A University of Alabama Law School Clinical Program funded in part by West Alabama Regional Commission

Private Attorneys

There are private attorneys in most areas of the state who are familiar with some or all of the particular legal issues of concern to older people. For help in reaching a private elder law attorney in your area, click here.

Area Legal Service Providers

Alabama is divided into thirteen "Area Agencies on Aging" whose service areas are determined more or less by population. Each AAA contracts with a firm or attorney who provides a range of free legal services to many seniors in that area. The federal Older Americans Act (42 U.S.C. § 3001) provides funds to be used for seniors in each state. The Administration on Aging sends funds to to the fifty state senior services offices and state offices make grants to Area Agencies on Aging. The local AAAs in turn employ or contract with personnel to provide a variety of services in their communities, such as caregiver assistance, senior centers, insurance counseling and a variety of other services. Not all AAAs provide all services, but all offer legal assistance.

The primary goal of legal providers is to protect the safety, health and dignity of the most vulnerable seniors, especially those who are isolated by location or circumstances. Although there is no charge for services, and there is no income or asset test, the Older Americans Act requires that first priority be given to those in the greatest financial, social or health need. For instance, this could mean representing a poor elderly person who is being evicted or sued, or perhaps a senior who could afford an attorney but cannot locate one reasonably nearby who can handle the matter at issue. Sometimes the AAA lawyer cannot offer representation, but can help define the need and refer the senior to appropriate resources.

Click on Your Home County to Find Your Area Agency on Aging Legal Service Provider.

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