You have reached your “golden years.” Or your parents have reached theirs. You have a lot of company. With more than 4 million residents age 65 or older, California is the most senior-populated state in the nation. And the numbers keep growing. So, too, do the legal rights of seniors and the many programs geared for them.

As you become a senior, you will face new challenges. Will you have enough money to make ends meet? Will you become incapacitated? Will you be able to get around if you cannot drive? Will you wind up helpless and alone—or even abused? You may be a more likely target in a wide range of consumer scams as well, from home repair offers to mail-order schemes to living trust “mills.” Slick con artists set their sights on seniors.

At no other time in your life has it been more important to plan ahead—and know your rights. You may not be aware of the many laws, benefits and special services available to help you stay in charge of your life. “Seniors and the Law” touches on some of them and provides contact information for numerous resources.

Keep in mind that this guide is intended to provide you with general information. Laws are constantly subject to change. If you have a specific legal problem, you may want to consult an attorney.

The guide addresses a number of issues confronting seniors including:

• Finances and debt 
• Social Security and insurance 
• Housing and caregiving 
• Employment 
• Healthcare 
• Elder abuse/elder fraud 
• Grandparents' rights 
• Divorce and remarriage 
• Estate planning and legal services

Download Seniors & the Law — A Guide for Maturing Californians

PDF format, 660KB, 16Pages.

Building a better justice system
California Bar Foundation • 180 Howard Street • San Francisco, CA 94105 • calbarfoundation.org

The California Bar Foundation is proud to partner with the State Bar of California to educate seniors about their rights and the legal challenges they may face. Seniors & The Law: A Guide for Maturing Californians provides valuable information about the many laws, benefits, and services available to seniors. We invite you to share this guide with seniors, their adult children and caregivers, community organizations, and others who serve the elderly as a helpful resource on issues of importance to California’s growing senior population.

With the generous support of our law firm, corporate, and individual donors, the Foundation acts as a catalyst for building a better justice system through our grant and scholarship programs. We champion full and equal access to the law, invest in the next generation of California’s lawyers, educate citizens about their rights and responsibilities, and promote philanthropy throughout the legal community.

If you would like to support Seniors & The Law and its sister education guides, Kids and the Law: An A-to-Z Guide for Parents and When You Become 18: A Survival Guide for Teenagers, as well as the Foundation’s other worthy programs, please join our efforts by making a tax-deductible contribution to the Foundation today.

Warmest regards,
Mario Camara, President
California Bar Foundation

Comments (0)

Name

Email

Comment

smaller | bigger

Add Comment