Philip M Hawes
Attorney & Counselor
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Elder Law is an area of a lawyer’s practice that is concerned with issues affecting our aging population and those with special needs. The legal needs of elders touch on a broad array of legal subjects that makes this legal specialty very demanding. Older and disabled clients themselves are especially compelling because of their vulnerability and their need for trustworthy counsel. So, Aside from providing appropriate legal services, an elder law attorney will consider the broader context of the client's situation where problems lurk; such as, the client's age, health issues, family dynamics, living needs, etc. Our legal solutions must incorporate this extra-legal context because our services will have present effects, unlike traditional estate planning where the future is truly far away.
AS WE AGE, we want the plans we have made for this time in our life to be implemented as we intended so that we can feel secure and protected.
▪ We are concerned that the people we have chosen to trust act on our behalf responsibly and with our interests and needs as their priority.
▪ We want access to quality medical care in the best setting we can afford.
▪ We want to receive the retirement we have worked hard to acquire and the income and medical benefits we have become eligible to receive, all without difficulties in the payment or claims.
▪ We want to be treated with the care respect every person deserves, and that our vulnerability not be abused by anyone for any reason.
Please refer to the menu above for subpages on this topic for additional information.
I belong to a national volunteer association of lawyers whose practices involve elder law issues for our aging and disabled clients. The field is too diverse for any individual lawyer to coverall aspects of this area of law. So, you should ask your prospective lawyer about the elder law topics she/he practices and whether they fit with the needs of your project.
You will find more information and referrals to lawyers in your area who practice an aspect of elder law relevant to your needs on the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA) website.
