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06 Feb, 2024 by Diana
Jimmy D. Rohde is the best attorney I have ever worked with and I was so fortunate to find him. I was overwhelmed trying to settle my mother’s estate she died unexpectedly, witout a will. I don't live in Arizona, so I had to find an attorney who could help me “long distance”. After making numerous phone calls, I found that most attorneys either didn’t want to tackle my particular situation, or they wanted money up front before they would talk to me, I found Jimmy Rohde. My first “meeting” with Jimmy was by phone. I had so many questions to ask i.e. where to start, what can I do and not do etc? He immediately seemed to grasp my situation, and explained things clearly and thoroughly. I never felt rushed, nor did he limit the number of questions I asked. After the 1st phone call, I knew Jimmy was the person I wanted to consult. When I flew back to Phx. to meet with him, Jimmy took the time to understand the "difficult dynamic" that is my family. He was 100% professional, but exuded a warmth and friendliness, that made me feel totally relaxed during that meeting. He displayed an exceptional level of expertise and provided me with clear explanations. He encouraged me to ask questions, no matter how insignificant or simple I thought they were. Since I'm out of state, I wasn’t sure what papers of my mother’s I needed to keep vs. what to get rid of, so at that 1st meeting I brought a box "filled with folders". Jimmy didn’t say a word, he just looked over the “mounds” of paperwork (most of which he probably didn’t need to see), and gave me sound advice. He asked detailed questions, and then gave me several options on how to proceed. He explained everything in terms I easily understood. I left feeling well informed and having a clearer direction of how best to proceed. It was clear from the onset that Jimmy was very knowledgeable and truly wanted the best for me. After the estate was "settled", family (from another country) entered into the scene. I was ruffled and emotional. Again, Jimmy was a Godsend. He was calm and empathetic while remaining professional. Jimmy's legal experience, along with his warmth and kindness, gave me hope at a time when my options appeared limited and the likelihood of a good resolution seemed next to impossible. He went above and beyond his obligation, and I couldn’t have asked for better advice or services. I know this is a long review, but it comes from the heart. I would recommend Mr. Jimmy D. Rohde to anyone needing a lawyer for probate and/or trust law without reservation.
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04 Dec, 2020 by Stacy
My case was a contentious guardianship/conservatorship dispute, where some members of the family were trying to block my mother with Alzheimer's from getting memory care. It was a heartbreaking, traumatic, and long-drawn out process. Jimmy literally saved the day, by doing everything legally possible to ensure that my Mom got the care she needed. Throughout it all, he was kind, thoughtful, and committed to seeing the right thing happen for my mother. He is excellent at this work. Very strongly recommended!
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17 Aug, 2019 by Antonio
Monica came highly recommended by a friend. In a city that is reputed to have as many attorneys are there are actors, I was a deer in headlights when I was an inaccurately named party to a small-business lawsuit. Monica genuinely listened to my side of the story, and explained my options for tackling the case. I had never been involved in a lawsuit before, and was relying entirely on her counsel. She explained her background, fees, and her assessment of the case. She was calm, collected, and presented my options. All my instincts indicated that she was the perfect lawyer to represent me, and I hired her on the spot. Monica checked in with me regularly, explained what was happening, and never left me in the dark. After a few months, my case concluded in my favor, and I couldn't be happier. Monica is an empathetic communicator, and executes. She is analytical, thoughtful, and a performer. As the first attorney I've ever hired for a lawsuit, I don't have a reference point for her attorney rates relative to others. However, there is no question that the value of her services are worth every penny. I highly recommend her.
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21 May, 2018 by Noel
Monica helped us with a trust sale on one of our property. Monica was Very professional and was always there for any questions or concerns. She guided us through the whole process which made us feel very comfortable.
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08 Sep, 2018 by Gabrielle
I had to hire a CA attorney for a complicated case involving 5 states. I’m based in Boston. I found Robyn after multiple referrals. I was pretty well versed on the case law and was very prepared. Robyn was professional, compassionate, and fair. She followed with every note. She handled my case beautifully. I could not happier. I would highly recommend Robyn Christo for your matter. She will not let you down!
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04 Feb, 2017 by Martin
My Siblings were the trust administrators of the family trust and I needed a Marin County Trust and Elder Law Litigator. It is unfortunate when your own sibling were not able to be fair, honest and decent as trust administrators. In this era of financial elder abuse, when your some of your siblings get their hands on the money, it's just too easy for them to not use it like their own personal checking account. It might get worse if your family attorney dies and they are able to hire their own attorney for themselves and the trust. Robyn Christo was a quick study, knew the details of the case and was able to help me focus on a reasonable outcome. She went into the Marin County Probate Court and was able to get me a subpoena of the bank finanical records that I wanted. In the end, she was able to get me a final distribution of trust assets so I could move forward with my life. Epstein Law Firm does not handle estate planning case, they specialize in trust and estate and elder ligitation. It is unfortunate that I did not find her earlier when one of my parents was still alive. I would highly recommend Attorney Robyn Christo.
