Best Elder Law & Estate in New York — 15 resources

15 Resources

1. National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys — Free

NAELA — find a qualified elder law attorney in your state. 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. Springing POA only kicks in at incapacity; durable POA is active immediately. Most attorneys recommend durable for elder care. Open at no cost to New York seniors and the families supporting them.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

2. ElderLawAnswers — Free

Free articles and attorney directory for Medicaid, estate planning, and special needs. Worth contacting when nursing home placement is on the horizon and the family needs to protect assets for a healthy spouse. 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. Free service; donations support but never gate...

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

3. Justice in Aging — Free

Legal advocacy organization fighting senior poverty by securing access to healthcare and economic security. 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. Springing POA only kicks in at incapacity; durable POA is active immediately. Most attorneys recommend durable for elder care. Open at no cost to New York seniors and the families supporting...

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

4. Legal Services Corporation — Free

Find free civil legal aid in your area — many programs help seniors with priority. 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. Springing POA only kicks in at incapacity; durable POA is active immediately. Most attorneys recommend durable for elder care. Free of charge — no eligibility paperwork required to call or browse.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

5. LawHelp.org — Free

Find free legal help, attorneys, and self-help resources by state. For older adults and families planning ahead — wills, trusts, power of attorney, advance directives, and Medicaid eligibility. Initial consultations are often free or under

00; bring the existing will, deed, and a list of assets and beneficiaries. Most state senior legal aid programs do not have asset limits — even a senior who owns a home may qualify. Open at no cost to New York seniors and the families supporting them.

Nationwide · Online

6. AARP Legal Counsel for the Elderly — Free

Free legal services for DC residents 60+; legal info articles for all. 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

7. ABA Commission on Law and Aging — Free

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. Free or low-cost legal aid is available statewide for seniors below specific income limits — apply even if it seems borderline. Springing POA only kicks in at incapacity; durable POA is active immediately. Most attorneys recommend durable for elder care. Free service; donations support but never gate access.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

8. Five Wishes — Free

America's most popular living will — completes legal advance directive in plain language. For older adults and families planning ahead — wills, trusts, power of attorney, advance directives, and Medicaid eligibility. Volunteer attorney programs run by state bar associations match low-income seniors with free counsel for civil matters. Free workshops at senior centers walk through wills, POA, and advance directives in plain English; attorneys often offer follow-up consults. Free, confidential, and...

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

9. National Disability Rights Network — Free

Federally mandated protection and advocacy systems in every state, serving older adults with disabilities. A starting point for any senior or family caregiver who's never put POA, healthcare proxy, or living will in writing. Free or low-cost legal aid is available statewide for seniors below specific income limits — apply even if it seems borderline. Most state senior legal aid programs do not have asset limits — even a senior who owns a home may qualify. Free, confidential, and available to any New...

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

10. Pension Rights Center — Free

Helps Americans secure and protect promised retirement benefits. For older adults and families planning ahead — wills, trusts, power of attorney, advance directives, and Medicaid eligibility. 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. All services free of charge to qualifying seniors...

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

11. National Senior Citizens Law Center — Free

Now Justice in Aging — legal advocacy for low-income seniors. For older adults and families planning ahead — wills, trusts, power of attorney, advance directives, and Medicaid eligibility. 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. Free, confidential, and available to any New York resident who needs...

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

12. National Guardianship Association — Free

Standards and resources for those serving as guardians or conservators. 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. Free workshops at senior centers walk through wills, POA, and advance directives in plain English; attorneys often offer follow-up consults. Open at no cost to New York seniors and the families supporting them.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

13. Estate Planning Council — Free

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. 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. Free service; donations support but never gate access.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

14. New York Elder Law Attorneys — Free

Find a qualified elder law attorney in New York via NAELA. 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. Springing POA only kicks in at incapacity; durable POA is active immediately. Most attorneys recommend durable for elder care. Free of charge — no eligibility paperwork required to call or browse.

Statewide · Varies · Visit Website

15. New York Legal Aid — Free

Free civil legal aid for New York seniors via Legal Services Corporation. For older adults and families planning ahead — wills, trusts, power of attorney, advance directives, and Medicaid eligibility. 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.

Statewide · Varies · Visit Website

Frequently Asked

How many elder law & estate resources are in New York?
Elders Corner tracks 15 elder law & estate resources for seniors and caregivers in New York.
Are elder law & estate resources in New York free?
15 of the 15 listed elder law & estate resources in New York are explicitly free or low-cost.
Which cities in New York have elder law & estate resources?
Resources serve multiple cities and counties in New York.
What are some examples of elder law & estate resources in New York?
Featured entries include National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, ElderLawAnswers, Justice in Aging, Legal Services Corporation, LawHelp.org.
Do these listings include phone numbers?
0 of 15 New York elder law & estate listings include phone numbers.