Elder Law: It's More Than Decaying Statutes

Question

I've encountered the term Elder Law several times recently -- in connection with such topics as elder abuse, entitlements and asset protection. Is this simply a term coined by the media, or does it refer to something more formal?

Answer 1

Elder Law is real. It is the term used to describe the practice of lawyers who cater to the special needs of older clients -- everything from age discrimination claims to grandparents' visitation rights to financing long-term care. 

As the population ages, you will likely see more lawyers claim Elder Law as a calling. According to the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, a legal referral group based in Tucson, Arizona, over 15,000 Elder Law practitioners now hang out shingles nationwide -- more than double the figure operating five years ago.

Behind closed doors, more than one Elder Law attorney has complained that a big chunk of their time is devoted to giving advice to other attorneys. "We call them Yodelers," confided one Elder Law practitioner. "They always start out the same way: 'I've got this little old lady who …'"

I call them all Whippersnappers.