What is Elder Law?

Elder law is a relatively new area of the law dealing with the issues and challenges that confront senior citizens. For years we've had estate planning where we as attorneys would help clients plan for the distribution of assets after their death. As seniors have lived longer and longer new issues have arisen whether we're dealing with pension benefits, the cost of long-term care, veterans benefits, planning for guardianship. Elder law can be planning such as executing advanced directives, such as designation of healthcare surrogates, durable powers of attorney decorations, a pretty guardian or they can be on a crisis basis such as when someone has a stroke or other immediate illness that necessitates action right now.