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May is National Elder Law Month: A Look at this Growing Area of the Law

Posted May 13, 2014 at 7:34 PM

Elder Law, Estates & Trusts, News & Events

What Is Elder Law?
Elder Law is an area of law that involves representing, counseling, and assisting seniors, people with disabilities and special needs and their families with a variety of legal issues, ranging from estate planning to long-term care.

Demand for Elder Law Is Growing
The baby boomer generation is aging and the number of older individuals in the U.S. is projected to increase to 71.5 million in 2030, representing nearly 20 percent of the national population. As a result, the need is growing for legal advice unique to age-related issues. As people are living longer and having fewer children, there is a rising concern that individuals may not have the family support and financial resources they need as they age.

Attorneys who focus in Elder Law provide a holistic perspective and deal with the entire life spectrum, addressing legal, financial, social and family issues. Elder Law attorneys consider various aspects that may arise concerning estate planning, estate and gift tax planning, guardianship, Medicare and Medicaid, Veterans’ Benefits, medical decision making, and disability planning.

Helen Whelan, a Principal with Miller, Miller & Canby, is an Elder Law attorney who works closely with clients to assist them in planning for their care. She can recommend valuable resources to help individuals who may begin caring for a person who is elderly, disabled, or with special needs. She is a member of The National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA), which was founded in 1987 as a professional association of attorneys who are dedicated to improving the quality of legal services to seniors and people with special needs. Helen is a member of ElderCounsel, a network of professionals who center their attention on the needs of the elderly, disabled and those with special needs.

View more information on Miller, Miller & Canby’s Elder Law Practice. Contact Helen Whelan at 301-762-5212 or send her an email to schedule a meeting.

For more information about National Elder Law Month, click here.