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16 Jul, 2019 by Anonymous
Sophia Shaikh guided us through the Probate Court, explaining each step along the way in simple, easily understood terms. If we had any questions or concerns, she was always prompt in returning calls, etc. Any and all documents she filed with the court on our behalf, were done in a timely manner. We were kept updated and informed at all times making us feel confident with her knowledge, insight, and experience. She has a lovely optimistic personality, always willing to accommodate us in any way possible. We felt lucky to have her represent us. RFK & CMK
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08 Jan, 2018 by David
Attorney Shaikh handled a sensitive, embarrassing financial situation (relative without a will/bickering relatives prolonging the matter) with a manner that was friendly, pragmatic and professional. She really came across non judgmental and was truly an advocate for me. She truly knew her probate stuff and was pretty impressive. I'm very happy with her.
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06 Feb, 2017 by Suzi
Travis Perry assisted us with establishing a living trust, estate, and succession planning. He is always accessible and responsive to our specific situations, extremely proficient. Mr. Perry has been incredibly helpful during the transition after a death on our family, ensuring that the proper documentation was updated and administrative tasks were completed.
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26 Jan, 2017 by Kirk
Travis has worked diligently on my parents and my estate planning. Having that combined knowledge has helped us move forward in a positive and proactive manner. I applaud his attention to detail, forward thinking and ability to listen and explain when things get complicated.
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16 Apr, 2016 by Anonymous
Our family was facing a Medicaid and later estate matter concerning the family matriarch. We were dealing with an unpleasant, stressful, and often bewildering legal and family situation. Ms Mitchell helped navigate and manage. When I first searched for an attorney in the needed specialty, I contacted about 4 or 5 lawyers and firms. Ms Mitchell was the only one who returned my call and then made herself efficiently available for an intake phone call. She and her staff made the initial outreach easy and pleasant. I cannot say the same about others I contacted. Ms Mitchell’s and her firm’s professionalism continued to shine after the family hired her and as she helped us through the difficult matter. She did what was needed to be done, pleasantly, effectively, efficiently, and with utmost respect. Her competence and that of her staff in this particular area of law is complete. Having this level of competence provided additional assurance in a time of turmoil. The family could trust her, and that means a lot in times of distress. The situation was tough. Without her assistance, it would have been impossible. I have been and will continue to recommend Ms Mitchell to anyone who is asking for lawyer referrals. In the very near future, when my own family is getting ready for estate planning matters, we will hire her. No need to shop around any further.
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26 Oct, 2012 by Anonymous
Beth is a wonderful Estate Planner. She has great listening skills. She was also wonderful in assisting my mother with her Estate Plan. We would highly recommend her to anyone with a complicated estate portfolio.
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06 Jan, 2016 by Kaaran
It is with great pleasure that I recommend Tracy Tirey. Tracy was my mother's lawyer who put together her will. When my mother no longer could speak for herself Tracy made sure my mother's final wishes were carried out. Tracy was there when everyone else failed. She will fight for you and win. I can't begin to thank you enough. Your staff and commitment to your clients goes above and beyond what we expected. I am so grateful you were my mother's lawyer.
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22 Dec, 2015 by Lyndsey
Wonderful experience. Tracy is knowledgeable, experienced, friendly, and willing to answer any questions that come up. Kristine, at the front desk, is wonderful also.
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29 Jan, 2014 by Anonymous
Anthony covered all aspects of estate planning and provided me with several options in detail. He shared valuable insights on several options we discussed. He is very personable, articulate and a straight shooter. I would very much recommend Anthony to my friends and family.
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29 Jan, 2014 by Dro
Anthony has done an tremendous job of advising me on the proper set up for my personal estate. Additionally I have referrred him to corporate clients, who have told me that he took some very complicated estate issues they had and was able to put protect their assets in the best way possible for their family.
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01 Dec, 2016 by Victoria
I went to Mr Schofner when my Dad's health was starting to fail to help me sort out what I needed to be aware of, not knowing anything about wills or probate matters. He was very knowledgeable and helpful with all my questions and concerns. When my Dad passed away, the process went smoothly. But most of all Mr. Schofner was compassionate and caring during such a difficult time. Now I use him as I need to make sure all my legal matters are in place as I get older. I highly recommend him.
