Senior citizens in Delaware often have issues that require the assistance of a good lawyer. Some areas require legal intervention on behalf of senior citizens; other times, a senior just might need advice on minor issues. Seniors living on fixed incomes might think that hiring a lawyer is costly, but there are free or reduced-price legal services available to citizens older than 60.
Legal Aid Society of Delaware
The Legal Aid Society of Delaware offers an elder law program that provides limited legal services to people age 60 and older. Program services are free to senior citizens of Delaware regardless of income. It handles power of attorney for health care directives, housing problems, home repair problems and other consumer issues, along with Medicare and Social Security concerns. The program also can help with grandparent visitation, guardianship, nursing home care and basic information on wills.
Delaware Volunteer Legal Services
Delaware Volunteer Legal Services offers assistance to those elderly who are either income-eligible or terminally ill. Along with the Delaware Civil Clinic, Delaware Volunteer Legal Services assists with wills, powers of attorney and living wills for any senior who falls within federal poverty guidelines or who is terminally ill. The organizations also have attorneys who act as guardian at litem attorneys for seniors who are incompetent. Attorneys visit seniors in their homes or at hospitals.
General Information
The website for the Legal Aid Society's elder law program provides a wealth of information about basic topics such as prepare a will. The site contains information on elder care and nursing homes, as well as on guardianship. It also provides information on planning funeral services and where to go for assistance, if needed. The program publishes "The Legal Handbook for Older Delawareans" that is prepared by the Delaware State Bar Association. Seniors can download the handbook or request a copy via mail.
Delaware Help Line
The Delaware Help Line is a good resource for other Legal Aid Society programs and more in the three counties of the state, which are New Castle, Kent and Sussex. The Delaware Help Line contains links to lawyer referral sites as well as the Fraud and Consumer Protection Unit of the state attorney general's office. Seniors can find information on legal services, financial assistance, transportation, mental health counseling and emergency housing and food.
Tags: Legal Society, Delaware Help, Delaware Help Line, Delaware Volunteer, Delaware Volunteer Legal
