About ElderAdvocate.law

Why This Site Exists

I built this site because I needed it and it didn't exist.

A few years ago, I found myself trying to navigate the North Carolina guardianship system for my father — at the same time I was learning what assisted living actually provides, what Adult Protective Services can and can't do, what a power of attorney agent is legally allowed to do, and what happens when someone with authority over a vulnerable person doesn't use it well.

I'm a lawyer. I have a JD. And I was still overwhelmed.

Not because the law was impossible to find — it wasn't — but because the information that exists is either written for other attorneys or buried in statutes that don't explain themselves. What I needed was plain language. What the statute says. What the court looks for. What forms to use. What to do next.

That's what this site tries to be.

Who I Am

My name is Ginny Allen. I'm a licensed North Carolina attorney — though I no longer practice. After going through my father's situation, I wanted to share what I learned for others facing something similar.

Being a licensed attorney means I can read statutes, parse court decisions, and know when something matters legally and when it doesn't. Not practicing means I came to this as a family member first — sitting in care conferences, dealing with agencies, figuring out the paperwork, and feeling the weight of trying to make the right decisions for someone I love.

That combination is what this site is built on.

I write for adult children in their 40s, 50s, and 60s who are scared, exhausted, and trying to do right by someone they love. I know what it feels like to sit in a care conference and not know what questions to ask. I know what it feels like to read a statute that answers one question and raises three more. I know what it feels like to wish someone had just written this 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 court system, its own agencies, and its own procedures. Generic elder care information isn't always right for NC families. This site focuses on what the law actually says in North Carolina.
  • Legally grounded. Where I cite a statute or a court 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 provides information, not legal advice. Reading these articles will help you understand your situation, ask better questions, and find the right resources. It will not substitute for an attorney when you need one.

What This Site Is Not

Not a law firm. Nothing on this site creates an attorney-client relationship. I am not your attorney.

Not legal advice. The information here is general and educational. Your specific situation has facts, timing, relationships, and details that matter — and that I don't know. A licensed North Carolina elder law attorney can advise you based on those specifics in a way that this site cannot.

Not up-to-the-minute. Statutes change. Court decisions refine the law. I work to keep the content current, but you should always verify the current law with an attorney before acting on anything here.

The Disclaimer

Every page on this site carries this notice, and I mean it:

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 are the places 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.

Working With Me

I offer limited consulting calls for families navigating elder care situations in North Carolina — 30-minute sessions to help you understand your situation, identify the right questions to ask, and figure out what kind of professional help you need.

I am a licensed NC attorney, but these calls are not legal representation and do not create an attorney-client relationship. I'm not your lawyer for purposes of your specific case. What I can do is bring a legal background and lived experience to a conversation that helps you make sense of a complicated system at a time when everything feels urgent.

Request a consultation — $150 for 30 minutes.

Thank you for being here. I hope something on this site helps your family.

— Ginny