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14 Mar, 2012 by Anonymous
I hired Ms. Mock to defend me in a debt collection lawsuit. I was unsure about having to pay a retainer because I never needed a lawyer before, but it was worth it. The credit card company's lawsuit against me was settled within 3 months and I don't have to declare bankruptcy now. It was a big relief to be able to ask my attorney questions and get answers quickly through the whole process.
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03 Mar, 2012 by Erik
Out of 8 attorneys I contacted, Ms Mock was the only one responded to my need to prepare for my unemployment appeal with my former employer . She kept me informed the whole process, and was there to provide the support I needed at the hearing. Ms Mock is efficient, detailed, knowledgeable, and a trust worthy professional attorney . She will work for your day in court.
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09 Feb, 2016 by David
I live in Pennsylvania....and (subsequent to a recommendation) I met/consulted in person with Attorney Nina Chepp one time. All other estate work was done via email, US mail, and fax. Nina and assistant Alida Bustos clearly advised and processed the considerable paper work involved. 5 Star recommendation for their competence, efficiency, and pleasantness.
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08 Dec, 2011 by Bob
I hired Ms. Chepp about six years ago. She is outstanding in her knowledge of the law. Ms. Chepp is a true professional in her field of elder law and guardianships. I reside in the state of Pennsyvania and she helped me with many questions and problems that had to do with my guardianship of a relative. I am fortunate to have Ms. Chepp as my attorney.
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19 Sep, 2016 by Steve
When my mother passed away, I contacted the lawyer who did her estate planning, E. Steven Lauer, to handle the post death administration of her trust. Because my mother had a living trust, my family was not required to go through probate. The distribution of her property was promptly handled by Mr. Lauer, who charged us a very reasonable fee. All of the work, including the tax returns, was handled "in house" by Mr. Lauer, who is board certified in Wills, Trusts, Estate and Tax and his accountant, Francine. We could not have been more please
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13 Feb, 2013 by Anonymous
Our family experienced a very emotionally draining divorce battle with our elderly father's ex-wife who attempted to rip off our father's estate for everything that she could once she discovered our father was suffering from severe Alzheimer's Disease. As our father became mentally incapacitated, his wife attempted to cash in on virtually everything he had worked for his entire life by forging his signature on legal documents. Our Estate and Trust Attorney, Steve Lauer, did a commendable job protecting my father's financial interests as well as assisting with his Guardianship once he became legally incompetent to handle his own affairs. It pays to have a Board Certified Trust and Estate Attorney in the State of Florida when you care dealing with a complicated array of legalities involving marriage, grand theft, elder abuse, trusts, wills, and other legal documents and matters.
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07 Jul, 2019 by Gail
A few years ago we had Michele draw up a trust and update our wills. She explained everything to us and we had our children involved in the meeting to make it a family affair. Everything was explained to us and our children for whatever happens as we get older. I have contacted her several times to answer more questions that I have and she’s always helpful and patient with me. I always feel like she has our best interest.
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03 Jul, 2019 by Anonymous
My husband and I are looking into getting our wills done in case something should happen to us. We have two young children and Michelle helped to explain all of our options, not just for a will, but multiple things. She was patient and listened to what we’re looking for to help protect ourselves and loved ones. We’re going out of town soon and can’t wait to hire her when we get back!
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28 Mar, 2015 by Debra
I highly recommend Anne Sheffler Douglass for anyone needing an attorney who is well versed on all legal matters. Anne is empathetic, responsive, and highly qualified to give you the best client service experience you will ever have with an attorney. I needed immediate legal advice, and Anne more than exceeded my expectations for the situations I presented to her. She is a problem solver, and her knowledge and expertise is exceptional. Due to that immediate help, our family has made Anne our legal counselor for all legal matters.
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22 Feb, 2012 by John
Attorney Anne Sheffler Douglass is an outstanding lawyer. She not only is extremely competent in her field, but demonstrates a caring concern for her clients. She is an excellent communicator and has been very responsive to our needs.
In our dealings with Attorney Douglass we were made to feel comfortable and we felt that she listened to our concerns, answered questions and solved difficult problems that we presented.
I have used the services of several attorneys, but have never been as pleased as I have with Attorney Douglass.
I recommend her most highly and without any reservations.
