Legal & Advocacy

A number of public and private agencies assist seniors with legal issues and to inform them of their rights. While some agencies help seniors plan ahead in effort to avoid future legal concerns or rights abuses, others help seniors resolve legal problems that could not be prevented.

Legal and advocacy services offered by public or non-profit organizations may be free or low-cost for those that meet certain age and income guidelines. Private legal service fees vary by agency and by legal task or advice sought.

Elder Law Attorneys
Elder law attorneys provide legal assistance across a broad array of legal issues and specialize in providing assistance to older adults. Common areas of law practiced by elder law attorneys include the following: Medical Assistance, Social Security and disability, long-term care, durable power of attorney, living trusts, conservatorships and guardianships, tax planning, estate planning and will planning.

Elder law attorneys are employed in public, non-profit, and private firm settings. Elder law attorneys are often members of an elder law professional association such as the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, Inc (Off Site).

Health Care Directives
The Minnesota Health Care Directive is a legal written document that informs others of a person’s health care wishes. This document provides instructions to health care providers and family members regarding medical decisions in situations where a person cannot speak on their own behalf. The document also allows the patient to name a health care agent for themselves. A Health Care Agent is a person who will make health care decisions for someone if they are unable to do so for themselves. To download a copy of the Minnesota Health Care Directive visit the Publications Page.

Office of Ombudsman for Older Minnesotans (Off Site)
Ombudsmen are consumer advocates who handle complaints that affect the health, safety, welfare and rights of long-term care consumers. They have the authority to investigate complaints and negotiate to resolve disputes between consumers and nursing homes, boarding care homes, adult foster care, assisted living residences, home care agencies, hospitals and government agencies.

Information About Senior Legal Rights
There are a number of legal issues that particularly pertain to seniors and their rights. Some of these issues include: Consumer Protections, Crime Victims Rights, Estate Planning, Health Care, Human Rights, and Utilities. The Attorney General's Office (Off Site) has created a number of publications that are geared toward seniors.

Updated 07/13/2007