Lawyers map
>1,018k
experienced lawyers
Thank you for your service. You are the best lawyer I have ever hired.
Different
review sites
review sites
>7
Filter by
25 Jan, 2018 by Dr. lashaunda kay
Clay Macon is an excellent attorney. His entire team is awesome. My family and I continue to use him to handle all of our real estate transactions. We have seen him close less than 15 day, and offer additional services to meet our needs. I would highly recommend Clay Macon!!!
Read more
25 Jan, 2018 by Nicole
If you would like a professional, honest and fair attorney, search no further, Mr. Macon will take care of all your legal needs. Mr. Macon represented me recently in a case and he produced amazing results! You will not be disappointed!!!
Read more
02 Nov, 2016 by Andy
Casey is an exceptionally great attorney in her area of expertise. For estate planning needs which is my experience with her, she simply can not be beat! Besides her very pleasant demeanor she rolls up her sleaves and goes to work for you. She is very efficient quickly responds and advises. I would say she is top of her game in every aspect. You could not make a better choice for estate planning needs!
Read more
30 Sep, 2015 by Cher
We have an extremely complicated estate and Ms Pope took it on and actually WORKED it. When three other estate attorneys completely bungled the estate and/or refused to communicate - Ms Pope is a refreshing change to ALL other attorneys I have ever dealt with! She works, she responds, and she gets something done!
In the past seven years, I have hired and paid 10 different attorneys -she is exceptional. The simple fact that she will return a phone call and email(s) sets her leagues above the others. I highly recommend her. Many, many thanks to Ms. Pope and her legal team/assistants because they are helpful and worth their fees!
Read more
01 Dec, 2019 by Jon
Brian did an excellent job helping us navigate a unique family law issue and helped obtained a birth certificate for our son. He did a great job of investigating state and local requirements, preparing the necessary documentation and evidence, and presenting our case to agency officials. He continued to work with the local and state authorities to see that we received the necessary documentation in a timely manner. We were very pleased with his effort, legal skill, and commitment to client service.
Read more
27 Sep, 2019 by Darrell
Brian was a huge help to me in regards to a custody dispute and child support over my special needs son. I highly reccomend him.
Read more
07 Nov, 2011 by Anonymous
We used John Keckemet to create our wills and estate planning documents after we used his partner, Albert Lirhus, to finalize our adoption. We were pleased with the work that John did. He was very patient, willing to explain the differences between different facets of estate planning. The documentation he created was very thorough. I would recommend him, especially for those who need a little hand holding (not literally) through this difficult and often tedious process.
Read more
15 Jun, 2007 by Anonymous
John represented our family in the area of Estate Planning. He created a Revocable Trust Agreement along with the other necessary documents ie. Wills, Reciprocal Durable Power of Attorney, Healthcare Directives, etc.
John is patience and has a way of communicating legal jargon in a plain and simple easy to understand way.
We are confident that the thoughtful work that John did for us will not only benefit our family in this lifetime, but also in the life of our daughter Britt life after we pass away.
Read more
09 Jul, 2017 by David
Handled my fathers estate after he passed away. Julie handled all stages involved, and
was very professional the entire 6 months it took from beginning to end.
I would highly recommend her.
Read more
04 Jul, 2017 by Donna
Handled estates of husband and brother. I did not have to worry about anything.
Read more
22 Jan, 2021 by Laura
Cindy worked with my fiancé and I to complete our wills, medical power of attorney and the other documents needed to be prepared for the unexpected. She made the process easy and understandable.
Read more
23 Aug, 2016 by Anonymous
I strongly endorse Cindy Zetts to be your next estate planning attorney.
Ms. Zetts demonstrates her competence by being professional, knowledgeable, and responsive, and exceeds expectations in legal practice. I would highly recommend her for all of your estate planning needs. A++
Read more
13 May, 2016 by Sunney
After a 3-year quagmire with an attempted and unjust foreclosure on a business property, Ms. Wright negotiated a remarkably beneficial sale without compromising my position, terms, principles and of equal importance, negotiated an incredible outcome that protected my other contractual agreements with the banking institution along with the terms of my property buyer. After reviewing the email exchanges between the bank and my attorney, i realized the skill of this attorney ... it's hard to explain the artistry and performance of such wise counsel.... Morever, The process was certainly facilitated because Ms. Wright kept me informed andprepared for every step over an interminable period. The legal service was exquisite and the price was exceedingly affordable. Highly recommended!
