William W. “Bill” Erhart

Certified Elder Law Attorney & Partner

Bill focuses exclusively on estate and elder law. He is a Certified Elder Law Attorney and a member of the Special Needs Alliance. Over his career, he has helped thousands of individuals and families with estate planning, family trusts, trust-based planning, veterans’ benefits, Medicaid planning, and probate.

Bill, a Delaware native, joined the Marines after high school – an experience that provided the foundation for his personal and professional beliefs and values. Following his service, Bill entered the Reformed Episcopal Seminary, earning his Bachelor of Divinity degree in 1979. After graduation from Rutgers Law School and then his 1982 admission to the Delaware Bar, Bill served as a law clerk for Superior Court and began his legal career as a prosecutor before entering private practice.

He sees this work as a ministry because he is helping the elderly, those with disabilities, and families whose worries are eased by the services he and the EAELS team provide.

In addition to the many activities Bill is involved with in the community, he is a runner who participates in many local charity races and an avid outdoor sportsman who delights in the time spent with family, friends, and colleagues. He has a wife and a daughter.

Practice Areas

  • Estate Planning
    • Asset Protection
    • Elder Law
    • Family Limited Partnerships
    • LLC Formation
    • Powers of Attorney (Health Care and Financial)
    • Trust-based Planning (Revocable, Irrevocable, Family, Pet, etc).
    • Wills
  • Probate
  • Trust Administration
  • Special Needs
    • Consultations & Planning
    • Special Needs Trusts
    • PI Settlement Trusts

Honors

  • Rated AV® Distinguished™ Preeminent by Martindale-Hubbell®
  • Named Top Elder Law Attorney by Peers, 2012-2021
  • Named only Elder Law "Super Lawyer" in Delaware by "Super Lawyer Magazine" Pennsylvania & Delaware 2020, 2021 by Peers
  • Top Wealth Manager 2010-2017
  • Certified Elder Law Attorney, recognized by the National Elder Law Foundation, accredited by the American Bar Association
  • Top Elder Law Attorney, Top Estate, Probate & Trust Attorney - Delaware Today Magazine

Bar Admissions

  • Delaware
  • U.S. District Court, District of Delaware
  • U.S. Court of Appeals, 3rd Circuit

Education

  • Juris Doctor, 1982, Rutgers University
  • Bachelor of Arts, 1979, University of Delaware
  • Bachelor of Divinity, 1979, Reformed Episcopal Seminary

Professional Associations

  • American Bar Association
    • Trust & Estate Section
  • Delaware State Bar Association
    • Elder Law Section
    • Trust & Estate Section
  • National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys
  • St. Thomas More Society
  • Estate Planning Council of Delaware
  • Elder Counsel, member
  • Wealth Counsel, member
  • National Elder Law Foundation

Military Service

  • U.S. Marine Corps, 1971–1973

Other Professional Experience

  • Deputy Attorney General, Delaware Department of Justice, 1983–1988
    • Service in both Criminal and Civil Divisions.
  • Law Clerk, Delaware Superior Court, 1982–1983

Personal Affiliations

  • Alzheimer’s Association
  • Saint Catherine’s Church, Wilmington, DE