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27 Oct, 2016 by Sidney
As an attorney myself, I am very particular about whom I would hire for my own family. I worked with Ted Schofner to represent my 87-year-old father in evaluating a care program that would take into account his needs as he continues to age. Ted is extremely sensitive to the elderly and their families and the challenges they face. I have every confidence in Ted's professional competence, and recommend his services without reservation.
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08 Apr, 2013 by Joan
Helped us with my husbands mothers estate documents, quit claim deed, etc. Very informative and answered all our questions. Very professional and would recommend to anyone.
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12 Jul, 2009 by Anonymous
Matt Joswick is a very thoughtful and caring attorney. Matt put together a "Special Needs" trust for my developmentaly disabled sister. Matt's knowledge of the field and the courts was very thorough. Matt has excellent court room demeaner and worked well with the judge. Matt was very proficient at drawing up the legal documents that I needed to establish the trust. I was very pleased with Matt's legal services.
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10 Feb, 2016 by Katie
Michelle was a wonderful attorney to work with. My husband and I sought her expertise for our estate planning. She guided us through the process and left us feeling well prepared. Michelle was welcoming, informative, trustworthy, and thorough, and I truly felt that she had our best interests in mind. I would work with her again without question, and highly recommend her services!
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22 Sep, 2015 by Lauren
Michelle was amazing to work with! She is extremely knowledgeable in her field of work and made this very difficult topic, easier to manage and get through. Any questions I had were immediately answered; I felt comfortable and in good hands. I highly recommend Michelle and Mattson, O'Toole and Reed.
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29 Jan, 2016 by Jennifer hnatonko
He was very helpful throughout the entire process and guided us along the way to make sure we were making the best decisions. When we hit any bumps in the road, he was right by our side to walk us through any steps needed.
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26 Nov, 2012 by Nathan
Kevin is very professional and was only a phone call away. Gave me personal cell phone and was very reasonable for a closing ($850). Helped me with personal closing as we as investments. Has stayed in touch and is very professional. Also noticed multiple things that came up during a title search and took it upon himself to fix them before they even became issues. Exactly what you want with a real estate attorney
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26 Jun, 2014 by Assly sayyar
As a business attorney, I knew I needed to prepare a trust and did not want to attempt being my own attorney. I utilized Patty instead and she was knowledgeable, diligent, and even went above and beyond looking into what I needed to set up a practice manager for my own business in the event of my death or incapacity. Being the client in this situation was eye opening and I could not have asked for a better attorney than her.
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16 Sep, 2010 by Anonymous
Particia is one of the smartest and best attorney's in San Diego for wills, trusts, estate planning and probate. She has high interity and eithics. Highly recommend her!
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07 Aug, 2009 by Anonymous
I have worked with Kendall VanConas for many many years. She is truly wise and experienced beyond her years and . When it comes to Kendall's clients, her communication, responsiveness, and quality service are a top priority. Kendall's perspective is valuable, and I have gained so much insight as a result. It is always a great pleasure to work with Kendall VanConas.
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09 Jul, 2009 by Anonymous
I've known Ms. Van Conas for several years and have had an extremely satisfying experience with her and her staff. Both Ms. Van Conas and her associates have been the most professional and courteous attorney firms that we've had the pleasure of working with. A 10!
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26 Feb, 2020 by Wendy
Jonathan and his staff handled our estate plan. Efficient and extremely thorough. Highly recommend their services.
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03 Oct, 2017 by Greg
Jonathan Cole of Oak Lawn is an excellent attorney. I needed someone to design a living trust for me the way I wanted to see it work. He is superb. Very responsive, listens, excellent advise and takes his time with what one needs and requests. I would highly recommend him.
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31 Mar, 2013 by Virginia
Al defended me in a Criminal matter and went to work right away leaving no stone uncovered. He was well prepared in Court speaking out on my behalf correcting any oversights or questionable phrasing of the charge. He kept me well informed through Telephone contact, Email and meetings in his office. He was prompt in returning my calls. I was very impressed by his thoroughness, attention to detail, unrelenting approach and ability to stay focused on the work at hand. The Charges were dismissed after 6 months. Thank you Al for a satisfying outcome and I have no hesitation in recommending him .
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14 Nov, 2011 by Jim
