CA · Elder law resources
California
Official state lawyer-finder
State Bar of California Find a Lawyer
The state bar's lawyer-finder is the most authoritative way to find a verified elder law attorney in California. Many state bars run formally-approved referral services that include a brief consultation at low or no cost.
National elder-law specialists who serve California
NAELA — National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys
Searchable national directory of attorneys who specialize in elder law. Filter by California. Many are CELA-certified.
Search NAELA in CA →CELA-certified specialists (NELF)
The only ABA-accredited certification for elder law. CELA attorneys have demonstrated substantial experience plus passed a rigorous examination.
Search CELA-certified attorneys →
What to ask the attorney before you hire
- → "What percentage of your practice is elder law specifically?" (look for 40%+)
- → "Are you a NAELA member? CELA-certified?" (both indicate specialization)
- → "Do you handle Medicaid planning AND incapacity planning AND estates?" (you'll likely need all three)
- → "What's your fee structure?" (flat fees common for POA/AD packages; hourly for litigation)
- → "Will I work with you, or will work be delegated to staff?" (set expectations)
- → "What's your typical turnaround for the documents we'd need?" (2-4 weeks is normal; 6+ is slow)
Other California resources worth knowing
- → California Area Agency on Aging — state/county-level navigator for benefits, in-home help, caregiver respite
- → SHIP — State Health Insurance Assistance Program — free Medicare counseling for California
- → California Medicaid agency — long-term care coverage rules vary by state
We list these resources because they are publicly maintained official directories. We do not endorse any specific attorney and we receive no compensation from any attorney listed via the linked directories. See our about this directory note for the legal posture in detail.