The National Elder Law Foundation certifies attorneys who demonstrate advanced skill in elder law and special needs planning. Only a small number of Massachusetts attorneys hold this certification, and the designation reflects rigorous training, testing, and experience in issues affecting older adults and individuals with disabilities. When you work with an attorney who is certified through NELF, you gain support from someone recognized for meeting high national standards in this field.
What Is the National Elder Law Foundation?
The National Elder Law Foundation was founded in 1993 to set and uphold strong professional standards in elder law. It is the only national organization accredited by the American Bar Association to certify elder law attorneys. NELF focuses on ensuring that attorneys who earn the Certified Elder Law Attorney (CELA) designation have the skill, practical experience, and knowledge needed to guide families through aging, long-term care, and disability-related planning.
NELF’s work includes:
- Creating certification requirements that reflect real-world elder law practice
- Administering a comprehensive exam on the core areas of elder law
- Encouraging ongoing education so attorneys stay current with changing laws and benefits programs
Why NELF Certification Matters for Families
Families often face complicated questions about long-term care planning, special needs trusts, asset protection, and government benefits. Working with a CELA means you are partnering with someone who has demonstrated a deep understanding of these topics through both experience and examination.
A CELA-certified attorney must show:
- A minimum of five years of legal practice
- Significant, ongoing involvement in elder law matters
- Hands-on work with issues such as Medicaid planning, guardianships, estate planning, and long-term care
- Successful completion of an intensive written examination
These requirements help ensure that CELA attorneys can guide you through decisions that affect your health care, finances, and loved ones.
How Attorneys Qualify for NELF Certification
The certification process starts with documentation of an attorney’s experience. Applicants must show that they have regularly handled elder law matters for at least three years prior to applying. They must also meet NELF’s requirement of spending a substantial portion of their weekly practice addressing elder law concerns. This includes planning for long-term care, preparing estate plans for older adults, and creating and administering special needs trusts.
After demonstrating this background, attorneys must pass a comprehensive exam that covers the major areas of elder law. The exam tests real-world problem-solving, legal analysis, and detailed knowledge of programs such as Medicaid, Medicare, and Social Security. Attorneys must also provide references from peers who can verify their skill and professionalism.
Our Firm’s Connection to NELF
Two of our attorneys, Daniel Surprenant and Michelle Beneski, hold the CELA designation. Fewer than 25 attorneys in Massachusetts have earned this certification, which means our clients have access to uncommon experience in elder law and special needs planning.
Our involvement in elder law organizations extends beyond NELF. Attorney Surprenant previously served as president of the Massachusetts chapter of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA), a leading association focused on improving the quality of legal services for older adults and individuals with disabilities. He is also a member of the Special Needs Alliance, an invitation-only group focused on complex disability planning.
These roles reflect our commitment to staying current with best practices and developments in elder law so we can help you make informed decisions.
How NELF Certification Benefits You
Working with a CELA means you receive guidance grounded in tested experience, ongoing training, and a strong commitment to families facing aging-related or disability-related concerns. This can help when you are planning for:
- Medicaid eligibility and long-term care costs
- Support for a loved one with special needs
- Asset protection strategies for aging parents
- Guardianship or conservatorship issues
- Estate and incapacity planning
When we assist you, we rely on training that prepares us to spot issues early, explain your options clearly, and develop a plan that supports your goals.
Talk With Our Elder Law Team
When you have questions about long-term care or special needs planning, finding guidance you can trust matters. Our attorneys certified through the National Elder Law Foundation use their training and experience to help you protect your future and support the people you care about.
If you would like help with elder law or special needs planning in Massachusetts, we are ready to support you. Contact Surprenant, Beneski & Nunes, P.C. to get started.
