2026 Expert Panel Member
Expertise
Certified Elder Law Attorney Letha Sgritta McDowell is a past president of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys.
About Letha
Letha Sgritta McDowell is an attorney practicing in both Virginia and North Carolina. Her practice spans estate planning, estate and trust administration, Medicaid asset protection, and special needs planning, as well as related tax law. She is a fellow of the American College of Trusts and Estates Council, a Certified Elder Law Attorney, and a past president of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys. As a passionate advocate for elder law, Letha also frequently teaches continuing education programs and is an adjunct professor of Tax and Estate Law at Stetson Law University.
More from Letha
30 min
Last updated August 5, 2026
Can Social Security pay for assisted living? The answer may surprise you—learn what to expect.
6 min
Last updated July 30, 2026
Power of attorney myths can delay planning. Learn what families should know about capacity, authority, and POA types.
16 min
Last updated July 30, 2026
Learn when a reverse mortgage may help pay for senior care and what alternatives families should consider first.
7 min
Last updated June 18, 2026
Find out which memory care expenses for your loved one may qualify as tax deductions.
10 min
Last updated June 11, 2026
Does Medicaid pay for memory care? Learn what’s covered, what’s not, and how families fill the gaps in dementia care costs.
10 min
Last updated April 15, 2026
Learn about the legal documents that are important to helping your aging parent plan for care, assistance and end-of-life.
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