10/06/2016
ElderAccessLine provides Legal Advice to Nebraska Seniors
It can be hard to find an attorney, but for over 10 years, Nebraska residents 60 and older have had a
lawyer to call thanks to Legal Aid of Nebraska, a statewide, nonprofit law firm that assists older adults and low-
income individuals with civil legal issues.
The ElderAccessLine® attorney and paralegal provide free legal advice to over 250 older adults each
month. The ElderAccessLine® is open Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to noon and 1 to 3 p.m., and on
Fridays from 9 a.m. to noon, CST at (800)527-7249.
ElderAccessLine® representatives can provide advice with regard to most civil legal matters, including
collections, denial or termination of public benefits, housing, and information regarding Power of Attorney
forms and Living Will forms. Mrs. Smith called the ElderAccessLine® because she was getting lots of calls
from collection agencies. The ElderAccessLine® attorney helped her to send letters stopping the phone calls
and bringing her peace of mind and stopping the harassment.
“We encourage everyone to call,” said Margaret Schaefer, ElderAccessLine attorney. Representatives will
discuss the status of the legal matter, the risks and explain protections under the law to help seniors better
protect themselves. “In many cases, our advice fully serves callers and takes care of all the issues,” Schaefer
said. Clients are often very thankful for the advice from the ElderAccessLine®, a trusted and unbiased source
for legal advice.
“This is really the only place where folks can come to get legal advice for free,” Schaefer said. There is no
cost to use the ElderAccessLine®; however, applicants must complete an application and provide some general
information. Funded by federal, state and private resources, the information is provided to agencies to better
understand how the hotline helps older adults and what circumstances they are facing.
Schaefer encourages older adults to call before a situation becomes a crisis. “If you are concerned or
worried, it’s better to call than to worry,” she said.
In addition, Legal Aid of Nebraska’s website includes resources on Power of Attorney, Living Wills and
other documents at http://www.legalaidofnebraska.org/agingresources.
For more than 50 years, Legal Aid of Nebraska has provided dignity, hope, self-sufficiency and justice
through free quality civil legal aid for those who have nowhere else to turn. In addition to the
ElderAccessLine®, they also provide the AccessLine® for low-income residents.
Power of Attorney Documents Power of Attorney document allows someone you name to take care of your business for you. The Power of Attorney document must state the powers you are giving. Generally the person you name as your agent can pay your bills, talk with your creditors, negotiate on your behal...
