Legal Services

Older people sometimes need legal assistance. For those who cannot afford to pay privately for this assistance, Legal Services of North Carolina, Inc. (sometimes called Legal Aid) is a possible resource for civil (not criminal) matters. This network of non-profit law offices serves eligible citizens across the state. Some private attorneys also volunteer time through pro bono programs, often in cooperation with Legal Services offices. Information available from the North Carolina Bar Association may help in identifying and working with an attorney.

The Division of Aging and Adult Services and Area Agencies on Aging allocate a percentage of the Older Americans Act funds to provide legal services specifically to older persons with the greatest economic and social need who are not eligible for assistance under the criteria of Legal Services. For information about legal services in your community, contact your Area Agency on Aging or check out the Division's Aging Services Directory, which identifies a local contact for some counties.

The American Bar Association's Commission on Legal Problems of the Elderly (CLPE) offers a useful site dedicated to examining the law-related concerns of older persons.

The NCSU Cooperative Extension Service sponsors a website that is helpful in working with your attorney and estate planning (health care power of attorney, durable power of attorney, living will, etc).