I retained Mr. Rightler for an on-going legal case. By the time Mr. Rightler was involved in the case, prior attorneys had made a mess of it. Mr. Rightler took the time to learn my case. He read every document in the case file, spent time interviewing me, and got to know the players involved. He was highly organized and did not miss anything. He has excellent communication skills and is not afraid to state the facts, in court and out. He is an honest and very principled man. He is knowledgeable in the law but is not shy about asking for help where he needs it. Mr. Rightler has strong research skills which help greatly as, in my case, it was necessary for him to do very extensive research in a number of areas other than the law. Mr. Rightler , as an attorney, is consistently reliable. He always returned my calls and emails. He told me what he planned to do, and he did exactly that. I have complete trust in Mr. Rightler and I would not hesitate to recommend him as an attorney.
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02 Jun, 2020 by Anonymous
My family and I went thru two attorneys before we hired Ms. Claire Forster for our estate planning (first one was a local attorney who only gave us trust documents printed right off the internet - our entire assets would have gone thru. probate, second one was a high profile attorney from a big city, large firm who did not care to listen to our needs and only tried to control us with unfairness). Then through someone in law, we were finally directed to Claire. Right from the beginning, we could see the very high level of knowledge she has in taxes and many other areas. She carefully listens to our needs/wishes and goes over what facts help us and what facts hurt us from the aspect of laws and tax benefits. The most significant strength she has is an extremely high level of thoroughness. She is not only very thorough, but also has shown empathy and compassion as we have some complications in our family that needed to be taken care by Trust. She has high quality client interactions! Her speed and professionalism are also exceptional. Our family and I are VERY grateful for her service and we hereby recommend Ms. Claire Forster without reservation.
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26 May, 2020 by Lori
Excellent service! Claire went above and beyond to prepare Enhanced Life Estate Deeds for my properties. She took extra time to explain various options and carefully detailed the implications of each. She is the most knowledgeable attorney I have met with regard to Estate Planning. She was extremely thorough and I highly recommend her!
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22 Sep, 2016 by Frank
Mark helped communicate the options in a complicated situation. His knowledge of the non profit world and the complexities of 501(c)3 regulations both Federal and State is considerable. His ability to communicate clearly the options was excellent.
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01 Apr, 2013 by John
Mark helped my family through a very tricky situation. He was always patient with us. He explained complex issues in language we could understand, and he helped us feel comfortable making important decisions. Several attorneys were involved in the situation, but Mark's advice was always the most practical and helpful.
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16 Apr, 2019 by Dennis
I hired Julie to review trust documents, change trustee, write new power of attorney, and file changes with county. Julie was clear with explanations of steps needed to accomplish changes and efficient in completing required documents.
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26 Dec, 2012 by Mrs. m
I had tried for over several months, to find an Attorney that would handle Medi-Cal, and not be afraid to fight the system. Most Attorneys said, "You will never win with Medi-Cal - give up". When I called Julie (referred by another attorney), she told us she would be at our house for a consultation. That happened within 24 hours. She took a load off our shoulders that can't be put in words. Her very capable staff called the next morning and let me know what the next step was. To make a real long story shorter, she was able to facilitate and stop the possibility of us being on the streets within a few months. My husband suffered a massive stroke 5 1/2 years ago and is still totally disabled. I truly don't know what we would have done without finding her. Miss Fiedler is caring, knowledgeable, attentive, and knows the system, which can be very nasty and non-caring. Just ask me I know! I am this wonderful man's wife and his best and most tenacious friend. Thank you Julie - Don't even hesitate to call her!
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09 Feb, 2022 by Elizabeth
My 104-year old Mother, on Medicaid for years, was suddenly Medicaid disqualified. Sierra was able to resolve the problem quickly and effectively. I highly recommend her for any Medicaid issues.
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17 Aug, 2017 by Yvonne
I can not rave about Sierra Butler at Butler Elder Law enough. Sierra helped my family and I through an extremely difficult time in our lives. We had two other lawyers who had neglected to do their jobs accurately and had failed to file important documents in a timely matter. I was panicking and stressed and Sierra came through in a big way. She literally fixed everything for us. We had a complicated situation and what started out as something we thought was going to take multiple court visits and multiple pleadings ended up being handled quickly and efficiently by Sierra. She was patient and kind and thorough in her explanations. She knew her what she was talking about and after the first conversation with her, I knew we'd picked the right lawyer. She was always easily accessible, both on the phone and through email, and got back with me promptly. All of these are things we had not experienced with our other lawyers. I can say without conviction that you will not be disappointed with her.
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29 Nov, 2010 by Stacy
