Catherine LaFond earned her Juris Doctor degree in 1997 from the University of South Carolina School of Law after studying political science at the College of Charleston. She opened her own law firm in 1998 and immediately started handling real estate transactions and creating estate plans. Thereafter, in 2009, she moved to South Beach for a year to obtain an LL.M. (a Masters of Laws degree in estate planning) from the University of Miami School of Law. It was there that she decided to become proficient in the area of elder law. Catherine has been given an AV© Preeminent‚Ñ¢ rating from Martindale-Hubbell (the highest possible rating in both legal ability and ethical standards), a firm that has rated attorneys for more than a century based on peer and client reviews. She has also been rated “Superb” by Avvo which rates attorneys based on peer and client endorsements, experience, professional conduct and industry recognition. She has been the volunteer attorney for Sea Island Habitat for Humanity homeowners since 1999 and for Pet Helper’s since 2002. Also, Catherine is a member of the ElderCounsel, LLC, Lowcountry Senior Network, National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, SC Elder Law Bar Committee, SC Women Lawyers Association, is an accredited attorney with the VA and barred with the US Court of Appeals for Veterans’ Claims. She currently serves or has served on the following boards: AFFA (Vice President), Bridges for End-of-Life, Charleston County Disabilities Board (Secretary), Lowcountry Senior Network (Secretary) and SCNAELA (CLE Committee Chair).
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About Charleston, South Carolina
Charleston, a city located in the state of South Carolina (SC), is home to a population of approximately 706,884 people. Charleston boasts a median age of 36.3, with around 21.8% of its residents aged 60 or above. 7.4% of the population identifies as US Veterans. 9.6% of Charleston residents are disabled. The city has an average household income of $83,891, while the unemployment rate stands at 3.7%, and around 12.6% of the population is considered to be living below the poverty level. In terms of housing, the average home value in Charleston is $439,345, with a monthly rent averaging $1517.
About Elder Law
Elder law is a specialized area of law that focuses on the legal needs and concerns of aging adults, typically those over the age of 65. It covers a wide range of legal and practical issues that affect seniors, their caretakers, and family members. The primary goal of elder law is to provide holistic legal advice and support to older adults and those who are disabled, allowing them to preserve and protect their rights, values, and interests.
Elder law is not limited to any specific legal problem but rather focuses on the specific needs and challenges faced by the elderly population. The field of elder law aims to ensure that seniors have access to the necessary legal protections and support to enhance their quality of life and overall well-being.
What is an Elder Law Attorney?
Elder law attorneys specialize in addressing various legal matters related to aging, including estate planning, retirement benefits, health care planning, long-term care options, capacity and decision-making, public benefits, conservatorship, and administration of estates. They provide guidance and assistance in navigating complex legal processes and ensure that the unique needs and concerns of older individuals are met.