Read more
18 May, 2015 by Mirta
We have worked with Walker Divenere Wright Attorneys at Law on various occasions throughout the years. Our experience in dealing with them has been very rewarding. From the closing to our homes in Seven Devils and Laurel Ridge to recuperating funds that were fraudulently kept by a real estate company, they have always been able to resolve our problems. Their professionalism and dedication shows in their work. We cannot stop saying nice things about them because they deserve it.
Read more
23 Dec, 2014 by Anonymous
We have been working with Mr. Williams on difficult estate issues for a very long time. He is always professional and knowledgeable and we are grateful to have his help and support.
Read more
19 Dec, 2014 by Bruce f.
When looking into establishing a Will, an Individual Trust, and an Irrevocable Trust I found attorney Charles Williams both knowledgeable and educational as to the implementation of each.
Over the years he has guided me thru the changes and updates regarding these in order to best service the original intent.
With the recent passing of my mother Chuck has overseen the closure of these Trusts and I intend to utilize his knowledge to prepare additional Trusts in the near future.
I recommend him based on his professionalism and his understanding of the laws governing Trusts and Wills.
Read more
20 Nov, 2023 by Sean dansby
10 Oct, 2022 by Justin miller
03 Dec, 2020 by Susan
Greg Curtis is very well versed, knows estate issues very well, is easy to communicate with, honest, respects privacy, and my family and I would not hesitate to have him any other legal issues. Greg will do what is best for you and/or make suggestions if you are not sure which direction to take, and will answer any question thoroughly. We have known attorney Curtis for quite a few years now and would highly recommend him.
Read more
09 May, 2014 by Anonymous
Greg was extremely helpful. He is thorough and knowledgeable. He was very respectful of my wish for confidentiality relating to several of our estate planning needs. His staff is incredible and a joy to work with.
Read more
07 Oct, 2024 by Tyler fahey
I reached out to Rollie Hanson for assistance with my estate planning, and he took the time to explain every aspect thoroughly. His deep knowledge and clear communication made the entire process smooth, and I left feeling fully confident that my future plans were in great hands. I highly recommend his services for anyone looking for comprehensive guidance in estate matters!
Read more
09 Oct, 2018 by Robert
This is a review that I am more than happy to write, as Rollie and his wonderful office staff have provided excellent representation in a contested Probate Court case during the past three years. He is extremely knowledgeable, friendly, professional, and I must add, also very accessible. I received regular detailed case reports, and my phone calls during business hours were answered every time by a real person, providing kind and caring assistance during such a difficult time. I give Rollie and his legal team my highest recommendation!
Read more
16 Mar, 2015 by Beryl
I have a small property damage claim and he was the first one who would talk to me about it and actually was very helpful!!! The other contacts didn't give me the time of day -since I didn't have personal injury damage. (Showed they didn't really care about me but the money-Mr. Eckart was not like that at all! He was very caring and helped out with information-if he cares about the little details of me I know he would care about bigger details also, I would tell friends to go to him!
Read more
20 Feb, 2013 by Barbara
Michael Eckhart is a very honest and caring attorney who is very responsive to your needs and what you are trying to accomplish, without over charging you. I will absolutely recommend him to everyone.
Read more
20 Jul, 2015 by Jane
Attorney Onchuck has served our family for the past several years, guiding our parents, my two siblings and I through changes in health, assisted living, personal finances, and government assistance programs. His advice has been practical and correct as we have navigated these complex situations. Dale has earned our trust as a counselor, and we wholeheartedly recommend him to anyone needing help in estate planning.
Read more
27 Feb, 2013 by Mike
Mr. Onchuck has done family estate work for several of my elderly relatives and is very good in this area. He seems kind and patient, which are traits sorely lacking in many lawyers. I can't speak to any other areas of his practice, other than financial planning for the elderly, since my only dealings with him are on behalf of elderly relatives who are in nursing homes, but I wouldn't hesitate to go to him with any other legal problems.
