The law is an all encompassing entity.  Bodies of rules govern every possible aspect of life and it also covers every person in society.  Let’s take the elders in the community for example.  There is such a law known as elder law and this is a body of rules made to help and protect the elderly.

It has been said that everyone is equal in the eyes of the law but it doesn’t mean that elders have to be treated the same way as a teenager for example in cases involving driving under the influence and so on.  To ensure that the rights of elderly people are protected to the utmost, elder law was created.  The basics of elder law cover things like retirement, Medicare eligibility, estate planning etc.  But it also covers things like divorce, DUI and criminal law.

Being elderly doesn’t exempt people from criminal law if they committed a crime or are suspect of committing a crime.  It’s possible for the elderly to commit DUI since influence doesn’t only cover alcohol.  Maybe an elderly individual went driving after taking drowsiness inducing medication.  Even with their experience with life and their wisdoms, there might be elderly people who want to get a divorce.  If there’s no elder law, their rights aren’t being protected fully.

Let’s say an elderly couple finds themselves in dire straits with regard to retirement funds.  Sure they might have Medicaid in place but that wouldn’t be enough in cases where one of the spouses is sicker than the other.  When it comes to divorce for younger people, the problem is almost always about losing money.  As for elderly couples, divorce can be an option to save money.

Medicaid, the insurance program the government has for people over the age of 65 doesn’t cover for long term nursing home stays.  Also, it requires that people have to lose all their financial resources before they can start qualifying for any help.  If the couple gets a divorce under elder law, the sicker spouse can get the care he or she needs and the healthy spouse is also protected in the way that they can keep the quality of life they’re accustomed to.

The law is all encompassing, but it’s also very complicated and confusing.  If you run into situations with DUI law, divorce law or criminal law and you’re also elderly, a lawyer practicing in elder law can help you.