What is an Elder Law Attorney?

​Finding the RIGHT attorney that fits your specific needs is not easy, particularly when it comes to Elder Law.
What is an Elder Law Attorney?
Elder law is an area of legal practice that specializes on issues that affect the aging population, or those planning for life. The purpose of elder law planning is to prepare the an aging person with financial freedom and autonomy, by utilizing proper financial planning and long-term care options.

Elder law specialists focus on legal and financial issues that frequently affect seniors and their families, including, but not limited to, Wills, trusts, surrogate decision-making (guardianship, conservatorship and powers of attorney), legal incapacity, living wills, public benefits planning (Medicare, Medicaid, SSI and SSDI), long-term care options, and insurance. Knowledge of the tax implications of these matters is also important.

Attorneys must be licensed in the state where they practice law and must be registered by the Bar Association of that specific state. In addition, attorneys can pursue membership of specialized national consortiums, such as ElderCounsel or the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, Inc. (NAELA). These professional organizations focus on providing members with materials and information for continuing education in the realm of elder law. Members must follow an aspirational, ethical and professional set of standards.

Utilizing an attorney’s services for any reason is a very personal matter. It is important for you to trust that your attorney is looking after your best interests. Many legal professionals can provide you with an end result, such as a will, a power of attorney or an advance directive, but a skilled Elder Law attorney will present you with a number of personalized options and solutions that may be appropriate for your situation, including the pros and cons.

Elder law issues, such as estate and advance health care planning, are sometimes difficult issues for a family to address, so tact and empathy are important qualities for an Elder Law attorney. Your attorney should take the time to truly understand all facets of your position and have a genuine interest in helping you and your family. You should feel comfortable sharing any and all concerns and goals for your care and your estate.

Robert L. Michaels (Bob), is an Elder Law attorney, of Smith Alling, P.S. in Tacoma, WA, and has been an Elder Law/Estate Planning Attorney for over 38 years.

He serves the legal needs of clients throughout Washington by planning and settling estates, special needs planning and elder law issues, and his number one priority is helping local families take decisive legal actions to protect their estates and their future.

Attorney Bob Michaels is a local, experienced professional who has helped thousands of people just like you. Bob will make sure you’ll be able to pass your assets on to whom you want, when you want, and in the manner you want—while protecting your estate against probate, litigation and paying too much in taxes. He can also show you ways to minimize disputes and ill-will among your children over an estate and preserve family relationships. He can help you protect your beneficiaries’ inheritance against divorce, remarriage, lawsuits and bankruptcy.

Bob has helped thousands of individuals and families and welcomes the opportunity to help you accomplish yours. He will take the time to listen to your concerns and answer your questions so you can make the right choice for you and your family.

For more information, if you have additional questions or concerns about elder law, contact experienced estate planning attorney Bob Michaels to schedule an appointment.
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Bob Michaels is extremely passionate about providing the best possible legal experience for his clients, and focuses his practice on elder law, estate planning, business, and real estate matters. Bob has been able to provide piece of mind and a solid foundation to many folks in the Puget Sound area over the years and wants to provide resources and relevant information whenever he can.