15 Resources
NAELA — find a qualified elder law attorney in your state. Worth contacting when nursing home placement is on the horizon and the family needs to protect assets for a healthy spouse. Many courthouse self-help centers have free forms and clerk guidance for basic POA and advance directives. The 5-year Medicaid look-back penalizes asset transfers made within five years of applying — talk to an attorney BEFORE moving anything. Free of charge — no eligibility paperwork required to call or browse.
Nationwide · Online · Visit Website
Free articles and attorney directory for Medicaid, estate planning, and special needs. Useful before a crisis: capacity to sign legal documents declines with dementia, stroke, or sudden hospitalization. Free or low-cost legal aid is available statewide for seniors below specific income limits — apply even if it seems borderline. The 5-year Medicaid look-back penalizes asset transfers made within five years of applying — talk to an attorney BEFORE moving anything. Free of charge — no eligibility...
Nationwide · Online · Visit Website
Legal advocacy organization fighting senior poverty by securing access to healthcare and economic security. Useful before a crisis: capacity to sign legal documents declines with dementia, stroke, or sudden hospitalization. Free or low-cost legal aid is available statewide for seniors below specific income limits — apply even if it seems borderline. Free workshops at senior centers walk through wills, POA, and advance directives in plain English; attorneys often offer follow-up consults. Free,...
Nationwide · Online · Visit Website
Find free civil legal aid in your area — many programs help seniors with priority. Worth contacting when nursing home placement is on the horizon and the family needs to protect assets for a healthy spouse. Most elder law attorneys charge 50–600/hr but offer flat fees for common documents like wills, POA, and advance directives. Free workshops at senior centers walk through wills, POA, and advance directives in plain English; attorneys often offer follow-up consults. Free service; donations support...
Nationwide · Online · Visit Website
Find free legal help, attorneys, and self-help resources by state. Useful before a crisis: capacity to sign legal documents declines with dementia, stroke, or sudden hospitalization. Free or low-cost legal aid is available statewide for seniors below specific income limits — apply even if it seems borderline. The 5-year Medicaid look-back penalizes asset transfers made within five years of applying — talk to an attorney BEFORE moving anything. Free of charge — no eligibility paperwork required to call...
Nationwide · Online
Free legal services for DC residents 60+; legal info articles for all. Worth contacting when nursing home placement is on the horizon and the family needs to protect assets for a healthy spouse. Free or low-cost legal aid is available statewide for seniors below specific income limits — apply even if it seems borderline. The 5-year Medicaid look-back penalizes asset transfers made within five years of applying — talk to an attorney BEFORE moving anything. Free of charge — no eligibility paperwork...
Nationwide · Online · Visit Website
American Bar Association resources on elder law, capacity, and elder abuse. Relevant for blended families, second marriages, and any situation where a will could be contested. Many courthouse self-help centers have free forms and clerk guidance for basic POA and advance directives. Advance directives override family wishes — including spouses and adult children — if they're properly executed. Open at no cost to Maryland seniors and the families supporting them.
Nationwide · Online · Visit Website
America's most popular living will — completes legal advance directive in plain language. Useful before a crisis: capacity to sign legal documents declines with dementia, stroke, or sudden hospitalization. Volunteer attorney programs run by state bar associations match low-income seniors with free counsel for civil matters. Springing POA only kicks in at incapacity; durable POA is active immediately. Most attorneys recommend durable for elder care. No cost to older adults or the people helping them.
Nationwide · Online · Visit Website
Federally mandated protection and advocacy systems in every state, serving older adults with disabilities. Useful before a crisis: capacity to sign legal documents declines with dementia, stroke, or sudden hospitalization. Many courthouse self-help centers have free forms and clerk guidance for basic POA and advance directives. The 5-year Medicaid look-back penalizes asset transfers made within five years of applying — talk to an attorney BEFORE moving anything. Free service; donations support but...
Nationwide · Online · Visit Website
Helps Americans secure and protect promised retirement benefits. Relevant for blended families, second marriages, and any situation where a will could be contested. Most elder law attorneys charge 50–600/hr but offer flat fees for common documents like wills, POA, and advance directives. Advance directives override family wishes — including spouses and adult children — if they're properly executed. Free service; donations support but never gate access.
Nationwide · Online · Visit Website
Now Justice in Aging — legal advocacy for low-income seniors. Useful before a crisis: capacity to sign legal documents declines with dementia, stroke, or sudden hospitalization. Volunteer attorney programs run by state bar associations match low-income seniors with free counsel for civil matters. Most state senior legal aid programs do not have asset limits — even a senior who owns a home may qualify. Free service; donations support but never gate access.
Nationwide · Online · Visit Website
Standards and resources for those serving as guardians or conservators. Worth contacting when nursing home placement is on the horizon and the family needs to protect assets for a healthy spouse. Most elder law attorneys charge 50–600/hr but offer flat fees for common documents like wills, POA, and advance directives. The 5-year Medicaid look-back penalizes asset transfers made within five years of applying — talk to an attorney BEFORE moving anything. No cost to older adults or the people helping them.
Nationwide · Online · Visit Website
Find an estate planning specialist for wills, trusts, and probate. A starting point for any senior or family caregiver who's never put POA, healthcare proxy, or living will in writing. Most elder law attorneys charge 50–600/hr but offer flat fees for common documents like wills, POA, and advance directives. Advance directives override family wishes — including spouses and adult children — if they're properly executed. All services free of charge to qualifying seniors and family caregivers.
Nationwide · Online · Visit Website
Find a qualified elder law attorney in Maryland via NAELA. A starting point for any senior or family caregiver who's never put POA, healthcare proxy, or living will in writing. Many courthouse self-help centers have free forms and clerk guidance for basic POA and advance directives. Most state senior legal aid programs do not have asset limits — even a senior who owns a home may qualify. Free of charge — no eligibility paperwork required to call or browse.
Statewide · Varies · Visit Website
Free civil legal aid for Maryland seniors via Legal Services Corporation. Useful before a crisis: capacity to sign legal documents declines with dementia, stroke, or sudden hospitalization. Volunteer attorney programs run by state bar associations match low-income seniors with free counsel for civil matters. Advance directives override family wishes — including spouses and adult children — if they're properly executed. No cost to older adults or the people helping them.
Statewide · Varies · Visit Website