Ruth Phelps - Elder Lawyer Pasadena, California

Ruth A. Phelps received her undergraduate degree in Mathematics from Immaculate Heart College in Los Angeles. She received her JD degree and her LL.M. (taxation) from Loyola Law School.

Mrs. Phelps is a Certified Elder Law Attorney and a Certified Estate Planning, Trust and Probate Specialist, which has been highlighted in the 2010 Southern California Super Lawyers publication. She is the President of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, a national organization of over 4,000 lawyers practicing in the field of elder law. She is a past member of the Executive Committee of the Trust and Estates Section of the State Bar of California, past President of the Southern California Chapter of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, a fellow of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel and a member of the Board of Advisors of Loyola Law School, Los Angeles, California.

She is the author of several chapters for California Continuing Education of the Bar, including chapters on compensation for guardians of the person, administration of special needs trusts, probate family allowances and homesteads. Mrs. Phelps is a 2007 Spirit of CEB recipient.

She is an adjunct professor at Loyola Law School, teaching Elder Law.

She has two sons, both of whom are Eagle Scouts.

Elder law deals with legal issues that arise because of advancing age. Many clients find themselves in need of legal services for the first time in their lives. Accustomed to being self-reliant many become involved with highly complex entitlement and benefit programs, such as Medicare and Medi-Cal.

If our clients are frail or infirm, they may be vulnerable to financial or physical abuse or fall prey to commercial exploitation. If incapacity is imminent, strategies must be considered so agents can handle financial affairs and health care. Even clients who enjoy good health must plan for possible incapacity and long-term care. In advising our clients about these issues, we endeavor to help families face issues of aging with dignity and independence.