By Whitney Parrish, a student at Elon University School of Law

When Client, Mrs. Pink Peep, comes into the Law of Office of Mr. Yellow Rabbit, with her family, her two sons and her two daughters, Mr. Rabbit begins to wonder who is his peep (his client)?  Mrs. Peep, who is now seventy years old, has begun to wonder what she needs to do to start planning for her future.  She may need to spend down her assets to qualify for Medicaid, but she may be in a dilemma because she wants to leave money to her children after she passes away.  Her children may be in the same dilemma, they would like to inherit some money, but they want the best care for their mom.  This places Mr. Rabbit in a bad position, whose interests does he represent?  According to his ethical responsibilities, Mr. Rabbit must make it clear that he represents Mrs. Peep and her interests.  Many elder law attorneys will find themselves in this dilemma.