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#Why an Elder Law Attorney is a Good Choice

Rather than being defined by technical and legal distinctions, Elder Law and Special Needs Law is defined by the clients to be served. In other words, the attorney who practices Elder Law or Special Needs Law works primarily with people as they age and people with disabilities.

Elder Law and Special Needs Law attorneys use a variety of legal tools and techniques to meet the goals and objectives of their clients. Elder and Special Needs Law attorneys typically work with other professionals in various fields to provide their clients quality service and ensure their needs are met.

Using this holistic approach, for example, an Elder Law attorney will address general estate planning issues and will counsel clients about planning for incapacity with alternative decision making documents. This attorney will also assist clients in planning for possible long-term care needs, including nursing home care. Locating the appropriate type of care, coordinating private and public resources to finance the cost of care, and working to ensure the client's right to quality care are all part of the Elder and Special Needs Law practice.

NAELA members are committed to continuing their legal education and enhancing the quality of services they provide their clients. If you are seeking legal advice, please click on the Find an Attorney button located at the top of this page.

Questions and Answers When Looking For an Elder and Special Needs Law Attorney

Aspirational Standards

NAELA's Aspirational Standards were developed by NAELA's Professionalism and Ethics Committee in 2005. The guidelines set forth by these Standards address the professionalism and ethical behavior of NAELA member attorneys. They are the product of much study and deliberation by the NAELA membership.

NAELA Past President Stuart D. Zimring, CAP, says this about the NAELA Aspirational Standards:

"The clients served by Elder and Special Needs Law attorneys are among society's most vulnerable, often coming to us at times in their lives when they are most in need of wise counsel and advice. Because of this unfortunate reality, many of us believe that we, as Elder and Special Needs Law attorneys, should aspire to a higher level of professional practice standards than other attorneys."

By striving to raise their level of practice to that of the Standards, NAELA member attorneys conform their practice of Elder Law or Special Needs Law with NAELA s mission to establish NAELA members as the premiere providers of legal advocacy, guidance, and services to enhance the lives of people with special needs and people as they age.

The Aspirational Standards do not replace each state's professional responsibility rules, which mandate minimum requirements of conduct for attorneys to maintain their licenses. The Aspirational Standards build upon and supplement these rules. Attorneys who aspire to and meet these Standards will elevate their level of professionalism in the practice of Elder Law and Special Needs Law, and will enhance the quality of service they provide their clients.