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Understanding Elder Law

Justice Scale statue representing senior legal support and advocacy.

As we age, our legal needs can start to look a little different. Questions about wills, power of attorney, long-term care, or protecting savings often become more important. That’s where elder law comes in; it’s a special area of law that focuses on the needs of older adults and their families. In this post, we’ll look at what elder law means, why it matters, and how it can help you plan for the future. We’ll also share some local legal resources that can guide you through decisions about health care, finances, and aging with peace of mind. No matter where you are in your aging journey, understanding elder law is an important step in protecting the people and things that matter most. 

 

What is Elder Law? 

The National Elder Law Foundation defines elder law as “a specialized area of law practice that focuses on issues facing people who are advancing in age or who want to plan for their elder years and end-of-life care.” Elder law is a broad term that can mean different things to different older adults or legal services. Although there’s no set list of elder law categories, elder law usually focuses on a few aspects of aging. 

 

 

Estate Planning (wills, trusts, etc.) 

 

 

Public Benefits (Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security, etc.) 

  • Bassett Murray Law Group– can assist clients with asset management, speeding up the Medicaid application process, and plan for Medicaid. Call (734) 930-9200 for more information. Fees apply! 
  • Benefits Checkup (via National Council on Aging – search the website to find programs in your community that can help you to afford daily expenses and continue to live independently. Helpline can be reached at 1-800-794-6559. 
  • Chalgian & Tripp Law Offices– can help with Medicaid planning. Call (734) 352-6950 for more information. Fees apply! 
  • Faith in Action– benefits navigators can help with applications for SNAP/food stamps, Medicaid, and other publicly funded programs. Can also help with setting up a MIBridges account. Call (734) 475-3305 for more information.  
  • Healthy Michigan Plan– provides low-cost health care benefits to Michigan residents. Call 1-855-789-5610 for more information.  
  • Manchester Community Resource Center– MIBridges navigation assistance can connect older adults with Medicaid, food assistance, and other public benefits. Call (734) 428-7722 for more information. 
  • Michigan’s Coordinated Access to Food for the Elderly (MiCAFE)- helps older adults apply for benefits to assist with basic needs, such as food, utilities, housing, and prescription drugs. Call (877) 664-2233 for more information.  
  • Public Benefits Advocacy Project (via U of M)- this is a program of U of M’s law school that helps community members apply for public benefits, including food assistance, cash assistance, and Medicaid. Call (734) 274-9077 for more information. 
  • Social Security Administration– enrolls financially eligible Medicare beneficiaries in Part D Extra Help to assist with prescription costs. Enrolls financially eligible seniors and younger disabled people in Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Call 1-800-772-1213 for more information.  
  • Washtenaw County Department of Health and Human Services– administers financial assistance programs such as Medicaid and SNAP food benefits, Call (734) 481-2000 for more information.  

 

Representative Payee (a “person, agency, organization, or institution [Social Security selects] to manage your benefits when we determine that you are unable to do so yourself or direct others to do it for you”) 

  • B&B Payee Services– can help with filing reports to the Social Security Administration, sending written reports to beneficiaries, and advocating to protect, maintain, or reinstate benefits. Call (734) 480-1347 for more information. 
  • Michigan Ability Partners– supports people who need help managing their Social Security or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. Cal (734) 975-6880 for more information.  
  • When a Representative Payee Manages Your Money via Social Security Administration 

 

 

Housing (e.g., tenants’ rights, grievances, etc.) 

 

 

Health and Personal Care Planning (e.g., durable power of attorney) 

 

 

Guardianship and Conservatorship 

  • Ann Arbor Estate Planning– can help with setting up a guardianship or conservatorship for their loved ones. Call (734) 827-9450 for more information. Fees apply! 
  • Chalgian & Tripp Law Offices– can help clients obtain guardianship and conservatorship over their loved ones with dignity. Call (734) 352-6950 for more information. Fees apply! 

 

 

Elder Abuse 

  • Adult Protective Services– call to report vulnerable adults age 18+ being abused, neglected, or exploited. APS workers will provide support if the case is approved. Callers can be anonymous. Call (855) 444-3911 to make a report. 
  • Dispute Resolution Center– offers mediation and restorative justice services. No charge if referred by the Prosecutor’s Office. Call (734) 794-2125 for more information. Fees apply if no current court case! 
  • Michigan Long Term Care Ombudsman– this program advocates for the health, safety, and well-being of Michigan residents in nursing homes, homes for the aged, and adult foster care homes. Call (517) 827-8040 for more information.  

 

 

Veterans  

  • Department of Veterans Affairs– can help veterans and their dependents file claims for federal, state, and local benefits. Call (734) 973-4540 for more information.  
  • Veterans Legal Clinic (via U of M)- helps veterans and their families in civil matters such as eviction, foreclosure, fraud, civil rights claims, and landlord-tenant issues. Call (734) 763-2798 for more information.  
  • Geriatrics and Extended Care via U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (includes information on advance directives and durable power of attorney) 
  • MI Military Veterans Legal Guide via Michigan.gov 

 

 

Law Offices with Social Workers/Case Managers 

 

 

Legal Hotlines 

  • Lakeshore Legal Aid (888) 783-8190
  • Lawyer Referral and Information Service (via Washtenaw County Bar Association)- for a $30 fee, anyone can call the hotline and receive an attorney’s name and information, plus a 30-minute consultation with the assigned attorney. Also has Family Law Modest Means Program where those eligible can hire an attorney at $75/hour. Call (734) 996-3229 for more information.  
  • Legal Hotline for Older Michigan Citizens– offers free access to experienced attorneys for Michigan residents age 60 and older. Provides advice on issues such as Medicare and Medicaid, Social Security, medical bills, will and probate, real estate, personal injury, and landlord/tenant relations.  Call 1-800-347-5297 

 

 

Helpful Websites 

  • Michigan Legal Help– provides free legal information for people representing themselves in court. Also has advice for finding legal representation and other community organizations to help with legal matters. 
  • MI-Resolve– provides a quick, free, and easy way to resolve disputes that are typically filed as a small claims or landlord/tenant case in the district court. Can use with or without the help of a mediator. Supported by the Michigan Supreme Court Administrative Office. 
  • National Elder Law Foundation– find a certified elder law attorney in your community.