Diana is wonderful to work with as is her entire firm. I most appreciate that she is professional, thorough, and down to earth. I am very comfortable with her, and trust her completely with my mother's complicated affairs. I could never have handled managing my mother's care needs on my own. My mother suffered a stroke and now resides in a nursing home; something my mother never planned for. The laws are beyond my scope of knowledge. It is a relief to have Diana and her team at Law Elder Law guide me regarding being sure my mother's needs will always be met. They remove some of the stress of caring for a loved one and are very supportive of their clients in that role. I highly recommend Diana and Law Elder Law for legal counsel and financial care planning for the elderly. And I've learned it is never too early to get one's own personal estate plan in place. Be prepared should an unfortunate circumstance come.
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26 Jul, 2010 by Kathy
Diana has helped both my husband and me in these difficult times. Her professional expertise has helped us take care of our parents in a dignified manner. She is amazing and we are thankful that we have hired her.
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30 Apr, 2016 by Michael
I was in an injury issue where I got hurt, in short. It was not my fault, so I needed representation, and I went to a different lawyer. That was my biggest mistake. I then met Andrew and hist team. This was the best accidental meeting. I changed lawyers immediately, and found the difference to be staggering. Andrew remembered my name, everything I told him, all bills and everything were scanned in and in a neat file, it was like night and day (Andrew being a very sunny day) whereas my previous representation, well, it was dark. Anyhow, it was one of the easiest experiences ever. I followed direction, did what I needed to do, and my case was probably the simplest thing I have ever completed. I would recommend him to anyone, and have already recommend him to my cycle club for anyone that needs representation, and will continue to do so as long as he is practicing and I have breath in my lungs.
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02 Feb, 2016 by Erik
I've hired Andrew on 2 occasions. First, for a very basic review of an employment contract. Andrew was great and caught some very important things that I would have overlooked. Later, when I learned Andrew started focusing on personal injury, he helped me with a claim against a national retail chain. I was extremely impressed with his poise and professionalism throughout the process. The outcome was more than satisfactory and I've already referred several people to him.
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08 Dec, 2023 by Sandy
Bryan and his employees are friendly and caring. Most of all they are helpful. Bryan helped me after my husband passed away, getting my legal paperwork taken care of. Several times afterwards he advised me on things I didn’t know how to handle. I appreciate that he took his time and made sure I understood what I needed to do or what he needed to do for me. Thank you.
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08 Dec, 2023 by Andrew
Bryan helped set up a family trust for my father and then for my wife and me. My father was one of the first people to live in one of his homes in Fort Wayne when he needed assistance. He was there for us all the way in assisting us in our various transitions. Everything went smoothly with no complaints. Bryan was very enthusiastic in explaining all aspects of our needs. We recommended him to other family members and he was able to also help them with their needs.
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15 Apr, 2015 by Jim
Catherine has been our Lawyer (my brother and I) for the last 6 months or so and our relationship has been excellent. She helped us through a very sticky Guardianship case and continuous to provide needed legal advice and support. Catherine's understanding of the legal system is one of the best I've seen. We will continue to use her services to the maximum extent possible.
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29 Dec, 2014 by Ken
Catherine's expertise and confidence in Elder Law was extremely helpful in this emotionally trying situation. She was able to hit the ground running and was able to negotiate several situations with the opposing lawyer and reach an acceptable settlement that will help my father's future needs. Catherine also negotiated with the other lawyers to find a Conservator that I feel is trustworthy in handling my father's money. As a Guardian is something new to me I have asked Catherine to stay on as my lawyer and help guide me through the upcoming year. This is a big comfort knowing I have somebody that cares and understands my needs.
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10 Jul, 2016 by Tony
My wife and I have used Deb Rysso on multiple occasions in the past ten years. She first worked with us when my father entered in a nursing home and we needed to protect my mother's assets. Next we used her with my mother-law's estate and then used her to develop a ladybird deed for my mother's home. All of the estates were small and in all cases she helped us simplify the process and avoid probate for a very reasonable fee. My wife and I were so impressed with her attention to detail and sound advice that we used Deb to set up our own trust. What impressed me most was in two cases she told us "I think you're worried about the wrong thing" and then explained a scenario we didn't foresee. In both instances the scenario she described was what actually happened, but due to the pre-planning we were prepared and protected. I would highly recommend Deb to anyone for elder planning and estate issues. Tony McLain Sault Sainte Marie
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20 Oct, 2013 by Catherine