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03 Dec, 2016 by Katie
Rekha Rao is the best attorney to handle your estate planning. She is kind, thorough and took the time to answer every question we had. She goes above and beyond in her service where other attorneys don't go. I am so happy she was referred to us by a friend and highly recommend her to anyone. We didn't just gain an attorney, we gained a true and honest friend!!!
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17 Nov, 2016 by Gil
Rekha review our financial situation and recommended the transfer of assets to a trust. Also, Rekha transferred our house into a separate trust which allows us to continue living in our home.
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30 May, 2023 by Mary
Andrew Boyer listened to my concerns and went above and beyond in answering all my questions and helping me with his knowledge. He gave good advice and share insights that I highly valued regarding an estate and the legal system. He was patient, thorough, and kind. I would highly recommend him!
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20 Nov, 2009 by Anonymous
Andrew of Boyer & Jackson is a bright, attentive, talented lawyer.
I had a family case of Guardianship that required tact, skill, and leadership to get thru a maze of family discord and complexity.
Through Andrew's leadership I was able to protect my elder Father with a Guardianship that was for his best interest.
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06 Jan, 2015 by Angel
I would just like to say that we are so thankful we found Mr. Charles Ray when we had no hope left. It is nearly impossible to win a will contest in probate litigation from what I hear, but Mr, Ray pulled through and saved our family home for us in an undue influence case. I as well as my sister and all our family will always be grateful to this man for helping us, he was a fire cracker in court saying all the right things when they needed to be said and helping the judge see exactly what had actually transpired.
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06 Jan, 2015 by Jessica
Mr. Ray is an excellent lawyer, who won my case for me. He is very knowledgable, trustworthy, and cares about his clients. I would highly recommend him for your probate litigation needs.
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30 Jun, 2021 by Grace
My husband and I were in need of a will, as terrible as that sounds. However, Scott was so helpful and patient and offered very reasonable prices. He was also always there when we needed advice, his phone never went to voicemail! VERY HAPPY with Scotts work overall, I will absolutely refer him to all my friends!
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13 May, 2021 by Roger
My wife and I met Scott for a free consultation at his office 2 weeks ago. He was very kind and knowledgeable. Scott brought up some concerns we had never previously thought to address. Scott had our documents finished two days after we told him that we wanted a trust. Our financial advisor said that our new estate planning portfolio is one of the best that he has seen.
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03 Jul, 2012 by Phyllis
Alice! I can't say enough about this lawyer. I was going through a very rough patch in my life, both of my parents were declining, our funds were running out, everything was in disarray, I was ready to give up. I didn't know what to do. In comes Alice Reiter Feld and her team! The very first phone call helped ease some of my worry. Everything was taken care of and she kept me in the loop the entire way. If any other issues in my family pop up, god forbid, I will be giving Alice a call.Thanks!
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19 Aug, 2011 by Carol ann
Alice Reiter Feld and her very knowledgeable professional staff helped me relocate my 94-yr old grandmother from a nursing home in New York to Fort Lauderdale. Not only did they take care of the difficult process of closing out her NY Medicaid and applying for it in Florida, they identified and facilitated her entry into a 5-star skilled nursing facility nearby my home. Everything went seemlessly and quickly and I was very impressed with this firm!
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31 May, 2023 by Ann
Look no further than Ms. Messick if it is time to do your Trust. She worked diligently with us to secure one that met our needs. She gave us options and made sure we understood the legal jargon. The Trust was tailored for our family.
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11 Aug, 2022 by Valquiria
Jean Messick was able to help me during a very difficult time. She held my hand throughout the whole process. She is wonderful. Knowledgeable and trustworthy. Will always use her services from now on.
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06 Jul, 2024 by Mastercarver27
This attorney was very thorough and helpful and kind in helping
us set up a living trust. My dad had worked
With her in the past and we are thankful we
Chose her office for our own estate planning.
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06 Jan, 2012 by Beth
This office was so very helpful in setting up a Living Revocable Trust for us. They were very knowledgeable in this field. All of our questions were answered and things that we didn't think of were offered. We are so very pleased with Susan Wideman and her office staff. We will definitely recommend her to everyone.
