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What Does an Elder Law Attorney Do? (2025 Guide)

As parents age—or as we plan for our own later years—questions about money, health, and legal protection tend to pile up.

That’s where an elder law attorney steps in. They don’t just write wills. They help seniors and their families navigate the legal, financial, and healthcare challenges that come with aging.

Here’s what elder law attorneys actually do—and why working with one could save you time, money, and serious stress down the road.

What Is Elder Law?

Elder law is a legal practice area focused on issues that affect older adults. It blends estate planning, healthcare law, public benefits, and sometimes even housing or family conflict.

Think of it as a one-stop legal resource for aging-related decisions.

What Does an Elder Law Attorney Help With?

Elder law attorneys handle a wide range of issues, including:

1. Estate Planning

• Wills and trusts

• Powers of attorney

• Living wills / advance directives

• Probate avoidance strategies

2. Medicaid & Long-Term Care Planning

• Qualifying for Medicaid without losing your home

• Asset protection strategies

• Nursing home planning

3. Guardianship and Conservatorship

• Helping adult children gain legal authority over aging parents

• Contesting or modifying guardianships

4. Elder Abuse and Exploitation

• Identifying financial or physical abuse

• Legal action against abusers or exploiters

5. Special Needs Planning

• Setting up special needs trusts for aging individuals or their dependents

Real-Life Example: Helping Mom Qualify for Medicaid

Susan’s mother was entering a nursing home in Houston. They were quoted $6,000 per month and told Mom had too many assets to qualify for Medicaid.

An elder law attorney helped restructure her assets legally, protect the family home, and get her Medicaid coverage—saving the family tens of thousands of dollars.

Why Elder Law Is Different from Estate Planning Alone

While many estate planning lawyers write wills, elder law attorneys go further.

They look at how aging affects:

• Finances

• Healthcare needs

• Government benefits

• Family caregiving situations

This is especially helpful if:

• You’re caring for an aging parent

• You or your spouse are facing memory decline or chronic illness

• You want to protect assets for future generations

Do I Need an Elder Law Attorney?

Here are some signs it’s time to talk to one:

• A loved one is going into assisted living or a nursing home

• You need a power of attorney or guardianship

• You want to avoid probate and preserve assets

• You’re concerned about financial abuse or family conflict

• You need help qualifying for Medicaid

Elder law isn’t just for the very old—it’s for anyone planning ahead.

How The Lange Firm Can Help

At The Lange Firm, we help Texas families:

• Create custom estate plans that protect seniors

• Navigate Medicaid and long-term care rules

• Set up guardianships for aging loved ones

• Prevent elder abuse and exploitation

Whether you’re planning for yourself or helping a parent, we bring compassion, clarity, and real legal solutions.

Final Takeaway

Elder law attorneys do more than draft documents—they help families protect what matters most as they age.

From estate planning to nursing home care and beyond, the right legal guidance can make all the difference.

Contact The Lange Firm today to get help with elder care planning, asset protection, and long-term peace of mind.