Estate & Elder Law Services – Wilmington, DE

Estate and Elder Law Services: Protecting Seniors and Their Families

Compassionate Guidance for Life’s Later Stages

Estate and Elder Law Services (EAELS) is a dedicated law practice located in Wilmington, Delaware, focused exclusively on the unique legal needs of the elderly and their families. Founded in 1992, the firm has spent over three decades helping Delawareans navigate the complex and often emotional landscape of aging, disability, and legacy planning. Led by experienced attorney William W. Erhart, the firm operates with a mission to provide peace of mind through comprehensive legal planning. Unlike general practice firms, EAELS devotes its entire energy to elder law, ensuring that they remain at the cutting edge of Medicaid regulations, tax laws, and estate planning strategies.

The team at Estate and Elder Law Services understands that discussing topics like nursing home care, incapacity, and death can be difficult. They strive to create a warm, supportive environment where clients feel heard and respected. Whether a family is in crisis mode trying to secure immediate Medicaid benefits for a loved one entering a nursing home, or a couple is proactively planning their estate to avoid probate, the firm offers tailored solutions. Their holistic approach often involves collaboration with social workers, geriatric care managers, and financial advisors to ensure that the client’s medical, financial, and legal needs are fully integrated.

Specialized Services for Seniors

Estate and Elder Law Services provides a robust array of legal solutions designed to protect assets and ensure quality of life:

• Medicaid Planning: guiding families through the intricate Medicaid application process to secure funding for long-term care while legally protecting the family home and life savings.
• Estate Planning: Drafting clear and legally sound wills, revocable living trusts, and irrevocable trusts to ensure assets are distributed according to the client’s wishes.
• Powers of Attorney: Establishing durable financial and healthcare powers of attorney to designate trusted individuals to make decisions in the event of incapacity.
• Guardianship: Assisting families in obtaining legal guardianship for loved ones who can no longer manage their own affairs due to dementia or other disabilities.
• Probate and Estate Administration: Helping executors and administrators navigate the Delaware probate process efficiently, minimizing stress and disputes.
• Special Needs Planning: creating special needs trusts to provide for family members with disabilities without jeopardizing their eligibility for government benefits.
• Veterans Benefits: Assisting veterans and their spouses in obtaining the VA Aid and Attendance benefit to help cover the cost of care.

A Legacy of Service

William W. Erhart is a Certified Elder Law Attorney (CELA) by the National Elder Law Foundation, a distinction held by only a small percentage of attorneys nationwide. This certification underscores his deep knowledge and commitment to the field. The firm’s long-standing presence in the community is a testament to the trust they have earned from thousands of Delaware families. Clients frequently praise the staff for their patience, empathy, and ability to explain complex legal jargon in simple terms. By focusing on preservation of dignity and assets, Estate and Elder Law Services acts as a shield for vulnerable seniors against the financial devastation of long-term care costs.

‘We help you protect what matters most-your family, your home, and your legacy. Our goal is to give you the peace of mind to enjoy your golden years.’

The firm is committed to education, frequently holding seminars and workshops to inform the public about the importance of planning ahead. They believe that an informed client is an empowered client.

Convenient Office on Centerville Road

The firm’s office is located at 2961 Centerville Road, sharing the same professional complex as other prominent legal and medical practices. Situated near the intersection of Faulkland Road, the location is easily accessible from Route 141 and Kirkwood Highway. The suburban setting offers a quiet and accessible alternative to downtown Wilmington, with ample parking and wheelchair-friendly access. For families in New Castle County seeking specialized, compassionate legal counsel for their aging loved ones, Estate and Elder Law Services is the premier choice.