Legal Issues
Finding Legal Services
Don't wait until a crisis to find a lawyer who specializes in legal planning for elders. Contacting one as you begin your role as a caretaker can help you avoid much aggravation and confusion. If an elder's income falls within certain guidelines, you may be able to receive help through the legal aid program from your local Area Agency on Aging or through volunteer lawyer programs of your local bar association. States offer legal assistance through the attorney general's office.
Other legal resources include the following:
- The American Bar Association offers a free resource guide by state on its Web site. It will direct you to local bar associations, legal aid providers, and other helpful organizations.
- The American Bar Association Commission on Law and Aging provides a free list of key legal service providers for elders in each state. Visit the Web site and click on your state to get a free report or call 202-662-8690.
- The National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA) will help you locate an attorney. Visit its Web site and click on "Public," then "Directory," and enter your city or Zip Code. NAELA also offers a guide to help choose an attorney. Call 520-881-4005 or visit its Web site and click on "Public," then "Questions and Answers When Looking for an Elder Law Attorney."
- The National Association of Social Security Claimants Representatives, 800-431-2804 toll free, provides representation and advocacy for people who are having problems collecting Social Security and Supplemental Security Income.
- The National Senior Citizens Law Center, 202-289-6976, focuses on the legal needs of poor and vulnerable elders and persons with disabilities.
Additional Information for Specific States
Below, you'll find additional state-specific information on legal resources. The states included have high percentages of elders and/or high elder populations.
AlabamaThe Legal Services of Alabama operates an Elder Law Hotline, 1-866-456-3959, which provides free legal advice to those over 60. It operates from 8 am to 8 pm Monday through Friday and 9am to 12 pm Saturdays.
Seniors can also find a lawyer that specializes in elder care through the Alabama Bar Association by calling 1-800-392-5660 or visiting their website.
CaliforniaThe California Department of Aging offers a variety of resource regarding legal resources for seniors.
FloridaLocal AAAs can offer information on legal resources for seniors.
IllinoisThere are 21 senior legal assistance provider offices throughout Illinois, which provide legal services to Illinoisans age 60 or older. These offices can be found by contacting your local AAA.
MichiganSome local AAAs offer legal assistance, but this varies by location.
NevadaThe Division for Aging Services' operates the Advocates for Elders program to provide advocacy and assistance to seniors aged 60 and older.
New YorkLocal AAAs can offer information on legal resources for seniors, for a list of local AAA chapters visit In addition, more information regarding legal services can be found at the New York State Office on Aging.
OhioOhio offers legal assistance funded by Title III of OAA (PDF) to eligible older Ohioans.
PennsylvaniaSenior Law Helpline offers free legal service to seniors, with direct representation available through local AAAs. The helpline is available 10a-1p, Monday thru Friday: 877-PA SR LAW (877-727-7529).
TexasTexas Legal Services Center offers legal advice to Texans over 60, with direct representation available through local AAAs. The free hotline is 1-800-622-2520.
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