Read more
03 Jul, 2023 by Theresa
Attorney Andrew Brusky and his staff began serving my family in October 2022 on estate matters. He came highly recommended by the Aging and Disability Resource Center (ARDC) of Milwaukee County and I turned to him as I was untangling a complicated situation regarding financial and property issues for two elderly siblings, who had a host of medical and mental health issues (my sister passed in April 2023). Attorney Brusky illuminated a path to ensure the well-being of my siblings by outlining steps for me to take that would make them eligible for the social services they would need as their needs increased. While my siblings’ assets are/were modest, they were complex for people with no experience in navigating the world of insurance, Medicaid and the assisted living industry. He guided me in completing the Medicaid and Disability Application (MADA) to make my siblings eligible for Title 19 (Medicaid) and in the creation of Wispact Trusts to preserve their financial resources. Every question I had was promptly answered with kindness and compassion and provided the clarity I needed to make decisions that would protect my brother and sister’s limited assets. Attorney Brusky demonstrated an understanding of the range of emotions as well as levels of cognition clients may carry with them when discussing legal matters. He put my siblings at ease, gained their trust and skillfully led the conversations that led to positive outcomes for my family. I’ve told close friends how fortunate I have been to have been steered to Brusky and Associates and give Attorney Andrew Brusky the highest recommendation possible.
Read more
04 Jan, 2018 by Dale
Attorney Brusky advised & assisted with various Legal steps During and After a Health Event with My Elderly Mother. Attorney Brusky is Courteous & Re-Assuring during All Steps. Decision making is made easier with his Guidance. Attorney Brusky was able to refer Me to a Service to assist with Placement to Assisted Living for my Mother As Well. I Thank and Recommend Attorney Brusky & Staff for 5 STAR Elder Care Legal Service !
Read more
20 Jan, 2022 by Bill simpson
My first time talking to attorney. Jack answering all the questions he listen and he did an excellent job and the price was right to Call him back again for my daughter
Read more
19 Mar, 2020 by Shirley gregory
Jack has the experience and expertise to know how to deal with all the unique financial situations. Was able to protect my assets, plan my estate, and will be doing my medicaid planning. Office staff is friendly and knowledgeable.
Read more
18 Mar, 2015 by Robert
First of all i want to thank Katie for the prompt , professional way she took care of a very hard emotional, estate, and family situation with the death of my step mother..she stood by me , gave me good advice, stood up for me, with the other side of family being very , well hard to deal with, but hung in there for me, and quickly we got a settlement in which i was happy with.. and i could move on with my life! I am so grateful for her , i dont think she even knows how much..I feel like i had a attorney but also a friend forever, and that is priceless.. so if you want a person who will listen, but will give you her advice also..she as class, professional and one wonderful person and lady.. i highly without any hesitation recommend her for your legal needs...HIGHLY..
Read more
18 Mar, 2015 by Dianne
Katharine Hanson has been and continues to be great help to me regarding all questions deal going with my you mother and the Estate.
Read more
13 Nov, 2015 by Karen
Jeff currently represents us and we are very pleased. He is very knowledgeable and accessible, and we are happy to have wise counsel.
Read more
24 Dec, 2009 by Carol
Jeff really knows his stuff. I went in to get my estate plan reviewed and fixed. When my husband died, I realized that I really didn't know what our status was. My husband had always used Minnick for many years. Jeff is definitely a little bit intimidating at first, but it's just because he takes his job very seriously. By the end of our first meeting, we were laughing and I was really comfortable. Turns out, he knows lots of details about trusts, and he gave me many options. He explained things so well and he was so patient. I felt very comfortable and I know my legal affairs are done right and in good hands. Very sharp young man!
Read more
26 Mar, 2018 by Alice
Through Linda’s legal representation, the court awarded me custody of my grandson. My grandson was living with me to avoid the abuse he experienced in his own home.
This was a particularly challenging situation for many major reasons.
(1) My grandson’s divorced parents lived in another state, which created legal complications for obtaining guardianship.
(2) We had no “hard” evidence of my grandson’s abuse with his family due to his living 100’s of miles away.
(3) Social services in his home state wanted to reunite my grandson with his father, who was his primary abuser.
(4) For several hearings, as long as his mother phoned into the court, I was not granted custody of my grandson.
Linda not only did the legal work with the court system, she worked as an intermediary for me in numerous discussions with my grandson’s parents.
This combination of legal skills and acumen resulted in my having permanent third-party custody of my grandson. He will have the safe life I promised him by growing up in my home.
