Attorneys are in a position of power where they are trusted to act in their client’s best interests and help them make sound legal decisions, and this is especially true of elder law attorneys. Seniors often place a massive amount of trust in their attorneys in terms of managing their financial and legal affairs, and this can leave them open to abuse and theft. Therefore, it’s essential that you take the time to find an elder law attorney who is ethical and deserves your trust.

What are the risks of not vetting your elder law attorney?

This depends entirely on how much control your attorney will have over your estate and finances. Crooked attorneys have been caught stealing money from the accounts of clients with dementia and Alzheimer’s, fraudulently claiming that clients have given them Power of Attorney over their financial affairs, filing incorrect legal fees and even directly depositing money into their own personal accounts rather than their client’s.

It’s important to watch for signs of financial abuse of an elderly client, which may include seniors being worried about being pressured into legal decisions they feel they don’t fully understand, significant and unjustified changes in legal power such as changing Power of Attorney or inheritance to an attorney, and withdrawals on their accounts which cannot be properly explained.

Questions to ask your elder law attorney

• What qualifications do you have that are focused on elder law? Are you Board Certified or certified by the National Elder Law Foundation?
• What is your experience in dealing with elder law and government benefits, veteran’s benefits, social security and Medicaid?
• What is your experience in elder law? Can you also assist with estate planning and asset protection?
• Do you have any referrals that I can talk to about your services?

Speak to a qualified, compassionate elder law attorney in NJ today

If you would like to organize your legal affairs or help your loved one get the legal assistance they and their estate needs, speak to Frank R. Campisano today. Experienced in elder law, compassionate and committed to his clients, you’ll receive the highest quality legal expertise and guidance. In addition to sound elder law advice, you can also prepare additional estate planning documents, such as your Last Will and Testament, Power of Attorney documents, medical directives and trusts. For a free consultation, please contact us today or visit our website at https://www.scclegal.com/