How to Choose an Elder Law Attorney

As we age, or as we help aging loved ones, the legal needs tend to grow more complex. Estate planning, long-term care, guardianships, Medi-Cal, and more can quickly become overwhelming. Choosing the right elder law attorney can mean the difference between feeling lost and feeling supported. Here’s what to look for and what questions to ask. 

What Expertise Should a Good Elder Law Attorney Have?

You want an attorney who has deep experience in issues specific to elder law, not just general practice. That includes: 

• Knowledge of public benefits like Medi-Cal, SSI, VA Aid & Attendance 

• Experience with guardianship or conservatorship proceedings when capacity becomes a concern 

• Familiarity with elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation laws and protections 

If an attorney has a proven history handling these kinds of cases, that’s a sign they know the legal landscape you’re entering.  

How Important Is Local Experience and Reputation?

Very. Laws and court practices can vary by county. An attorney who regularly works in your area will know local judges, common facility issues, and county-level procedural quirks, which can affect how your case is handled. 

To check reputation: 

• Look for peer-reviewed listings or “best lawyer” type recognition. In fact, a few members of our team were recently recognized by Best Lawyers. 

• Read client reviews, especially for similar elder law issues. We have over 600 five-star reviews on Google. 

• Check their standing with the State Bar (no disciplinary history) 

Local roots and a solid track record matter.  Here at J&Y Law, we’ve been serving Los Angeles for over 15-years, and we’re proud to have a presence across California.  

What Should You Ask During a First Meeting?

Here’s a checklist of questions that help you evaluate whether an elder law attorney is the right fit: 

• What elder law cases have you handled like mine? 

• How long have you been practicing elder law? 

• What is your success rate in those cases? 

• How will communication work (who communicates, how often)? 

• What fees do you charge? Contingency, flat, or hourly? Any hidden costs? 

• How do you handle guardianship or incapacity planning if that becomes necessary? 

Clear answers here help you avoid surprises later. 

Why Clear Communication and Empathy Make a Big Difference

Elder law cases often involve family stress, sensitive decisions, and sometimes grief. A good attorney is not only knowledgeable, but they’re patient. They should explain things simply and return your calls swiftly. If you leave a consultation feeling confused or dismissed, that attorney may not be the right fit. 

“When it comes to elder care, we’re rebuilding trust in a broken system,” says Justin Vitug, Associate Attorney at J&Y Law. “Here at our firm, I work alongside record clerks, case managers, and paralegals who treat every client like family. We explain things patiently, return every call, and even help schedule rides to appointments if that’s what it takes. That’s the standard of care our elders deserve.” 

What Kind of Fee Structure Is Fair?

At J&Y Law, we work on a contingency fee basis for elder abuse and personal injury cases. That means you pay nothing upfront, and no legal fees at all unless we win your case. 

This is the standard model for most reputable elder law and personal injury firms handling injury or neglect claims. It allows families to pursue justice without financial pressure during an already difficult time. 

While some elder law services like estate planning may involve flat fees or hourly billing, abuse and injury cases usually fall under contingency agreements. Be sure to ask what out-of-pocket costs like court filing fees or expert witnesses might be advanced on your behalf, and how reimbursement is handled after a settlement or verdict. 

The right law firm will also help you navigate medical reimbursement, protect your recovery from being unfairly reduced, and fight to maximize your final settlement. Winning your case is just the beginning. 

Why Choosing the Right Attorney Early Helps

Getting legal help before a crisis arises can save time, stress, and money. Proactive planning avoids rushed decisions, gives you more control, and often produces better outcomes for both care and finances. 

“Choosing the right attorney is the most important decision you’ll make in these cases,” explains Vitug. “We know the law, but we also own the outcome. Even if it’s a first for our client, our team has been there. We’ve recovered millions for neglected elders because we dig deeper to uncover evidence, push back against insulting offers from insurance companies, and we never forget who we’re fighting for.”