Read more
23 Mar, 2018 by Susan
Linda successfully achieved a significant modification of child support and maintenance in my favor. Her hard work and effectiveness gave my family and me stability and security in our lives. She went above and beyond to meet and exceed my expectations and needs as a client. Linda is a lawyer that genuinely cares and made my well-being and best interests her top priority. Linda kept me informed and made sure I understood what was going on. She always wanted to know what I thought and what I wanted, becoming my advocate and making the entire experience collaborative. Linda gave me the courage to brave intimidating legal waters. The settlement she finalized was far greater than what I could have imagined. Linda gave me hope and a future. She is an absolute blessing for not just her work as an exceptional lawyer, but her ongoing compassion and caring that has cultivated a relationship between us as friends.
Read more
17 Nov, 2018 by Alison
My husband and I highly recommend Benjamin Wright. He assisted us in our will & POAs and was personable, welcoming, informative, professional, patient, timely, organized. Having been our first will, he did an excellent job explaining all aspects of it, as well as informing us of options with each decision. He is a patient listener, facilitator, and guide. We are grateful for his expertise and would definitely recommend him to others.
Read more
05 Nov, 2017 by Mark
Ben has been working with us on a trust of which my wife is executor. He has guided us through disposal of a piece of property and the establishment of a special needs trust for it's beneficiary. He has also helped guide us through the Social Security process for the beneficiary.
Read more
24 Feb, 2015 by Mike
We were referred to Craig from our corporate law firm. He was very responsive in returning our call. He spent a generous amount of time on the initial consult and was clearly knowledgeable about the subject matter. If a friend were to ask me for a reference to an elder law attorney, I would be comfortable suggesting they call Craig.
Read more
06 Feb, 2010 by Anonymous
My family received Craig's name from 3 different sources. We needed a very experienced lawyer to handle a complicated guardianship. We ended up finding a lawyer for life. Craig was thorough, available, compassionate and did an outstanding job. He is a true professional, and an asset to his field. I couldn't recommend him more highly.
Read more
02 May, 2017 by Jennifer scrivano
20 Apr, 2012 by Mitchell
Raley created a much needed will for me. What i enjoyed is that Raley wrote my will where i don't need to change it every life event. It's fluid with the typical circumstances someone like me would go through. I'd refer Raley to my friends, family, and clients for wills/elder law work.
Read more
20 Jan, 2022 by Bill simpson
My first time talking to attorney. Jack answering all the questions he listen and he did an excellent job and the price was right to Call him back again for my daughter
Read more
19 Mar, 2020 by Shirley gregory
Jack has the experience and expertise to know how to deal with all the unique financial situations. Was able to protect my assets, plan my estate, and will be doing my medicaid planning. Office staff is friendly and knowledgeable.
Read more
15 Sep, 2015 by James
His relaxed demeanor hides an acute legal mind. He has handled two automobile accidents for myself as well as probate affairs for my family. All of these he has guided us through the processes with absolute thoroughness and ethics.
Read more
13 Jan, 2014 by David
Very knowledgeable and has been a excellent lawyer when we needed him for our family and business and have highly recommended him to a friend of ours who was in need of a great lawyer.
Read more
02 Mar, 2015 by Patricia
Heather and her capable team have been a wonderful resource for my company and our clients. Heather provides clear and accurate legal advice while also paying attention to the underlying needs of her clients. I feel confident in referring my clients to DeVrieze/Carney because I know they'll receive excellent attention at a reasonable rate by truly caring individuals. Thank you for all you do to keep seniors safe, happy and healthy! -Trish, Owner, Eldercare Consulting
Read more
29 Jun, 2010 by Michael
Highly recommend Heather De Vrieze as I was involved in a rather contentious estate settlement and she resolved the issue in an amicable way. It was very refreshing to find an attorney who puts her client's needs first and who is extremely fair when it comes to fees.
Read more
11 Nov, 2009 by Anonymous
Advised us in a number of issues including guardianships, estate settlement, durable power of attorney and other legal matters. She was prompt, provided information clearly and is a great resource. We would not hesitate to recommend her services.
Read more
08 Oct, 2009 by Anonymous
She was very thoughtful, kind and patient. She seemed to have a clear understanding of the situation and our choices. She answered her own phone and returned our calls right away. She was inexpensive compared with other lawyers. We were satisfied with the results and would definitely recommend her.
Read more
11 Dec, 2021 by Evan
Tom was appointed to me. Gave me advice, walked me through the basic system, let me know what to expect from the judge, read the room expertly, and walked me through what was required of me. Answered a lot of my "what if" questions. I can't find anything to complain about, Tom explained things clearly for my first time in a court case.