Deborah has been my family's lawyer for a few years, helping us with tasks including estate planning, updating my parents' trust and developing a contract for home health care workers. She is always courteous and prompt, she charges very fair rates and does high quality work. Deborah has a strong knowledge of elder law and is skilled at communicating information simply and clearly. I also appreciate her willingness to find experts in other legal fields if we have a question that is outside of her area of expertise.
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29 Jun, 2022 by Michele klein
I would personally like to thank my attorney, Jaleh Piran-Vesseh for her expertise and knowledge in elder care. My journey started from New York to Florida and she had walked me through all the difficulties and task that i wouldn’t of been able to do with out her. Her attentiveness to details is right on point. During this difficult time with my parents being so ill, she had insured confidence in me to preform my duties as a trustee to the estate of my parents. No question has been unanswered. Every phone call has been answered. I would also like to thank Amanda for all her hard work and kindness. I highly recommend Jaleh Piran-Vesseh to all in need. You will never be disappointed. Thank you Jaleh for your kindness and understanding from the bottom of my heart.
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03 Jul, 2018 by Alvin au
Jaleh is an excellent lawyer and helping me to solve some issues of trust property. She always discuss and explain my case to me very patiently. She took very high responsibility to my case. Also Her Paralegal, Mary L. Andersen, FRP , has a very experienced and knowledgeable helper. Even my case is not closed yet, so far she is a lawyer I can trust. I strongly recommend her to everyone if you need a lawyer. I need to appreciate with their help!
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02 Feb, 2018 by Larry
Lee Werner is truly an outstanding attorney. During his representation Mr. Werner displayed the following characteristics, was extremely knowledgeable, reliable, incredibly prepared, strategic, diligent, attentive, compassionate, trustworthy, engaging, experienced, optimistic, patience, skillful, provided good advice, was quick to respond to my needs, respected, maintained perspective, reassuring, honest, displayed integrity, and stood by my side throughout a long and emotional case, which we won! Mr. Werner is not only a good attorney, he is also a good person. I recommend Mr. Werner without reservation.
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26 Jan, 2018 by Anonymous
A person who failed to qualify for founding shares of our company, brought a law suit against the founders, claiming he was owed equity. Lee crafted a defense strategy, executed and delivered a bench trial verdict in our favor. He additionally navigated us to a successful outcome on the plaintiff's appeal.
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11 Nov, 2013 by Jodi
I am an attorney and referred several clients to Ailish over the years. Every single one was extremely pleased. One was an emergency matter and that person still thanks me for the referral, to this day! Its been at least 7-8 yrs! Because of Ailish's fantastic work for my clients, my husband and I chose to have her draft several very important documents for us. We are very pleased w/ her work. I have continued to refer friends and family members to her over the years. She is super! Compassionate, knowledgeable, and responsive.
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26 Oct, 2009 by Chris
We have been in need of legal advice and services in the elder care area several times, and have found Ailish OConner to be compassionate, knowledgable and available. She is held in high regard by many in the Eldercare Advocacy field and the Assisted Living and Skilled Nursing Facility communities. We can recommend her highly.
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14 Dec, 2018 by John
Adria did our wills and trusts recently. She was timely and very helpful. I am an attorney but know little about estate planning and will drafting. She was very good at explaining and helping us design our estate plan to avoid probate. her charges were lower than I expected. I highly recommend her as a professional in every sense of that word.
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21 Aug, 2017 by Melissa
Ms. Dickey was a blessing to me in such a hard time. I had a situation with my deceased husbands life insurance policy and with the help of Ms. Dickey it was resolved quickly and with such professionalism. I would highly recommend Ms. Dickey to anyone needing legal help.
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05 Apr, 2023 by Roberta
Kathryn Crow Casey is the attorney I recommend to my family, friends and associates. Kathryn demonstrated an extremely knowledgeable understanding of estate planning for Eldercare. We discussed a Will. powers of health and finance and several aspects related to long term care. My list of concerns and questions were quite extensive when we worked together, Kathryn patiently listened and thoroughly answered my questions. The way she explained everything was in ways that were very understandable. I feel confident that I understand the many aspects I need questioned with an additional understanding of several legal concerns.
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28 Aug, 2013 by Anonymous
Hi Kathryn, now that this process seems to be about over, I just wanted to write you a quick note to thank you for your help, knowledge, and professionalism. I’ve been on a big learning curve throughout this process and you’ve done a great job explaining things and getting me up to speed. If I ever have a friend going through something like this, I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend you. I really appreciate that there was never a touch of arrogance on your part, and that you could explain things in a way that was simple to understand
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What an Elder Law Lawyer Can Do for You

