Virginia is getting older. More than 1.9 million Virginians are already 60 years of age or older. By 2030, nearly 1 in 5 residents will be 65 or above.
As families across the Commonwealth watch parents and grandparents age, questions about long-term care, protecting assets, and preserving dignity become more urgent.
That’s where elder law comes in. What does an elder law attorney do? The answer is simple. They help seniors and their families navigate the legal challenges of aging. Here’s how.
Understanding the Elder Law Attorney Role
Elder law is a broad field focused on the needs of older adults. Instead of addressing only one issue, an elder law attorney looks at the bigger picture. This may include healthcare, finances, housing, public benefits, and family needs.
Their job is to give seniors and their loved ones peace of mind by protecting their assets and quality of life.
So, what does an elder law attorney do for seniors in Virginia? They provide support in areas such as:
- Long-term care planning—helping families prepare for nursing home or assisted living costs, including Medicaid planning;
- Guardianship and decision-making—assisting when a senior can no longer manage their affairs and needs a trusted person appointed;
- Asset protection—structuring finances and property ownership to safeguard what seniors have worked hard to build; and
- Estate planning—drafting wills, trusts, and powers of attorney to clearly express wishes and avoid disputes.
Thinking about aging, illness, or end-of-life decisions is not always easy. But waiting too long can leave families scrambling during a crisis. An elder law attorney helps you prepare in advance so your family isn’t left dealing with confusion or costly legal battles later. They help families focus less on legal worries and more on spending time together.
Legal Tools Elder Law Attorneys Can Help With
Elder law covers many different areas, and every family’s situation is unique. Attorneys use a variety of legal tools to protect seniors and their families, such as:
- Advance medical directives. These documents allow seniors to name someone they trust to make healthcare decisions and outline treatment preferences if they cannot speak for themselves.
- Powers of attorney. By naming a trusted agent for financial matters, seniors can avoid costly guardianship proceedings later.
- Medicaid planning. Elder law attorneys help families understand Virginia’s Medicaid eligibility rules and structure assets to prepare for long-term care costs.
- Guardianship and conservatorship. When seniors can no longer manage their affairs, attorneys help families petition the court to appoint a guardian or conservator.
- Business and succession planning. Elder law attorneys can create transition plans for seniors who own businesses that protect family wealth and company stability.
These tools help protect seniors’ dignity, independence, and resources while reducing stress on their loved ones.
The Elder Law Attorney’s Role in Wills and Trusts
Wills and trusts must comply with specific requirements to be valid and enforceable in Virginia. For example, a will that isn’t properly signed or witnessed can be challenged or even ruled invalid in court. Trusts require the same level of care. They must be carefully drafted, funded, and managed to achieve their purpose.
Errors or vague language in these critical documents can cause confusion, delays, disputes, or loss of protections. The elder law attorney’s role in wills and trusts is to prevent these problems by drafting documents that meet Virginia’s legal standards and reflect your wishes.
A.R. Pike Law Provides the Support Virginia Seniors and Families Deserve
If you’ve been asking, What does an elder law attorney do? The attorneys at A.R. Pike Law can help you with the answers you need to prepare for life’s most important transitions. We understand these decisions are deeply personal, and we will listen to your concerns, explain your options, and build a plan that reflects your values.
At A.R. Pike Law, principal attorney Aaron Pike, a Lynchburg native and former U.S. Air Force attorney, brings discipline and dedication to his work. Attorney Chris Erich focuses on estate planning, probate, and business law. With over a decade of combined experience, our team has provided guidance tailored to each family’s circumstances.
From wills and trusts to Medicaid planning and guardianship, we protect Virginia seniors’ rights, dignity, and resources. Our firm combines local roots with big-city credentials. We have built a reputation for trusted service across the Commonwealth.
Call today to schedule a consultation. Take the first step toward protecting your future and those you care about most.
Resources:
- Will formalities, Va. Code Ann. § 64.2-403, link.
- Trust creation requirements, Va. Code Ann. § 64.2-720, link.
