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22 Feb, 2011 by Fred
Our Company has been working with Attorney Grochowski for 7 years on a multitude of business issues and filing with the state of CT. We find her to be professional, knowledgeable and will usually get back to you within a few days.
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20 Feb, 2011 by Anonymous
Attorney Grochowski has handled multiple business issues for me over the past four years pertaining to employment law, customer, and vendor problems. She has always been professional, honest, and easily accessable. Her recommendations have assisted in the resolution of many problems and avoided court in every instance. In an employment discrimination complaint she kept us out of court, minimized the cost of settlement with a six month payout. For a non paying customer her persistance and pressure resulted in eventual payment. Her negotiations in two vendor related issues resulted in a favorable out comes. I would recommend her to anyone facing similar legal issues.
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17 Nov, 2022 by Ajica 4ever
Very nice people to work with.
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30 Aug, 2019 by Todd oborny
05 Mar, 2024 by Annette hasten
Awesome folks. So very helpful and very concerned for their customers. I will continue to use them until the day one of us is dead.
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22 Sep, 2014 by Sylvia
We were looking for a lawyer to represent us in AZ since we were out of state. We were coming to Tucson for a limited amount of time and needed to find someone quickly. We wanted to meet with someone face to face, so we were comfortable dealing with them long distance. Mrs. Conway was able to get us in for a consultation quickly which was great. She was honest and upfront about the situation which we appreciated. We had already made contact with a few others to no avail or satisfaction. She was very helpful and knowledgeable with the circumstances of our case. And if she didn't have an answer she found one. She kept us informed and was available for questions with a quick response. I could not be more happy with her professionalism and felt comfortable working with her long distance. She was very upfront and honest through the whole case (which was somewhat complicated) and we were able to have a positive outcome. If you are in the market for a lawyer I highly recommend Katrina Conway!
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17 Nov, 2020 by Anonymous
James Allen Ward represented our family in securing a Critical Care Nursing center for my Uncle. They had taken him in as a medicare patient, but sign him up with a bunch of illegal paperwork and planned to evict him in preference for higher paying customers. Having Jim on our team averted that and the Power of Attorney documents really locked in our control over my uncle's circumstances.
If he comes off as less than charming, that actually what you want: someone representing you who is not to be trifled with. His team has an inside track on California Law and the people who administer it. The result is total respect for me as a guardian and dignity for my Uncle.
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30 Sep, 2017 by Anonymous
I had a phone consultation with James and he helped guide me on how to handle my situation.
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18 Jan, 2016 by Jerry cole
We were the owners of a Home Care company and were sued for a wrongful death by the family of our client.
They were represented by 2 lawyers plus they hired a video company to video all of our depositions.
Some of the videos were damaging.
Jades preparation and presentation was so excellent that we won the case by a wide margin. She also found expert witnesses that were so excellent that they completely negated the experts for the other side.
Can't say enough about here dedication and preparation
and memory of all of the details.
I would highly recommend her to any one needing an excellent attorney to represent them.
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14 Jan, 2016 by Catherine
Jade was extremely professional and very detailed.
At all times that she met with me she only asked very pertinent questions and also knew all the details by heart. She was also creative in her ways to approach different situations.
Jade, was also excellent at explaining the different issues that arose during the whole process of gathering the evidence and making me fell more at ease with all the bad information that the other team was throwing at us. She was very thorough in gathering all pertinent evidence that showed that the other team was not playing clean.
I would definitely recommend Jade. she did an excellent job.
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17 Jan, 2015 by Anonymous
Ms. Bodden went above and beyond to help us with out legal matter while being kind and caring but aggressive in court. We were very pleased and would seek her services again if needed in the future. Great lady!
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22 Oct, 2014 by Anonymous
I had a a very good experience at Bodden Law Firm. She mediated my case with great care and was thorough and prepared. She also has a great demeanor that puts you at ease.
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03 Mar, 2021 by Dana
Nobody every plans on seeking a divorce or wishing it on anyone; especially when you have kids involved. I couldn't even say the "D" word when I first met Rebecca as I still was partially in denial and couldn't stop crying. Her strength, experience, and compassion encouraged me to retain her. But her advocacy, leadership, and grit to fight for me as if it were for her own family are what led me to the peace and tranquility that I have today. Thank you, Rebecca. We have a safe and happy life now; one free from dysfunction and turmoil. You were truly worth every penny.