An elder law lawyer specializes in legal issues that affect older adults, their families, and caregivers. These lawyers handle a broad range of topics, including estate planning, Medicaid and Medicare, long-term care planning, guardianship, elder abuse, and retirement planning. The goal of an elder law lawyer is to protect the rights, finances, and well-being of elderly individuals and to help them plan for future healthcare and financial security.

If you or a loved one is aging and facing challenges related to healthcare, finances, or legal matters, an elder law lawyer can provide essential guidance to protect your rights and interests as you age.

When Should I Hire an Elder Law Lawyer?

Hiring an elder law lawyer can be beneficial in many situations where older adults need help with legal, financial, or healthcare-related decisions. Common reasons to hire an elder law lawyer include:

  • Estate planning: If you want to create or update a will, set up trusts, or ensure that your assets are distributed according to your wishes, an elder law lawyer can help with comprehensive estate planning.
  • Medicaid and Medicare planning: If you need help qualifying for Medicaid to cover long-term care or need advice on navigating Medicare benefits, a lawyer can guide you through the application process and protect your assets.
  • Long-term care planning: If you’re concerned about paying for nursing home care or assisted living, a lawyer can help you create a financial plan and explore options for government assistance.
  • Guardianship or conservatorship: If a family member is unable to make decisions due to age-related cognitive issues, an elder law lawyer can assist in setting up legal guardianship or conservatorship to ensure their care.
  • Elder abuse and exploitation: If you or a loved one is experiencing physical, emotional, or financial abuse, an elder law lawyer can help you take legal action to stop the abuse and recover damages.
  • Retirement planning: Elder law lawyers can assist with planning for retirement, including managing pensions, Social Security, and other retirement income.
  • Special needs planning: If you have a disabled family member who requires special care, an elder law lawyer can help create trusts or other legal arrangements to ensure their long-term financial and healthcare needs are met.

