Paralegal Services for Seniors

A paralegal is available on Wednesdays to help with consumer issues, Living Wills, Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare, disability compensation and other legal issues. Contact the Center to make an appointment.

What is a Paralegal?

A Paralegal is a person who has had training in the legal field. She is not a lawyer but she can help you determine whether you need to consult one. Often it is helpful to talk with a knowledgeable person before consulting a lawyer so you are prepared to ask the right questions or to answer the questions a lawyer might ask you. Sometimes a lawyer is not needed to solve a problem.

A certified Paralegal is employed by the White River Council on Aging and is available on Wednesdays by appointment to provide services to individuals age 60 and older, their spouses and families. 

What can an Advocate do for you?

“When I had a debt that I was unable to pay and creditors were hounding me day and night, the Paralegal worked with me to find a solution. Now I don’t have to be afraid to answer the phone or look at the mail.”

“I’ve always been afraid that someday I would be kept alive by   machines. The Paralegal helped me fill out a Living Will so that won’t happen. She also helped me to give my daughter “Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care” so she can make medical decisions for me when I can’t . ”

“I hired a contractor to repair my roof but he never finished the job. I wasn’t sure if I needed to hire an attorney. The Paralegal helped me sort it out and look at all the options.”

“My will was outdated and I brought it in for the Paralegal to revise and update. She helped make sure my will expressed my wishes clearly and arranged for it to be witnessed.”

“I was notified that my application for Medicaid disability had been denied. It is very difficult for me to leave my home, so the Paralegal came to me. She helped me with all the paperwork to file an appeal.”
 

an Advocate may be able to help.

What do Advocacy services cost?

There is no charge for services provided by the Paralegal based at the Bugbee Senior Center but a contribution can help to insure that high quality paralegal services continue to be available to older Vermonters. Services will not be refused or limited in any way if a contribution is not made.

Please feel free to contact us if you need more information, or if you have questions about our Paralegal Services.