About ElderAdvocate.law
I built this site after navigating the system and working to support my father at the end of his 25+ year battle with Parkinson's — and wishing, the whole way through, that something like it already existed.
Why This Site Exists
I built this because I needed it and it didn't exist.
In 2025, the person who was responsible for my father's care was making decisions unilaterally that were not in his best interest. After a long battle with Parkinson's disease, my father was living in an assisted living community with private care around the clock. He was totally physically dependent on others for his needs.
He also battled Parkinson's related dementia meaning sometimes he would be "with it" and sometimes he wouldn't. The interesting thing was that he could talk to me about things that happened 20 years ago like they were yesterday, but sometimes got his wires crossed about what day it was, what he was able to do, and other realities about his current day life.
These nuances in his capacity, coupled with his total physical dependence on caregivers meant that the law as it related to his situation was nuanced as well.
The law wasn't hidden. But it was written for attorneys, or buried in statutes that don't explain themselves. What I needed was plain language — what the statute actually says, what the court is looking for, what form to file, what to do next.
Who I Am
My name is Ginny Allen. I'm a licensed North Carolina attorney, though I've pursued a "non-traditional" career path in tech.
Being a licensed attorney means I had a head start, a foot in the door, and instant credibility in conversations. But I also hired an attorney to help me who practiced in Estate Litigation in the county where my Dad lived. I came at this as a daughter first — talking to caregivers, filing for guardianship, understanding the role of a guardian ad litem, trying to make the right call for someone I love.
That combination is the whole site.
I wanted to share what I learned with others out there who are scared, exhausted, and trying to do right by someone they love. I've sat in a care conference and not known what to ask. I've read a statute that answered one question and raised three more. I've wished, more than once, that someone had just written it down in plain English.
What This Site Is
ElderAdvocate.law is an educational resource for North Carolina families navigating elder care — guardianship, power of attorney, Medicaid planning, care transitions, and the local resources available in every NC county.
Every article on this site is:
- NC-specific. North Carolina has its own statutes, its own courts, its own agencies, its own procedures. Generic elder care information isn't always right for NC families. This site sticks to what the law actually says here.
- Legally grounded. When I cite a statute or a case, I cite it specifically — not vaguely. You can look it up. You should look it up.
- Written for families, not lawyers. I explain what things mean, not just what they're called.
- Honest about its limits. This site gives you information, not legal advice. Reading it will help you understand your situation, ask better questions, and find the right resources. It won't replace an attorney when you need one.
What This Site Is Not
Not a law firm. Nothing here creates an attorney-client relationship. I am not your attorney.
Not legal advice. This is general and educational. Your situation has facts, timing, relationships, and details that matter — details I don't know. A licensed North Carolina elder law attorney can advise you on those specifics in a way this site can't.
Not up-to-the-minute. Statutes change. Court decisions refine the law. I work to keep this current, but always verify the current law with an attorney before you act on anything here.
The Disclaimer
Every page on this site carries this notice:
The information on this page is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. No attorney-client relationship is formed by reading this site. Please consult a licensed North Carolina attorney for guidance specific to your situation.
Finding an Attorney
If you need legal help — not just information — here's where I'd start:
NC Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service 1-800-662-7660 | ncbar.org Ask specifically for an elder law or guardianship attorney in your county.
National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA) naela.org — search for NAELA members practicing in NC.
Legal Aid of NC legalaidnc.org — free civil legal help for qualifying residents. Elder law matters are within their scope.
NC Courts Self-Help Center nccourts.gov — forms, self-help guides, and basic procedural information.