With 223,219 seniors living in Philadelphia
(14.01% 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 1 elder law attorney serving Philadelphia 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)
Philadelphia families searching for an elder law attorney can find qualified legal help through Sencarta. Our directory currently lists 1 verified elder law attorney serving the Philadelphia area, holding National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA) certification. This credential reflects specialized training in issues like Medicaid planning, guardianship, estate planning, and long-term care decisions.
With over 223,000 residents aged 65 and older, Philadelphia has one of the largest senior populations of any city in Pennsylvania. That is roughly 14% of the city's 1.59 million people. The demand for legal professionals who understand elder law in this region is significant, and finding the right attorney can make a real difference for families dealing with aging-related legal matters.
Sencarta helps you compare elder law attorneys in Philadelphia by credentials, certifications, and specialties so you can make an informed choice for your family.
Elder Law Attorneys Serving Philadelphia at a Glance
1
National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA) Certified
Why Choose a Local Elder Law Attorney in Philadelphia?
Elder law in Pennsylvania involves state-specific rules around Medicaid eligibility, power of attorney requirements, and estate recovery programs. An attorney who practices locally in Philadelphia will understand how the PA Department of Human Services handles Medicaid applications and what county-level probate courts expect. Philadelphia is also home to major medical and senior care networks, including those connected to Penn Medicine and Temple Health, so a local attorney will be familiar with coordinating legal planning alongside these institutions.
Working with a local elder law attorney also means easier access for in-person consultations, which matters when dealing with sensitive family decisions. Many seniors in neighborhoods like Chestnut Hill, Mount Airy, and the Northeast Philadelphia corridor rely on nearby professionals they can visit without a long commute. Sencarta's directory includes credential details for each listed attorney. Our current Philadelphia listing holds NAELA certification, giving families a clear way to evaluate qualifications before reaching out.
What to Look for in a Elder Law Attorney
When choosing an elder law attorney in Philadelphia, 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 Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia's local probate court procedures?
8. What happens if my loved one's situation changes after we complete our planning?
Frequently Asked Questions
Elder law attorneys handle legal matters that affect older adults and their families. In Philadelphia, common issues include Medicaid planning and applications through Pennsylvania's programs, setting up powers of attorney and advance directives, guardianship proceedings in Philadelphia County courts, estate planning, and protecting assets for long-term care. They can also help with Social Security and Veterans Administration benefits.
Costs vary depending on the complexity of your situation. Many elder law attorneys in the Philadelphia region charge between $250 and $450 per hour for consultations and legal work. Some offer flat-fee packages for specific services like drafting a will or establishing a power of attorney, which can range from $500 to $2,500. Initial consultations may be free or offered at a reduced rate. Always ask about fee structures upfront.
NAELA stands for the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys. Attorneys with this credential have demonstrated specialized knowledge in elder law topics like Medicaid, guardianship, and estate planning. The 1 elder law attorney listed on Sencarta in Philadelphia holds NAELA certification. This gives families confidence that the attorney has training beyond a general law practice and stays current on issues affecting older adults.
Start by looking at credentials and certifications. Check if the attorney has specialized training like NAELA membership. Consider their location relative to your family, especially if an aging parent lives in a specific part of the city. Ask about their experience with Pennsylvania Medicaid rules and Philadelphia County court procedures. Sencarta lets you review attorney profiles, certifications, and qualifications to help you compare options before scheduling a consultation.
