Legal assistance

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Legal services are available for seniors with a social or economic need through local Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs).

What services are available?

You can get help with legal issues such as those related to:

• Income and public benefits
• Housing
• Guardianship actions
• Long-term services and supports
• Health care
• Protection from abuse or neglect
• Utilities
• Age discrimination

Oregon’s legal resources

The following general resources are not the same as talking with an attorney. Use the links under “Resources for finding an attorney” to find a lawyer to answer your specific questions.

OregonLawHelp.org
This is sponsored by Oregon’s four legal aid entities. It gives free legal information to low-income Oregonians.

Elder Law Handbook
This goes over seniors’ legal rights and public benefits. It includes information about legal issues such as:

• Guardianships/conservatorships
• Powers of attorney
• Wills/trusts
• Property ownership and rental
• Managing health care choices
• Long-term services and supports issues
• Medicare
• Medicaid
• Prescription drug programs
• Social Security
• Veterans’ benefits
• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (formerly food stamps)
• Other financial assistance
• Grandparents’ visitation and custody rights
• Elder abuse, including sexual assault and domestic violence
• Age and disability bias
• Consumer protection from:
Bankruptcy
Predatory lending
Debt collection
Utility bills
Telemarketing calls
Identity theft
Reverse mortgages

Legal Issues for Older Adults: An Oregon Information & Reference Guide
The Oregon State Bar provides this legal guide for people as they age

Resources for finding an attorney

Oregon State Bar Lawyer Referral Programs
Matches individuals with a lawyer for legal help. Programs include the Lawyer Referral Service, the Modest Means Program and the Military Assistance Panel.

Directory of Legal Aid Programs in Oregon
Lists Oregon offices that help low-income people with certain legal issues.

Oregon Area Agencies on Aging
For Oregon seniors with an economic or social need who qualify for legal assistance services covered under the Older Americans Act. Contact your local Area Agency on Aging to reach a legal services provider.

National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys
Suggests what to consider before hiring an elder law attorney.