Best Kansas City Elder Law Attorneys
in 2025 
|
Jonathan Steele Steele Nursing Home Abuse Law |
Call Today 816-466-5947 |
View Profile |
Our Selection Process
Attorney at Law Magazine established Local Legal Authorities in 2019 to help consumers find the best Kansas City elder law attorneys for their specific needs. The magazine has been interviewing attorneys since 2009. Every Kansas City elder law Local Legal Authority attorney focuses most of his or her time on cases and legal matters within the specific practice area for which they have been listed. Each attorney is highly successful in their practice area and has consumer reviews to confirm it. We hand-selected this list of attorneys because of their passion for justice, their credibility, and their ultimate desire to best represent their clients. No algorithms, patented technology or award-ranking systems helped us create this list. We curated a selection of passionate Kansas City elder law attorneys with the relentless desire to represent clients like you to the very best of their ability. Reach out to any attorney you would like to work with today.
How to Select the Best Elder Law Attorney
Step 1: Look for Experience and Focus
Elder law is a highly focused legal field that covers issues such as wills and trusts, Medicaid planning, nursing home rights, powers of attorney, and end-of-life care directives. When searching for an attorney, ensure they have years of experience, specifically in elder law cases rather than general estate planning or family law. Attorneys who are certified in elder law (CELA) or are members of organizations like the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA) are typically more experienced in handling senior-related legal matters.
Step 2: Research Their Reputation and Client Reviews
A strong track record and positive client testimonials can give you confidence in an attorney’s ability to handle elder law cases effectively. Look for online reviews, client testimonials and referrals from family, friends or financial advisors. Check if the attorney has successfully helped clients secure Medicaid benefits, resolve long-term care disputes, or create solid estate plans. If an attorney has numerous positive reviews and a history of successful cases, it’s a good sign they are reliable and knowledgeable.
Step 3: Evaluate Their Communication and Approach
Elder law cases often involve complex legal and financial matters, making it essential to choose an attorney who communicates clearly and explains options in a straightforward manner. During the initial consultation, be sure to pay attention to their willingness to listen, patience in answering questions, and ability to simplify legal jargon. An ideal Kansas City elder law attorney should be compassionate, patient, and understanding, as they often work with seniors facing emotional and financial concerns.
Step 4: Discuss Fees and Legal Strategies
Before making a final decision, ask about the attorney’s fee structure. Some Kansas City elder law attorneys charge hourly rates, while others offer flat fees for services like drafting wills, trusts, or Medicaid applications. Ensure there are no hidden costs and that you understand what services are included in their fee agreement. Additionally, discuss the legal strategy they recommend for your situation—whether it’s protecting assets from long-term care costs, setting up a power of attorney, or contesting a guardianship. The right attorney should have a clear plan tailored to your needs.
Recommendations While You Wait to Connect to an Attorney
- Gather Essential Documents: Collect key documents such as wills, trusts, deeds, bank statements, insurance policies, and medical records. If the meeting is for a loved one, bring power of attorney documents or healthcare directives if available.
- Make a List of Questions and Concerns: Write down any legal, financial, or healthcare concerns you want to discuss. Common topics include long-term care planning, Medicaid eligibility, estate planning, guardianship, and asset protection.
- Review Financial Statements: Understanding income sources, assets, debts, and expenses will help your elder law attorney in Kansas City provide tailored legal strategies. Collect recent bank statements, tax returns, retirement accounts, and investment details.
- Identify Family Decision-Makers: If you’re planning for an aging parent, consider who will be involved in legal and financial decisions. Discussing potential executors, trustees, or guardians ahead of time can streamline decision-making.
- Research Medicaid and Long-Term Care Options: If Medicaid planning is a concern, familiarize yourself with eligibility rules and asset limits. Understanding how Medicaid works can help you ask informed questions.
- Document Current Healthcare Needs: List any medical conditions, prescriptions, and ongoing treatments that may affect long-term care planning.
- Talk to Family Members: If the legal matters involve inheritance, caregiving, or end-of-life decisions, consider discussing your plans with family members to ensure everyone is on the same page.
- Stay Organized: Create a folder or digital file to keep all documents and notes in one place, making it easier to reference during your meeting.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When Should I Hire an Elder Law Attorney in Kansas City?
You should consider hiring an elder law attorney in Kansas City when planning for long-term care, protecting assets, or making important legal and financial decisions related to aging. Some common reasons to consult an elder law attorney include:
- Drafting or updating a will, trust, or power of attorney
- Navigating Medicaid and long-term care planning
- Protecting assets from nursing home costs
- Establishing guardianship or conservatorship for an elderly loved one
- Handling probate and estate administration
- Addressing elder abuse or financial exploitation
The earlier you meet with an attorney, the better you can plan ahead and avoid legal complications.
- What Is the Difference Between an Elder Law Attorney and an Estate Planning Attorney?
While both elder law and estate planning attorneys handle wills, trusts, and asset protection, elder law attorneys focus on legal issues specific to aging and long-term care. Estate planning attorneys primarily handle wealth distribution after death, while elder law attorneys assist with Medicaid planning, guardianship, healthcare decisions, and senior rights. If you are concerned about nursing home costs, disability planning, or elder abuse, an elder law attorney is the better choice.
- How Can a Kansas City Elder Law Attorney Help with Medicaid Planning?
Medicaid planning is essential for seniors who need long-term care but want to protect their assets. Kansas City elder law attorneys explain Medicaid eligibility requirements, help restructure assets to qualify for benefits, prepare and submit Medicaid applications, create trusts to safeguard assets from nursing home costs and advise on Medicaid’s five-year look-back period to avoid penalties.
Since Medicaid laws are complex and frequently change, an experienced elder law attorney ensures you receive the benefits you’re entitled to while preserving as much wealth as possible.
- How Much Does an Elder Law Attorney in Kansas City Cost?
Elder law attorneys charge hourly rates, flat fees, or contingency fees, depending on the service. Basic services, such as will preparation or power of attorney drafting, often have flat fees ranging from $300 to $1,500. More complex cases, such as Medicaid planning or contested guardianship, may be billed hourly, with rates typically between $200 and $500 per hour. Many attorneys offer free or low-cost initial consultations to discuss your needs.
- Can an Elder Law Attorney Help with Nursing Home Planning?
Yes, an elder law attorney can help plan for nursing home care by assessing Medicaid eligibility and asset protection options, setting up trusts to shield assets from nursing home costs, advising on long-term care insurance and payment options, and ensuring that a loved one’s rights are protected in a facility.
Proper planning can preserve assets while ensuring quality care for seniors.