Your first meeting with an elder law attorney will be more productive if you prepare in advance. Generally, elder law attorneys initially meet with family members – spouse or children – of the prospective client. You should bring to that initial meeting information and documentation concerning your elderly loved one’s identity, income and and resources, including social security and Medicare cards, recent bank statements, social security statement for the current year, pension and retirement statements, mortgage and real estate. Below is a sample Checklist (© 2014 by Wyatt & Gracey, PC. All Rights Reserved). When meeting with an elder law attorney, it would be very helpful, but not absolutely necessary, to bring with you as much of the following materials as you can assemble:
Five years preceding current year of tax returns.
Copy of Proof US citizenship.
Copy of Social Security and Medicare cards (including spouse if applicable)
Copy of Durable Power of Attorney, or Legal Guardianship.
Copy of Durable Health Care Power of Attorney and Advance Directive
Copy of Last Will and Testament
Copy of social security annual statements, pension reports, verification of income.
Copy of any trust agreement.
Copy of all notes, stocks, and bonds.
Copy of deeds or receipts to cemetery property.
Copy of pre-need funeral contracts.
Copies of recent property tax statements and central appraisal district statements for all real estate, including oil rights.
Copy of deed to real estate.
Copy of all current bank statements.
Proof of eligibility for SSI or SSDI benefits, if applicable.
Written proof of all debts and creditors.
Written proof of cost of care including nursing home bills and estimates.
Copies of Promissory Notes and Mortgages payable to applicant or spouse.
Copies of Premium statements for all insurances.
Copies of Life Insurance Policies and Annuity Policies.
Copies of registration to all automobiles owned by applicant or spouse.