Ozarks Elder Law

Nine Locations & Counting

No one wakes up one morning thinking, “Today’s the day I need an elder law attorney.” It’s not the kind of legal service people seek out eagerly—until life forces them to.

Whether facing an unexpected health crisis, navigating the probate system, or trying to protect a lifetime of hard-earned assets, families often arrive at Ozarks Elder Law in moments of uncertainty.
It’s in these moments when families feel lost, overwhelmed, and afraid, Ozarks Elder Law steps in.

For 23 years, every attorney and team member at Ozarks Elder Law has shared one thing in common: they fell in love with the work. Not because it’s glamorous or lucrative, but because it’s deeply needed. Helping families in Southwest Missouri is more than a job; it’s a calling.

The need has never been greater:
67% of Americans have no estate plan, leaving their families to navigate costly, complicated probate.
Nursing home care costs are skyrocketing, with the average cost of long-term care exceeding $100,000 per year.
Many believe they will not qualify for Medicaid assistance, when in reality, strategic planning could save families tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars.

“Oftentimes our clients have been given incorrect information about how Medicaid works,” says Managing Partner Lori Rook. “Unlike others who claim to practice elder law, we completely guide them through the long-term care process including submitting their Medicaid application. With the right planning, we can often help families protect their assets while securing care. We have saved families hundreds of thousands of dollars, sometimes their entire life savings, by connecting them with resources they did not even know existed.”

Making Estate Planning Personal
There is a reason so many don’t plan ahead. The legal world is intimidating and can leave families overwhelmed and afraid to take action.
Ozarks Elder Law has paved a different way.
The firm prides itself on being approachable, transparent, and deeply personable. That’s why they call themselves the “Ladies in White.” More than just a uniform, the white suits have become a symbol of clarity, trust, and advocacy.

“The Ladies in White are just doing what we would want done for our own parents and grandparents,” says Partner, Elyse Hartley. “We know how hard these big life changes are, and we want to be advocates for our clients through the process.”

Families don’t just leave Ozarks Elder Law’s office with just a stack of papers. They leave with peace of mind, a plan, and a sense of security they did not have before.

Growing to Meet the Need
The need for Ozarks Elder Law’s services isn’t slowing down anytime soon. The firm started in a house on historic Walnut Street in Springfield and has grown to nine locations across the Ozarks, with plans to open a tenth office in 2025. The firm is expanding to ensure families in every corner of the region have access to the guidance they need.

“Our mission is clear,” says Lori Rook, “We’re committed to serving the elder law needs of Southwest Missouri, and we do that best by meeting our clients where they are—in their hometowns.”

As more families face the legal complexities of aging, Ozarks Elder Law remains committed to making the process clear and accessible. By removing obstacles and offering personalized guidance, the firm empowers families to protect what they have built and secure their future with confidence. Ozarks Elder Law is here to help you prepare for whatever the future holds with clarity and peace of mind.