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26 Feb, 2021 by Letisha
I am an attorney who has worked the other side of many cases with Rebecca. She is extremely thorough and knowledgeable. I see that she takes excellent care of her clients and personally cares about her cases. She is a challenge to work against as she knows the law and knows how to get the desired results for her clients. I am no longer in private practice and I refer my former clients to her because I know that she will take care of them. She is responsive and takes the time to inform her clients honestly of all aspects of their cases.
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12 Apr, 2017 by Anonymous
Was excellent very experienced and did the best job in the shortest time to fix my legal problem would do again
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10 Feb, 2013 by Clement
Mr. Bender was hired to carry out the eviction of a tenant who had not paid rent for several months. He was able to consult with me the very next morning after I called his office, and he fully explained the procedures to be followed as well as the timetable. The amount of his fee was reasonable and he got started on the case right away. The case was handled just as he said it would be and there were no surprises. The tenant was evicted within the time frame that Mr. Bender told me it would take. I was very pleased with Mr. Bender's legal talents and his personality. I want to add that he told me that although he was very experienced (more than thirty years) he could not guarantee or promise the result i wanted since there are many factors and circumstances that must be dealt with in each case and each case might be different from the one before or the one after. He told me that he firmly believed he could help me and he was right! The tenant was evicted within the time frame that Mr. Bender told me. Mr. Bender also told me that while he did practice in many areas, he did not do everything but that if I ever need legal work done that he did not do himself he would probably be able to refer me to someone else who could help me. I would recommend him to anyone who needs an experienced attorney who explains beforehand what is going to happen, when it should happen, and the pros and cons of doing things one way compared to another.
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04 Oct, 2019 by Tyler
jeremy Jones has is one of the most hard working lawyers I have seen because of him I was found not guilty on all 9 of my charges he has given me a second chance to start my life and make something out of myself he put in so many hours on my case and always let me know what was going on and explained everything to me to where I can understand it and not be surprised by anything sat with me and my family and planed our everything from start to finish I was blessed to have found this lawyer
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20 Nov, 2017 by William
I perform various real estate services. From repairs to staging & in this case the BIGGEST EVICTION Cleanout I have ever done. 1.3 Tons of STUFF!!!
When the person who hired me started getting sketchy I CALLED Jeremy!!!
He knew how to drop a lien on the property so it would be very tough for them to transfer the title without Satisfying the lien!!!
Cha Ching
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09 Jan, 2015 by Chris
When I was charged with a felony crime I was highly confused and scared. Stephen was very calming informative and did what needed to be done. I would reccomend Mr. Carpenter to anyone
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09 Oct, 2013 by Dan
Steve helped prepare a living will, power of attorney and will for my daughter. He was very patient and helpful in explaining the type of documents which were necessary to provide for the care of her affairs and the care of her children if she were unable to do so. He was knowledgeable, articulate, responsive and tourough. He was pleasent to deal with and his fee was very reasonable. I would recommend him with confidence for this type of work.
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25 May, 2011 by Rj
Emerson helped my daughter when she was clocked doing 85 mph on 285. He knew the Asst. DA and the judge. He was able to get the speed dropped to 72 which allowed her to still be able to retain her license. He is very plugged in to the Atlanta/Dekalb network.
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20 Oct, 2009 by Cheryl
Attorney Carey was very knowledgeable about my situation and kept me informed throughout the process. I was very satisfied with the outcome and would use him again.
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25 Apr, 2018 by Pat
Very considerate, kind, and understanding. She answered questions, returned calls, and e mails. Attorney Hoffman is a direct and honest person. Plus she is a wonderful person.
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11 Jul, 2013 by Becky
I felt she really tried for my son. She kept me informed. She answered my calls. She was honest and always concerned about my son's best interests.
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5.0
2 Reviews
31 Jul, 2017 by Jan
Irene de Jesus is assisting us with our estate planning and will. She is much more thorough than any of our previous attorneys. She carefully explains each aspect and keeps communication lines open. We are happy we've engaged her services and have complete trust and confidence in Irene.
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17 Jul, 2017 by Anonymous
I just want to share my experience with de Jesus Law Group... IF YOU ARE EVER LOOKING FOR AN ESTATE LAWYER OR BUSINESS LAWYER, GO WITH THEM!!! Here's why: Irene is NOT your average lawyer. Her law firm takes a really unique and personal approach. My husband and I went to her for business planning law, but then we signed up for the family planning. They offer a lot of "features" with their package... yup I said package (can't remember what she actually called them) because they don't do hourly billing which is such a relief for us. Plus, she checks-in and reviews our documents every three years free of charge! I am SO impressed, not only by her knowledge, but by her attention to detail. The whole process is INCREDIBLE!!! She did a LIFT program for my business, which was awesome. Currently we don't have kids, but they also offer some pretty important information and planning for them (keeping this in mind for future reference)... IF YOU HAVE KIDS, TALK TO IRENE BECAUSE THERE ARE SOME EXTREMELY IMPORTANT THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT!!! She does talks, seminars, and workshops. I'm not sure about the first two, but I do know that the Guardian Nomination workshop is FREE (all you need to do is get a group together, get a location - it can even be your living room - and schedule a date with her). Everything is personalized for us... plus she has a couple of surprises for her clients (I'll keep them a surprise and not share what they are) :) She is such a blessing!!!
