Elder law attorneys in the Kansas City metro
An elder law attorney can protect a family's savings, set up the documents that avoid court, and guide you through Medicaid — on both the Kansas and Missouri sides. Here's what they do, when to call one, and firms serving the KC metro.
What an elder law attorney does
- Estate planning — wills, trusts, financial power of attorney, and health-care directives (see our essential legal documents guide).
- Medicaid planning & asset protection — legally qualifying for long-term-care Medicaid while protecting what the rules allow (see Medicaid & the look-back).
- Guardianship & conservatorship — when there's no POA and a loved one can no longer decide.
- Special-needs planning, VA benefits, probate, and protecting against financial exploitation.
What to look for & ask
- Does elder law / Medicaid planning make up a real part of their practice (not an occasional add-on)?
- Are they licensed for your side of the state line — Kansas, Missouri, or both?
- How do they charge — flat fee vs. hourly — and is the first consultation free?
- A CELA (Certified Elder Law Attorney) credential is a plus, though not required.
You can also search the national directories at NAELA and the National Elder Law Foundation, or use the Kansas and Missouri bar lawyer-referral services.
Elder law firms — Kansas side (Johnson County)
Medicaid & VA planning, estate planning, and help finding care — serving families since 1996.
Medicaid consulting, wills & trusts, asset protection, and guardianship.
Estate planning and elder law across Johnson County (Olathe, Shawnee, Leawood).
Estate planning, elder law, probate, and long-term-care asset protection.
Estate planning, elder law, and long-term-care planning.
Elder law firms — Missouri side (Kansas City & Northland)
Practice focused on Medicaid planning, asset protection, and estate planning.
Estate planning, probate, guardianship, elder law, and Medicaid planning.
Elder law, Medicaid, special-needs planning, and guardianship.
Estate planning, elder law, Medicaid, and probate.
Serving both sides of the state line
Estate planning and nursing-home Medicaid qualification on both sides of the state line.
Common questions
What does an elder law attorney do?
Elder law attorneys focus on the legal and financial issues older adults face — estate planning (wills, trusts, powers of attorney, advance directives), Medicaid planning and asset protection for long-term care, guardianship and conservatorship, special-needs planning, VA benefits, probate, and protecting against financial exploitation. Many handle both Kansas and Missouri matters.
How much does an elder law attorney cost in Kansas City?
Fees vary by the work. A simple estate-planning package (will, powers of attorney, advance directive) is often a flat fee; Medicaid planning and asset-protection work costs more but can protect far more than it costs. Many KC-area firms offer a free or low-cost initial consultation — ask about fees up front.
When should I hire an elder law attorney?
Sooner is easier and cheaper. Good times to call: before a health crisis (to set up powers of attorney and directives that avoid guardianship), when facing a nursing-home or Medicaid decision, after a diagnosis like dementia, when there is no valid POA and a parent can no longer decide, or to settle an estate. Acting early gives you the most options — especially for Medicaid.
What is a CELA?
A Certified Elder Law Attorney (CELA) has met experience and exam requirements and been certified by the National Elder Law Foundation. It is not required to be a good elder-law attorney, but it is one credential you can look for when choosing.
Firms verified July 2026 and provided for information only — not endorsements, legal advice, or a complete list. Practice areas, licensing, and availability change; confirm directly with each firm. KC Senior Guide is not a law firm and does not give legal advice. Listing here is not a referral or recommendation.