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12 Oct, 2012 by Arlene
When my mom had a stroke, and unfortunately due to her diabetes needed to be moved full time to a nursing home, I needed to qualify her for Medicaid, as the cost of proper care is prohibitive. Myrna Fawcett and her team at Fawcett & Fawcett Law did an outstanding job, helping to reallocate my mom's assets and we were able to quickly qualify her for Medicaid benefits. It would be almost impossible for the typical person to get through this process in such a short period of time. Their experience and expertise in dealing with these matters was a godsend for my brother and I. We owe a debt of gratitude to Ms.Fawcett and her team for making this happen in such a timely fashion. Durning this time of great duress for us they helped accomplish everything needed for us as a family. I'd highly recommend Ms. Fawcett to anyone facing a similar situation such as ours.
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09 Aug, 2012 by Joe
Ms. Fawcett recently handled setting up my parents estate so they could equally distribute their assets to all eight of their surviving children including myself. Both parents are now in thier eighties and my father is in increasingly poor health. Ms. Fawcett divised a way for my parents so start dividing and distributing that estate while both of my parents were still living. This allowed them the satisfaction of knowing they were able to help each of their children, and in some cases their grandchildren, realize some of their lifelong aspirations.
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27 Feb, 2019 by Anonymous
Barbara Martin's adroitness and forthwith attitude when addressing sensitive issues has been a welcome relief over the past few years that I've been utilizing her services. She makes herself available for Q&A and handles inquiries tactfully and responsibly.
She gets involved; you're not a "number" but a person, one with concerns and questions, and Barbara makes you her priority. I look at her not just as my attorney, but as a person who cares beyond the surface. She continues to provide above-par service offerings and overall effective outcomes.
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16 Mar, 2016 by Michele
Assisted my family with dealing with various elder care and estate planning and ultimately estate administration. Was well-versed on many topics from the power of attorney, to estate plans and probate. Helped us compassionately during a very difficult time. Easy to reach and understanding.
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06 Aug, 2024 by Anonymous
Catherine assisted me in my Will and Estate planning. I need a revision of the Will, however she has since retired. I consider this a loss as her work was of great help to me.
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10 Aug, 2016 by Anonymous
What a blessing meeting Catherine Leas at a time when I just did not know where to turn. She put my mind at ease when I needed it most. I plan on seeking her advice in the very near future and recommending her to anyone looking for an attorney.
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07 Nov, 2023 by Damon
Met with Mary once so far with a tangled up trust situation also I was so upset about it all I could barely get the words out she caught on right away to what was going on. Very attentive and preceptive also very reasonable fees. Highly recommend.
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03 Aug, 2022 by Marina
Mary took over my case in a very difficult probate situation and solved it to my entire satisfaction. I can honestly say that she saved my share of the family estate. She is knowledgeable, supportive and an excellent strategist in probate matters.
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11 Mar, 2024 by David
Ms. Bursk was extremely helpful in clarifying my options for me in our meeting. She was to-the-point and quickly led me to the best course of action. For me, the best course of action isn't legal action at this time, but I would certainly consult with her and/or hire her as my attorney if the need arises.
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24 Mar, 2020 by Janiece
Ms. Bursk helped me wade through a painful probate process. She even informed me that I could do what was needed by myself without going through the entire Probate Court process. She also referred me to an out of state attorney who will be able to complete settling this estate. Can't ask for a nicer, more professional attorney!
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30 Mar, 2016 by Pam
I hired Mr. Lambert when it became necessary for me to place my father in a nursing home and we needed assistance applying for Medicaid. My father has Alzheimer's and was incapable of handling his own affairs. I am his power of attorney and cared for him in his home for several years. Ours was a difficult and complicated case for many reasons. It took months to work through the process because of all the issues involved. Mr. Lambert went above and beyond what I ever expected him to do and worked tirelessly for me and my father. His knowledge of elder law was invaluable to us. I cannot recommend him highly enough. He is fair and honest and definitely goes the extra mile for his clients. If I could give more than 5 stars, I would certainly do so! I will be forever grateful for the service he performed for us - we could not have done it without him.
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06 Apr, 2015 by Bill
Bob is a great guy and goes above and beyond to provide extraordinary service to his clients. He was a God send for my family. He has real concern and compassion for his senior clients. I would recommend him to ANYONE needing a competent and caring Elder Law attorney.
