Elder Law

WTLS provides advice and representation to seniors age 60 and older with a focus on public benefits, healthcare, housing, debt, and simple wills, powers of attorney, and advance directives.

Our attorneys and advocates provide high-quality legal representation to our clients in the following areas:

Is the state going to take my house?

Tennessee’s Medicaid program, called TennCare, helps pay for nursing home or in-home nursing care. If a patient is medically and financially eligible for TennCare, the State helps pay for the care the patient can’t afford. After the patient dies, Tenncare uses estate recovery to get back some of the money it spent for the care.

Paying a Deceased Relative's Debts

Who is responsible for paying a relative's debt? Most often, not you. The estate is responsible for paying their debts. If there isn't enough in the estate to cover the debts, they go unpaid.

Disabilities and Fair Housing

Am example of illegal discrimination under the federal Fair Housing Act based upon protected class membership are refusal to permit a reasonable modification to the unit at the expense of the person with a disability, in order that the person may have full enjoyment of the unit.

Assistance Animals

The Federal Fair Housing Act provides protection for individuals with disabilities who need assistance animals to have an equal opportunity to use and enjoy a dwelling and the common areas where the dwelling is located.

Bill Collector's Bugging You?

The law gives you rights when a bill collector tries to make you pay a debt. This law is called the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. It tells bill collectors what they cannot do to collect money from you.

Buying a Used Car

Most used cars have problems and no warranty. The problems might show up right away or months later. Some dealers may hide a car’s problems or lie about them. Most used cars are sold “AS IS.” This means there is no guarantee the car is in good condition, and there is no return policy. If the car needs work, YOU pay for the repairs.