May 2001
National Elder Law Month: Elder Law Resources

The National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (“NAELA”) has again this year declared the month of May to be National Elder Law Month. Some states have also declared the Month of May as Elder law Month. At the time of writing this column, Utah had not yet declared whether it will join this movement or not. The reader is advised to call the Governor’s Office at 538-1000, or outside the Salt Lake City Area, call toll-free at 1-800-705-2464.

In celebration of National Elder Law Month, I am devoting this column to sources of information and help for senior citizens, especially those sources relating to legal matters. Hopefully, the reader will save this column for future reference when some legal need arises.

With the Internet becoming so accessible, even by seniors, I will refer to many Internet sites that may be helpful to the reader. One of the most extensive sources of elder law information is contained on NAELA’s web site at www.naela.com. This notational format to identify useful senior sources.

In addition to general information and a directory of Elder Law Attorneys, NAELA’s site contains more than 50 “hot links” to other Internet sites. The term “hot links” simply means that you only have to click your mouse on the link or address and you will be taken immediately to that particular site.

The Center for Social Gerontology maintains a web site that provides information on federal legislation, both enacted and pending: www.tcsg.org. For instance, you can go to that site and obtain a copy of the President’s proposed budget for the Administration on Aging programs for next year or obtain information on the Older Americans Act.

If you do not have access to the Internet, you might ask a child, grandchild, relative, or a friend to help you. Also, many of the local senior centers provide Internet access to seniors. However, if you have no access to the Internet, you can write or call the Center for Social Gerontology at 2307 Shelby Avenue, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48103; (734) 665-1126.

At the State level, you can contact Mary Jane Ciccarello, Legal Services Developer, Division of Aging and Adult Services, 120 North, 200 West, #325, Salt Lake City, UT 84103; (801) 538‑4641; e‑mail at mciccare@hs.state.ut.us.

Also at the State level, the Aging Services Program provides services as set forth in the Older Americans Act. It is funded by federal, state, and local governments: www.hsdaas.state.ut.us/srvage.htm, or, call 538-3910 in Salt Lake City. There are 12 area offices throughout the State. For local information, check the telephone directory or call Aging Services at the above number.

At the national level, there is the National Senior Citizens Law Center, 1101 14 th Street, NW, Suite 400, Washington, DC 2005. Or, you can access them on the Internet at www.nsclc.org. The NSCLC is a not for profit organization that advocates nationwide to promote independence and well-being of low-income elderly individuals.

For low-income seniors (usually below 125% of the federal poverty level), legal services may be available through Utah Legal Services. Qualifications and services may be obtained at www.uls.state.ut.us/services.html. Or, call them at 328‑8891, or toll free at 1‑800‑662‑4245.

The Utah State Bar sponsors a free legal advice program in Salt Lake City known as the Tuesday Night Bar. This is an evening where lawyers volunteer to meet one‑on‑one with individuals for 30 minutes at no cost to assist the public in determining their legal rights. These consultations are held four Tuesdays each month between 5:00 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. at the Utah Law & Justice Center, 645 South 200 East. Appointments may be scheduled by calling 531‑9077.

For the more adventurous, you can access Utah’s Code (or statutes), if you know the specific title, chapter, and section, at www.romingerlegal.com/state/utah.html. Utah’s statutes may be accessed, read, and printed. Searching is difficult, but the full text of the particular code sections desired are available at no cost. This site is provided free by Rominger, a Pennsylvania corporation specializing in hosting and developing web sites. Since the site provides free legal information, it can be used without subscription or fees.

The Internet will undoubtedly continue to expand services of all kind, including legal services and services for seniors. But, it can be confusing. If you need an attorney, especially for age-related issues such as estate planning, Medicaid, Guardianship, Conservatorship, good legal advice is important; you should contact an Elder Law Attorney. To locate an Elder Law Attorney, check with the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys at (520) 881-4005, or your local Yellow Pages.

YOUR QUESTIONS: Do you have a particular question that you would like answered? To better serve the readers of the Utah Spirit, please direct your questions in writing to Michael A. Jensen, Elder Law Attorney, PO Box 571708, Salt Lake City, Utah 84157-1708, or by e-mail at: mike-spirit@utahattorney.com. From time to time, I will attempt to answer some of those questions.