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16 Apr, 2013 by Jasmine
I have been searching for a constuction lawyer to help me out with a Mechanic's lien. I talked to several Lawyers and most were dissmisive when they found out they can't make money from my case and hung up. Mr. Hibbard was very helpful in guiding me over the phone and was not pushy to solicit future work. Gave great advise on his first contact with me. Loved it when he did his lawyer thing when I didn't answer him the way he wanted me to, " I asked you a specific quetiosn..." LOL! I will definitely use him in the future.
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22 Aug, 2011 by Brenda
Last October I used Mr. Hibbard's services after my dog was involved in a fight with another dog. Within a few days, I received a threatening letter from the dog owner's attorney saying that if I didn't give them a large sum of money immediately, they would take further legal action and have my dog impounded.
Mr. Hibbard reviewed the letter and knew immediately that I was a victim of extortion. He reassured me their demands were unethical and I had nothing to worry about. After receiving Mr. Hibbard's response to the letter, the other attorney called and said the matter was completely dropped. I am very grateful to Mr. Hibbard for his services.
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17 Aug, 2021 by Charlee
I had filed an appeal in the IRS Tax Court that I no longer needed to pursue. I had searched the internet over and over trying to find out what the process was for closing my appeal. I couldn't find a clear answer. Attorney Thomas Hansen quickly and precisely answered my question and helped ease my worries. I now know what the process is, and I can move forward with confidence to resolve this issue. I greatly appreciate his expertise and help!
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16 Mar, 2017 by Anonymous
Clear concise answer.
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12 Oct, 2023 by Tony
Matthew took the time to let me ask all the questions I needed. He gave me a lot of useful advice. I plan to have Matthew handle my financial planning needs in the future.
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09 Jan, 2017 by Jacqueline
I have consulted with Matthew several times regarding tax and financial issues. I have found him to be extremely knowledgeable and helpful. Every time I meet with Matthew I come away having learned something new. Matthew is incredibly patient and takes the time to break things down and explain them step by step. Matthew is an excellent attorney and I would not hesitate to recommend him.
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27 May, 2020 by Anonymous
Andrew was referred to me by people I had worked with in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He was knowledgeable about all of my questions. Andrew worked with me to ensure that all of my concerns and issues were addressed. The work that he had done for me was outstanding and performed promptly. I would highly recommend Andrew to anyone who is looking for an excellent lawyer.
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10 Mar, 2015 by Steve
My wife and I recently moved to New Jersey and we needed to prepare a new will. A relative referred us to Andrew. We are very pleased with Andrew and the work he has done for us. He took his time and clearly explained the New Jersey and Federal laws and his recommendation. He even looked at documents such as our long term insurance policy and explained our benefits, which was an added value. He's very thorough, service oriented, enthusiastic, and honest. That is how our relative described him to us, and that is how we found him to be. We felt very comfortable with Andrew and that we and our family could count on him.
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09 Jun, 2014 by Vanessa
Amy was a huge help to me when it came to legally handling my father's affairs. Being an only child who is disabled herself as well as my father's only living relative, she helped me to quickly take care of matters so that I can legally and properly make decisions for my father's well being. She explained to me the legalities of dealing with these situations, recommended a reliable place where I could prepay funeral arrangements and even helped me find a trustworthy and dependable private assisted living facility close to my home where I could place my father. Not only is he now well taken care of, he is also located less than 5 minutes to my home. Thank you Amy for all the wonderful work you do!
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06 Nov, 2012 by Anonymous
Ms. Jackson was very helpful in my family's time of need. Informative, understanding and compassionate are just a few words to describe her and her friendly staff.
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22 Feb, 2014 by Jill
I consulted George in a sex discrimination matter. He took the time to listen to me and fully understand my issues. George was able to negotiate a strong settlement with my former employer. Although we did not have to go to Court to resolve my case, I would have been quite comfortable with George representing me in Court.
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29 Sep, 2010 by Deborah
George was an incredible resource and support for me. I worked with George for over 10 years and, to date, have found him to be the best in-house employment counsel, I've ever encountered. So much of what I know, today, about employment law stems back to the initiation I had with George. He's a brilliant strategist and an excellent strategic partner. He doesn't "pontificate" about how to handle a situation, but instead, asks his "client" what they want the outcome to be, and then helps them find a realistic solution, with a thorough risk assessment in the process. I would highly recommend George Duesdieker.