Read more
29 Nov, 2018 by Anonymous
Fantastic from start to finish! I highly recommend Tom Rauf of Rauf & Smith, Attorneys at Law, he did an amazing job of creating a detailed Estate Plan for my grandmother. To anyone looking for an Estate Planner, that is knowledgeable, trustworthy and efficient, call Tom Rauf, you will not be disappointed, I promise.
Read more
24 Jun, 2020 by Dave
Jerrica Pierson Seeger provided me with invaluable advice and recommendations with regard to my estate. She promptly prepared all documentation and was thorough in her review of my assets and preferences. I was delighted with the experience and will definitely call on her again.
Read more
05 Jun, 2020 by Marcie
Jerrica Seeger is fantastic. She is updating my will now. She has finished my husbands will and has made sure everything is done the way he wants it done. She took time to explain what we needed to do to get our paperwork in order and no one will have to worry about what to do after we are gone because it’s all very clearly stated, I highly recommend Jerrica. She did a will for a friend of mine and the manner in which she prepared the papers prevented a lot of problems for the family, I was very impressed.
I have recommended her to my family and friends and I will continue to do so. Jerrica is honest hard working and will make sure your wishes-are heard and honored.
Read more
24 Dec, 2020 by Tara
We have worked with Steve and his firm for several years. Steve is responsive and provides a great and professional guiding hand through all aspects of estate planning and execution.
Read more
20 Dec, 2020 by Cody
I'm the administrator of my mother's estate. It's a very small matter and it was his opinion that I could handle most of it on my own. Along the way I ran into some issues, mainly trying to navigate the state website, especially for the time line and the forms. What some attorneys might think was a waste of their time he was patient and explained everything. I always know that when I have an issue I can count on the Jaeger Firm.
Read more
08 Feb, 2015 by Anonymous
I engaged Maureen Wicker for an estate/Elder care issue in 2012. She proved to be very trustworthy, and determined to find a solution to a problem which endangered a family member. She always kept me informed and answered questions that I had promptly. I was very happy with her service to myself and my family member and I recommend her.
Read more
20 Oct, 2014 by Esther
Maureen has assisted me in many legal matters over the past few years. I have referred many older friends and family to her and all have been more than pleased with her professionalism and knowledge. She is extremely patient, making sure that her clients fully understand what they are signing even if it means repeating herself until she is sure they comprehend. She makes you feel comfortable even when the issues and decisions that need to be made are extremely difficult. I would highly recommend her for your legal needs.
Read more
11 Jan, 2017 by Jonathan
We had a perfect experience with Robert Bullock and Abigail Wolf from ELDC. Let me tell you how I got there. It started in the overcrowded sitting room of another local elder care law firm…
I was the youngest person in the room by 30-40 years, and I was in the room for totally different reasons than everyone else. They were there to learn how to manage your retirement funds so that when it’s time for you to move into assisted living or a nursing home, you can get Medicaid to pay for your bed. I was there to figure out what I needed to know and do in order to ensure that if, God forbid, something should happen to my wife and me, our son with special needs (he has a profound physical disability with no cognitive impairment) would be properly taken care of (e.g. medical, nursing, caregiver support, college, spending money, etc). My ideal scenario was to wrap up all of our resources (financial accounts, retirement, possessions, life insurances) in a tidy way such that a legal “key” could immediately convey to whomever we designated as our son’s caregivers...with no interruptions whatsoever to his high level of medical support.
I didn’t learn much about my particular situation from that session (though it was very informative if you want to figure out how to keep your retired husband from buying that pool he always wanted after you’re gone, or from spending your grandchildren’s inheritance with the new pool girl that came with the pool!), and I began to sense that I needed to find a specialist with personal experience in special needs. Enter Robert Bullock. Recommended by a friend of my son’s physical therapist, Robert has a lifetime of experience in legal matters related to all areas of special needs.
Because of our son’s medical needs, my wife and I have trouble getting out of the house. Robert easily accommodated this need via a meeting over video teleconference. He also immediately understood our goals and motivation and began helping us understand the process we would need to walk through in order to make that vision a reality. He was very generous with his time and with dispensing timely insights that were helpful for a young couple still starting out on our journey with our son’s special needs.
