CELA vs Specialist Attorney

MrBurns

Hello - it's my first post!

My wife is newly-diagnosed. Probably stage 2 sometimes 3. Most of our financial and legal things are in order (DPoA's, wills, etc.), but I do have some things I need legal help on now that our situation has changed. I see CELA's mentioned on here a lot, but a quick check on the website shows the nearest ones are in the big city - a 2-hour drive away. I don't mind teleconferences, but I guess I'm old-school and would like to meet face-to-face.

So, the question: Do I *really* need a CELA, or can I just work with an attorney who specializes in elder law? I have an initial consultation set up with a local person later this month, so I will know more about my "gut feelings" after that meeting. Any advice is appreciated!

jfkoc

Our legal work was not done by a CELA. I am completely satisfied with original and ongoing work . They did DPOAs (one health one finance, Living Wills, Trusts.

They might not have been best if Medicaid was in the future.

Have the meeting, Share what you think needs to be done, Listen to what they say and then do trust your gut.

One thing about a local attorney. They may be more than willing to come to your home.

SDianeL

We didn't use a CELA. We used an Elder Law Attorney and are happy with what he did. Find someone who understands assets to qualify for Medicaid. Insurance or Medicare doesn't pay for long term care. Only Medicaid and there are asset & financial requirements. Long term care is very expensive. We don't have to worry about that thank goodness.

charley0419

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/comment/187780#Comment_187780

Is that because you have the funds or special insurance??

M5M

I did use a CELA and feel you still have to interview and research who you work with.....the first person I visited was CELA but told me "go back to the atty who made your first will (20 years ago, not CELA), he can help you." The second was a Certified Elder Attorney but he didn't handle any Medicaid issues. The third person was CELA and did pretty good......BUT....I didn't feel I got thorough answers to my questions and --most importantly--there are some problems that could have been figured out prior to paying for the Trust, which I may not end up using!

I went to CELA with the idea of shielding some assets for Medicaid eligibility. If you have some assets/financial investments, it would be advisable to include the financial advisor to find out if any investments have particular requirements. Make sure the FA is aware of the alz diagnosis for spouse and get the CELA and FA to talk about what assets qualify or not. I arranged the conversation but still didn't get 100% what I wanted, on top of being disappointed about the communication. We did get updated will, POAs, etc, so most of what I needed is done and the rest is in process, but Medicaid is off the table.

MrBurns

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/comment/187853#Comment_187853

Thanks for that insight! Yes, our financial advisor is aware of the diagnosis, and I'm sure she stands ready to do whatever we need done, but she (obviously) won't give legal advice. I hadn't thought about getting her and the lawyer to talk to each other, but it's a great idea! I'll go to the initial consultation with the lawyer in a couple of weeks, and I'll know more about what I want to do then. I'm also going to ask at tomorrow's support group meeting if anyone has worked with him, or maybe someone else they liked.

MrBurns

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/comment/187753#Comment_187753

Thanks for your reply. It's great info!

MrBurns

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/comment/187780#Comment_187780

I'm learning far more about Medicare and Medicaid than I ever wanted to. 😖😯

Thanks for your comments. I appreciate them!

SDianeL

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/comment/187832#Comment_187832

it's because my husband is a disabled veteran and the VA is helping us. I don't know what I would do if it wasn't for them.