 250 attorneys nationwide who have achieved certification, identified by the letters "CELA" after their names. A lawyer does not necessarily have to be certified to practice Elder Law; however, the attorney cannot claim to be a "specialist" in the area Elder Law without certification. Just as we take care of our physical and emotional health, it's important to take care of our "legal health;" Elder Law attorneys are uniquely qualified to keep you in good legal health.