With 82,036 seniors living in Boston
(12.32% of the population)
, families here face important decisions about care, finances, and life transitions every day.
Whether you're planning for the future with estate documents, navigating the complexities of Medicaid eligibility, or addressing guardianship concerns, working with an attorney who specializes in elder law can make all the difference. These professionals understand the specific legal challenges facing older adults — from protecting assets to ensuring healthcare wishes are honored — in ways that general practice attorneys simply don't.
We've verified 18 elder law attorneys serving Boston who have made senior services their specialty. Browse their profiles below to find the right fit for your family.
Population data: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates (2022)
Boston, MA is home to 18 verified elder law attorneys listed on Sencarta, all holding National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA) certification. For a city with an estimated 82,036 residents aged 65 and older, having access to qualified legal help focused on senior issues is not a luxury. It is a practical necessity.
Elder law covers a wide range of legal matters that affect older adults and their families, including Medicaid planning, estate planning, guardianship, long-term care decisions, and protection against financial exploitation. Boston's senior population makes up roughly 12.32% of the city's 665,945 residents, and that number continues to grow as neighborhoods like Beacon Hill, Brookline (just across the border), and West Roxbury remain popular with retirees who want to stay close to world-class hospitals like Mass General and Brigham and Women's.
Sencarta makes it easy to compare elder law attorneys in the Boston area by credentials, specialties, and client feedback. Every one of the 18 professionals in our directory is certified, so you can start your search with confidence that you are looking at qualified practitioners.
Why Choose a Local Elder Law Attorney in Boston?
Massachusetts has its own set of rules when it comes to Medicaid eligibility, MassHealth applications, estate recovery, and trust law. An elder law attorney who practices in Boston will understand these state-specific regulations and how they interact with federal programs like Medicare and Social Security. They will also know the local probate courts, including Suffolk County Probate and Family Court, and can represent your family efficiently without a steep learning curve.
Sencarta lists 18 verified elder law attorneys serving Boston, giving you a solid pool of qualified professionals to choose from. Each attorney in our directory holds NAELA certification, which signals specialized training in elder law beyond a standard law degree. Working with someone local also means easier in-person meetings, which can matter when discussing sensitive topics like incapacity planning or nursing home transitions with aging parents.
What to Look for in a Elder Law Attorney
When choosing an elder law attorney in Boston, look for someone who focuses specifically on issues affecting seniors and their families. Key credentials include membership in the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA) and relevant state bar certifications. Experience matters: ask how many Medicaid applications they've handled, whether they've dealt with contested guardianships, and how familiar they are with local probate courts.
A good elder law attorney should also be a good communicator. They'll be explaining complex legal concepts to family members who may be stressed or unfamiliar with legal processes. Look for someone who takes time to answer questions and doesn't rush through consultations.
Services Offered by Elder Law Attorneys
Elder law attorneys in Boston typically handle a range of services focused on aging-related legal needs:
• Estate Planning: Wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and advance healthcare directives
• Medicaid Planning: Strategies for qualifying for long-term care benefits while protecting assets
• Guardianship & Conservatorship: Court proceedings when a loved one can no longer make decisions
• Veterans Benefits: Assistance with Aid & Attendance and other VA programs
• Long-Term Care Planning: Nursing home contracts, assisted living agreements
• Elder Abuse: Protection from financial exploitation and neglect
• Special Needs Planning: Trusts for disabled family members
Questions to Ask a Elder Law Attorney
Before hiring an elder law attorney, consider asking these questions:
1. What percentage of your practice is dedicated to elder law?
2. Are you a member of NAELA or certified in elder law by your state bar?
3. How many Medicaid applications have you handled in the past year?
4. What is your fee structure — hourly, flat fee, or both?
5. How do you communicate with clients — phone, email, in-person meetings?
6. Can you provide references from families you've helped with similar situations?
7. How familiar are you with Boston's local probate court procedures?
8. What happens if my loved one's situation changes after we complete our planning?
