Elder Law Program – Wilmington, DE

Dedicated Legal Support for Seniors

The Elder Law Program (ELP) is a vital service provided by the Community Legal Aid Society, Inc. (CLASI), Delaware’s oldest and largest civil legal aid organization. Founded in 1946, CLASI has a long history of combating injustice and supporting the most vulnerable members of society. The Elder Law Program is specifically designed to assist Delaware residents aged 60 and older with civil legal issues that impact their health, safety, and independence. Located in the Community Service Building in downtown Wilmington, this program ensures that seniors have access to high-quality legal representation regardless of their ability to pay. If you are looking to find a lawyer to help an aging parent or yourself with critical life planning, the Elder Law Program offers compassionate and expert guidance.

Essential Estate and Health Planning

One of the primary functions of the Elder Law Program is to help seniors document their wishes for the future. Their attorneys assist with drafting powers of attorney and advance healthcare directives, ensuring that trusted individuals can make financial and medical decisions if the client becomes incapacitated. While they do not typically handle complex estate taxes or large asset distributions, they provide the essential legal tools needed to protect a senior’s autonomy. By helping clients create these documents, the program prevents the need for costly and restrictive guardianships later on. If you need to order a lawyer to secure your peace of mind, the ELP provides these services to eligible seniors free of charge.

Housing and Consumer Protection

Beyond planning, the Elder Law Program serves as a shield against exploitation and instability. They represent seniors in housing disputes, fighting evictions and addressing unsafe living conditions to keep older adults in their homes. The program also tackles consumer fraud, helping victims of scams, predatory lending, and contractor fraud recover their losses. Additionally, they assist with public benefits issues, ensuring that seniors receive the Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid support they are entitled to. With a holistic approach to legal aid, the Elder Law Program stands as a fierce advocate for the dignity and rights of Wilmington’s elderly community.