The selection of an elder law attorney may be critically important to your loved ones. In a small
state like NH finding attorneys who only practice elder law can de difficult. When seeking an elder
law attorney, we recommend that you find someone belonging to professional associations beyond the Bar,
organizations like
National Elder Law Foundation
or the
National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys. You can also
inquire if (s)he is a
Certified Elder Law Attorney.
Keep in mind that in most cases, fees charged by elder law attorneys are negotiable. Your lawyer
runs a business - it just happens to be a law office. Whatever thier fee quote, feel free to make
a counter offer. If done tactfully, NH Lawyers rarely object.
Be careful though,
the cheapest lawyer isn't always the best.
To get an idea of how fellow attorneys rate each other,
consult
Martindale-Hubbell and to interpret
the information see their
explanation page.
For additional information, read
Selecting, Hiring and Working with a Lawyer.
One more important thought. In NH, it is a crime to not report certain suspected cases of elder abuse.
RSA 161-F:46 requires any person that has a reason to believe that an elderly incapacitated adult has been
subjected to physical abuse, neglect, or exploitation or is living in hazardous conditions to notify the
Department of Health and Human Services or their local law enforcement agency.
Any person (other than the alleged perpetrator) who makes a report of an alleged incident of abuse,
neglect or exploitation in good faith shall have immunity from any criminal or civil liability.