When Robert directed that our case be handled by his colleague Abigail Wolf, we wondered what it would be like to work with her. She did not disappoint! Efficient and comprehensive, Abigail struck a perfect balance between giving us the space we needed to work through the sometimes extensive paperwork we needed to fill out (something which can be tricky to find time to do, when you’re juggling a lot of home healthcare needs) and helping us stay on track with working towards our goal of getting it all squared away before the end of the year (mostly by checking in periodically to see if we needed any assistance). When all was said and done, we had completed wills, Advanced Medical Directorives, and Power of Attorney documents for both my wife and me, as well as a Family Trust for our family and a Special Needs Trust for our son. All of these are precisely configured to ensure that, if something happens to both of us, all our financial resources will be at the disposal of our son’s caregivers.
When the time came to finalize the documents, Abigail took care of everything. We reviewed and signed everything in our own home, with the help of a courteous and efficient notary (also scheduled by Abigail).
Overall, our experience with Robert Bullock, Abigail Wolf, and ELDC was like eating at a five-star restaurant, i.e. everything we hoped it would be and more. I heartily recommend ELDC to anyone needing legal services related to financial documents for elder or disability care---especially special needs families!
Read more
11 Nov, 2014 by Healthcare manager
Ms. Wolf has helped many of my healthcare clients, navigating various legal needs they may face, such as guardianship concerns, estate planning and how to prepare for the future. She is very knowledgeable but is able to explain things in an understandable fashion. She is tireless in her efforts to help others. She truly hears individualized concerns and addresses them. She is efficient but comprehensive. I highly recommend her services, regardless of if someone is just beginning their planning for the future, or needs to review what they have in place.
Read more
Find by
State
- Texas
- New York
- Florida
- Michigan
- California
- Tennessee
- Illinois
- Georgia
- Maryland
- Ohio
- Massachusetts
- Pennsylvania
- Washington
- Indiana
- Minnesota
- New Jersey
- North Carolina
- Connecticut
- Colorado
- Kentucky
- Arizona
- Virginia
- Oklahoma
- Wisconsin
- Missouri
- Nebraska
- Oregon
- District of Columbia
- Kansas
- South Carolina
- New Mexico
- Alabama
- Louisiana
- Arkansas
- Utah
- Maine
- Iowa
- Nevada
- Mississippi
- Rhode Island
- Idaho
- Delaware
- New Hampshire
- West Virginia
- Hawaii
- Montana
- Alaska
- North Dakota
- Vermont
- Wyoming
- South Dakota
Find by
City
-
Houston
-
New York
-
Nashville
-
Chicago
-
Atlanta
-
Washington
-
Austin
-
Dallas
-
San Antonio
-
Baltimore
-
Seattle
-
Memphis
-
Denver
-
Indianapolis
-
Knoxville
-
San Diego
-
Louisville
-
Albuquerque
-
Los Angeles
-
Phoenix
-
Garden City
-
Minneapolis
-
Omaha
-
Miami
-
Fort Worth
-
Brooklyn
-
Cincinnati
-
Columbus
-
Rochester
-
San Francisco
-
Grand Rapids
-
Chattanooga
-
Tucson
-
Ann Arbor
-
Tampa
-
Boston
-
Lansing
-
Troy
-
Portland
-
White Plains
-
Pittsburgh
-
Rockville
-
Jacksonville
-
Spokane
-
Oklahoma City
-
Cleveland
-
Detroit
-
Lexington
-
Orlando
-
Saint Louis
-
Buffalo
-
Albany
-
Boca Raton
-
Philadelphia
-
Tulsa
-
Sacramento
-
El Paso
-
Las Vegas
-
Marietta
-
Sarasota
-
Saint Paul
-
Towson
-
Raleigh
-
Syracuse
-
Charlotte
-
Lincoln
-
Salt Lake City
-
Annapolis
-
Milwaukee
-
Saint Petersburg
-
Staten Island
-
Clearwater
-
Southfield
-
Columbia
-
Columbia
-
Franklin
-
Birmingham
-
Bloomfield Hills
-
Farmington Hills
-
Bethesda
-
Irvine
-
Melbourne
-
Fort Wayne
-
Brentwood
-
Melville
-
Colorado Springs
-
Lubbock
-
Virginia Beach
Discover the ideal lawyer
You can search a lawyer by practice area, lawyer name, city, state, or ZIP code
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:
-
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.
