Seniors - State Bar of California Advice on Hiring an Attorney
The State Bar of California has prepared an informational booklet for Seniors. It explains some of the basic rules and warnings for hiring an attorney.
Here is the link to that website: What Seniors and Their Caregivers Should Consider When Working with an Attorney
Here is an outline of what the State Bar says on that website.
"Legal Services for Seniors" from the State Bar of California provides guidance for seniors on accessing legal assistance and protecting their rights. Below is a summary of its key contents:
- Introduction: The document emphasizes the importance of legal services for seniors, who may face issues like elder abuse, fraud, or estate planning. It aims to help seniors navigate legal challenges and find affordable, reliable legal support.
- Common Legal Issues for Seniors:
- Elder Abuse and Neglect: Information on recognizing and addressing physical, emotional, or financial abuse, including how to report it.
- Consumer Fraud: Guidance on avoiding scams targeting seniors, such as telemarketing fraud or identity theft.
- Housing: Advice on tenant rights, senior housing options, and avoiding foreclosure or eviction.
- Health Care: Information on Medicare, Medi-Cal, and long-term care rights.
- Estate Planning: Tips on creating wills, trusts, and powers of attorney to manage assets and health care decisions.
- Grandparent Rights: Legal options for grandparents seeking custody or visitation with grandchildren.
- Finding Legal Help:
- Free or Low-Cost Legal Services: Lists organizations like Legal Aid, senior legal hotlines, and pro bono programs funded by the State Bar for low-income seniors.
- Lawyer Referral Services: Recommends certified lawyer referral services to connect seniors with qualified attorneys.
- Hiring a Private Attorney: Tips on selecting an attorney, understanding fees, and checking credentials through the State Bar’s attorney search tool.
- Self-Help Resources: Suggests using court self-help centers and online legal guides for those handling minor issues independently.
- Protecting Your Rights:
- Attorney Conduct: Explains how to file a complaint against an attorney for misconduct via the State Bar’s hotline or website.
- Consumer Protection: Encourages seniors to verify professionals (e.g., financial advisors) and report fraud to authorities like the California Department of Justice.
- Additional Resources:
- Provides Ascertain provides contact information for senior-focused organizations, government agencies, and legal aid offices.
- Multilingual Support: Notes that some resources are available in languages like Spanish, Vietnamese, Korean, Chinese, and Russian.
- State Bar’s Role: Highlights the State Bar’s mission to protect the public by funding legal aid and regulating attorneys.
- Practical Tips:
- Be cautious of free consultations that may lead to high-pressure sales.
- Keep organized records of legal documents.
- Seek help early to prevent small issues from escalating.
More generally the State Bar of California also has a pamphlet that gives guidance in hiring a lawyer.