There are plenty of milestones to mark

Everyone enjoys a celebration and I and my office are no exception. Recently I personally and we at Colliton Elder Law Associates, PC have let slide some pretty significant landmarks that deserve celebrating that we would like to share with you as readers. Here goes.

• Twenty-one years. Yes, it was 21 years ago in January 1996 that my first newspaper column appeared in the Daily Local News. Our column has matured over the years, covering changes in laws and court cases that affect seniors. After briefly being named with a title that included “Senior” in the heading, the column was retitled “50+ Planning Ahead” after one of the editors noted, “Hey. Some of these ideas apply to me and I’m not a senior.” Enough said. You do not have to be over 65 or even over 21 to see that some of the ideas apply to you but we do want to make sure that we cover issues that affect seniors. Twenty-one years ago also begins the time when I started to describe my practice as “elder law.” Elder law as a separate discipline was not taught in law schools when I graduated but became, along with its related fields including estate planning, life care planning, Orphans Court litigation, special needs, and real estate affecting seniors, my exclusive area of practice.

• One thousand-plus columns. We also let slide the benchmark of 1,000 columns that was reached some time in 2016. Since we celebrated a “birthday” for our newspaper column at age 15 years in 2011 complete with birthday cake, there seems to be a party in the offing later this year.

• Fifteen years. It was 15 years ago on April 15, 2002 when Colliton Elder Law Associates PC and Life Transition Services, LLC moved into our present quarters, just outside of West Chester in a modern office complex in West Goshen Township. Often described as “just across from the Wawa” since everyone seems to know where the Wawa is, we were grateful to locate a space that is handicapped accessible with plenty of parking. Jeff Jones, my brother, who is a Certified Senior Advisor, is the principal of Life Transition Services and my co-tenant. Those who have dealt with Jeff know exactly what he does. He drills down the numbers, files all of our government benefits applications, organizes information and follows the funds so that clients have an orderly process and know what comes next.

• Ten years. It has been over 10 years now since Diana Chryst, our care coordinator and financial analyst, began working for Colliton Elder Law. Diana’s combined background as former director of admissions at an area nursing home and a former financial analyst with First Union in the investment area have proved extremely valuable both in helping clients through the difficult

times when their family member is facing nursing home or at-home or personal care and with estate administrations.

• One year. Well, it is less than one year now but in 2016 we met Jaylaa Chavis who is the newest member of our team. She came on board officially in February 2017. The cheery voice you hear answer the phone, taking down information and scheduling appointments could be either Jaylaa or Diana. They help to make the office run smoothly.

• Forty years. It is difficult to believe but a few months ago I was contacted by the Alumni Office at James Beasley Temple School of Law and asked whether I would serve on the Reunion Committee for Temple Law School’s 40th reunion. Forty years? Could it possibly be that long? I remember what I thought of attorneys or frankly anyone attending a 40th reunion. Wow. They must be attending in walkers! Well, it just goes to show as times change so do people. When asked whether I am myself considering retirement,

the easy answer is that my daughter is in her second year in college. However, I have to say we have never in the past been able to tackle so many interesting and unusual circumstances and been able to help. This is too much fun. Having a contingency plan is one thing which we do and we recommend to clients but learning and growing does not stop. Our next thoughts are bringing together a relationship between elder law and financial planning. One thought from author George Eliot is my favorite “It is never too late to be what you might have been.”