What Does an Elder Law Lawyer Do?

An elder law lawyer provides a wide range of legal services to help older adults and their families navigate the complexities of aging, healthcare, and estate planning. Their responsibilities often include:

  • Drafting wills and trusts: Creating legal documents that outline how an individual’s assets will be distributed after death, ensuring that their wishes are honored.
  • Medicaid and Medicare planning: Helping clients protect their assets while qualifying for government benefits to cover healthcare and long-term care costs.
  • Establishing guardianships: Assisting families in setting up guardianship or conservatorship for loved ones who are unable to make decisions due to mental or physical incapacity.
  • Protecting against elder abuse: Investigating claims of elder abuse or financial exploitation and representing the victim in legal actions to stop the abuse and seek compensation.
  • Planning for long-term care: Developing strategies to cover the costs of nursing homes, assisted living, and other long-term care options without exhausting the elder’s financial resources.
  • Managing probate and estate administration: Guiding families through the probate process to ensure that the decedent’s assets are distributed according to the law and their wishes.
  • Setting up advance directives: Helping clients establish healthcare directives and powers of attorney to ensure their medical and financial decisions are carried out if they become incapacitated.

How Are Elder Law Lawyers Paid?

Elder law lawyers typically charge for their services based on the complexity of the case and the type of legal work involved. Common payment structures include:

  • Hourly rate: Many elder law lawyers charge by the hour, especially for tasks such as drafting documents, handling legal disputes, or providing ongoing legal advice. Hourly rates typically range from $150 to $500 or more, depending on the lawyer’s experience and location.
  • Flat fee: For specific tasks, such as drafting a will or setting up a trust, some lawyers charge a flat fee. This can range from $500 to $5,000 or more, depending on the complexity of the estate plan.
  • Retainer: For long-term legal representation, such as managing a trust or handling guardianship matters, a lawyer may charge a retainer, which is an upfront payment that covers future legal work.
  • Contingency fee: In some elder abuse or financial exploitation cases, a lawyer may work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if they recover compensation for the client. This fee is typically a percentage of the settlement or damages awarded.

Be sure to discuss fees with your lawyer during the initial consultation to understand how you will be billed and what the total cost of services might be.

How Much Does an Elder Law Lawyer Cost?

The cost of hiring an elder law lawyer varies depending on the complexity of the case, the lawyer’s experience, and the fee structure. General cost estimates include:

  • Simple estate planning: Drafting basic documents, such as a will or power of attorney, may cost between $500 and $2,000, depending on the complexity of the client’s assets and wishes.
  • Complex estate planning: Setting up more advanced estate plans, such as revocable or irrevocable trusts, Medicaid planning, or special needs trusts, can range from $2,000 to $10,000 or more.
  • Guardianship or conservatorship: Legal fees for setting up guardianship or conservatorship often range from $2,000 to $5,000 or more, depending on the complexity of the case and whether disputes arise.
  • Medicaid planning: Legal fees for Medicaid planning can range from $1,500 to $10,000, depending on the level of asset protection needed and the complexity of the individual’s financial situation.

Always ask for an estimate of fees during your initial consultation to ensure you understand how much the legal services will cost.

Top Questions to Ask an Elder Law Lawyer

Before hiring an elder law lawyer, it’s important to ask the right questions to ensure they have the experience and expertise needed to handle your case. Key questions to ask include:

  1. What experience do you have with elder law cases?
    Make sure the lawyer has experience handling cases similar to yours, whether it's estate planning, Medicaid applications, or elder abuse claims.
  2. How do you charge for your services?
    Clarify whether the lawyer charges by the hour, a flat fee, or a retainer, and ask for a detailed estimate of the total cost.
  3. What is the best approach for my case?
    Ask for an honest assessment of your situation and what legal strategies the lawyer recommends.
  4. How long will the process take?
    Whether it’s drafting an estate plan or setting up a guardianship, ask the lawyer how long they expect the process to take.
  5. Will you handle my case personally?
    In larger firms, junior attorneys or paralegals may handle parts of the case. Make sure you know who will be working on your case directly.
  6. What documents should I bring to the consultation?
    Ask the lawyer what documentation or information you should prepare for your consultation, such as medical records, financial statements, or prior legal documents.

How to Check the Credibility of an Elder Law Lawyer

To ensure you are hiring a reputable elder law lawyer, follow these steps to verify their credentials and experience:

  • Check their bar status: Verify with your state bar association that the lawyer is licensed to practice and has no history of disciplinary actions.
  • Look for elder law experience: Review the lawyer’s website or professional profile to ensure they specialize in elder law and have experience with cases similar to yours.
  • Read client reviews and testimonials: Look for client reviews on platforms like Avvo, Martindale-Hubbell, or Google to see what previous clients have said about the lawyer’s professionalism and success rate.
  • Ask for references: A credible lawyer should be able to provide references from past clients who have worked with them on elder law issues.
  • Check for certifications: Look for certifications or affiliations with organizations such as the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA), which can indicate the lawyer’s dedication to elder law.

What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?

To get the most out of your first consultation with an elder law lawyer, it’s important to come prepared with relevant documents and information. Here’s what you should bring:

  • Existing estate planning documents: If you have a will, trust, or power of attorney in place, bring copies for the lawyer to review.
  • Financial records: Provide details of your assets, including bank accounts, investments, real estate, and retirement accounts, as well as any debts.
  • Medical information: If the case involves guardianship or Medicaid planning, bring relevant medical records that detail the individual's health condition and care needs.
  • Insurance policies: Bring information about health insurance, long-term care insurance, and any other relevant policies.
  • Questions for the lawyer: Write down any questions you have about your legal needs, the process, and the lawyer’s fees.
  • List of family members or beneficiaries: Prepare a list of the individuals you want to include in your estate plan or who will be affected by the legal process.

By preparing thoroughly for your consultation, you can help the lawyer assess your situation more effectively and receive the best legal advice tailored to your needs.

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