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30 May, 2022 by Blue
Laurel has been an exceptional attorney for my family and for my corporation. She has helped me start and complete a living trust for my wife and kids which meant the world to us! Several years later she helped me form a corporation and has helped me write successful contracts for 5 years now! She has a basic approach and yet extensive knowledge in multiple areas of law. I highly recommend her!!
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12 Aug, 2016 by Anonymous
I used Laurel for my trust & will documents. I was very happy with my experience. She is clearly smart, knowledgable, & a real go getter. I felt confident in her abilities & would definitely recommend her to a friend.
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19 Oct, 2016 by Vilmanoel
very helpful, and easy to deal with. A gentleman
in the legal field. Came High recommended by
several title companies and friends 5 stars!!!!
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11 Apr, 2016 by Anonymous
Mr. Bomhoff made the handling our estate needs very easy. He explained what the legal requirements were in a manner we could understand and patiently answered our many questions. Mr. Bomhoff is very professional and knowledgeable. I would highly recommend him.
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18 Jun, 2014 by William
Excellent in all phases of our estate planning, trust and probate resolution. Go to him first and avoid problems later!!!
When in a complicated situation he referred us to a colleague who was able to resolve the situation.
In a word, Michael has integrity !
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25 Oct, 2011 by Larry
Michael provided fast efficient service for a flat fee, not billable hours. There was no guessing or estimated costing. He took effective notes about our needs and desires at our initial meeting, there was no need to repeat or review our situation or requirements during the preparation of the trust. Well-written instructions and/or description of the documents and information needed for preparation of the trust minimized the need for follow-up meetings or phone calls.
Michael provides good explanations of trust options and the reasons behind them. Ours was a simple basic trust employing mostly routine options and planning. Work also included powers-of-attorney, and health care directives. While reviewing the final trust documents with us, he found two minor errors, not of a legal nature, and had them corrected on the spot. In addition to the paper documents, he provided a back of the signed written documentation on a CD.
When we met with Michael to map out the trust, we came prepared with all the requested financial information that was to be included in the trust, in writing, and organized with a written summery. This made the preparation of the trust easier, so he volunteered some addition assistance of a minor nature at no additional cost.
I can recommend Michael to those needing estate planning services.
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15 Jul, 2022 by Bruce & debra
We would like to highly recommend the law firm of Copenbarger & Copenbarger to anyone considering an estate plan.
Attorney, Larry Copenbarger, was attentive, knowledgeable, and explained all of the components of our estate plan thoroughly. Most of our questions were answered before we even asked them.
Paralegal, Rachael Sharp, was a pleasure to work with as well; promptly responding with clear and concise answers to our correspondence.
We now feel completely confident that our assets will pass to our heirs as intended.
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15 Dec, 2021 by Anonymous
Extremely professional, helpful, thoughtful and kind. He takes the time to explain everything in an easy to understand way.
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15 Oct, 2024 by Mercedes
I accompanied a fiend to the services of Mrs Slater. I am so impressed with her professionalism and service that I have to honor her by writing a review. I highly recommend Mrs Slater for your legal needs.
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16 Jun, 2020 by Indira
I met Danielle a long time ago working for an elderly ( senior citizen) She was hired by Nita Nolting what an amazing person she is. She will go all the way to protect her clients. Thank you
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14 Jun, 2022 by Anonymous
A friend of mine recommended Kevin for some help that I needed with trust administration and estate planning. I found him to be super helpful - very on top of details, and good at explaining things in layman's terms. I highly recommend him.
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13 May, 2022 by Monica
Mr. O’Connor was an excellent lawyer and help to me and my family. He helped my husband to write a will, soon after he unfortunately passed away. Then Mr. O’Connor helped me with estate planning and a trust. He remained professional at all times and explained to me throughly the process and importance of everything I inquired about. He was an amazing lawyer and he even helped me in my main language, Spanish. I would strongly recommend him to anyone.
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FAQs
Questions? We have answers
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:
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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. -
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. -
What is the best approach for my case?
Ask for an honest assessment of your situation and what legal strategies the lawyer recommends. -
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. -
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. -
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.