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17 Oct, 2013 by James
Attorney Mike Riley has worked with Alumacraft Boat Co. as our corporate council for many years.
We keep Riley - Tanis on retainer as our first choice for all legal issue and reviews.
Mike has been our primary attorney handling a wide range of issues including; Employee Policies, Warranties, Products Liability, Land Issues, and numerous Contracts.
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17 Oct, 2013 by James
I first began working with Attorney Mike Riley through my position at Alumacraft Boat Co.
Through this relationship I have developed a great trust and respect for Mike.
Because of this I trust Mike with all of my personal legal issues. Mike has handled everything from Title Insurance and Land Deals to being our point person on a successful mass-litigation tort claim against a major pharmaceutical company.
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17 Jun, 2019 by Anonymous
Anthony was the attorney who handled the sale and closing for my condo in Florida. He was recommended to me by my realtor. We closed last week and it was an out of State closing. He was responsive to all my questions in a timely manner which was critical for me as I was out of State, included me on all emails with the buyer's attorneys and the title company, and was generally professional and personable. I was pleased with his services.
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13 Jun, 2019 by Flori
Mr Velardi was the way I wish other lawyers were. Reachable, professional, on top of everything. Responds quick. I could not recommend him strongly enough. I am glad to see that there are some really decent lawyers out there and Mr Anthony A Velardi is one of them. Thank you thank you and thank you . A total asset for his firm .
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15 Dec, 2015 by Michael b
Judge Penny Harrington was in control of my mothers probate and legal matters before and after her passing. Excellent knowledge and timing in all matters. Wonderful, compationate lady who actually cares about her clients and clients families. Wont let you down or leave you guessing. A++++++
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23 Sep, 2015 by Doug
I have used Judge Penny Harrington over the past seven years for several very difficult cases important to my family. She handled one over a four year period involving me obtaining Temporary Custody, Guardianship and then the Permanent Guardianship of two of my young grandchildren. Even more difficult, we were later able to terminate Parental Rights and I was then able to adopt them as my own children. More recently, she has again proven her expertise as these same children were step-parent adopted by my same-sex husband, the first case of its kind in the state of TN.
I have always found Penny to be highly professional, an expert legal mind who thinks very strategically about how every case is positioned and have nothing but high praise of her. It is obvious to me that she is highly respected by both the many judges and lawyers we have dealt with in two different counties.
She will also be preparing my estate planning documents in the next few months as I continue to use her services.
I would highly recommend Penny Harrington to anyone who asked.
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17 Nov, 2020 by Joe
Marty took my daughters case when no one else would. Fought it all the way to the full 5th circuit. Along the way he was consistently:
1. attentive and sensitive to the legal needs of the case, including all deadlines, court timelines, and our own numerous requests to understand what was going on and why it matters
2. detailed and correct in all legal filings; something that matters a lot when you go on appeal and you may not realize how important it is
3. upfront and honest about expenses to litigate, and our chances of winning a case when the law favors schools so heavily (they can basically do whatever they want to your kid and have few legal consequences)
In the end, AISD misled the court (some might say they lied) and got the case dismissed due to the structural problems in our legal system related to protecting kids from predators and school officials being protected by law when they hurt kids. However, Marty fought for our daughter when no one else would, including her school district.
Our experience was eye-opening about how the courts protect school administrators and predators. When all was said and done, I showed our court briefings to a friend who is a former deputy Solicitor General of the United States and after looking at Marty's work told me that it was some of the best he'd seen for a hopeless case like ours.
Bottom line, if your kid is harassed at school and they don't care, Marty will care. The law and courts may be stacked against you because of our screwed up system. You may not win, but AISD knows he's a pit bull for your kids, and he'll do everything possible to make them pay attention and solve the problem.
Marty is the lawyer you need.
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26 Apr, 2013 by Evelyn
Atty Martin Cirkiel Represented us recently in a case with PISD School Dist for my Grandson Isaiah who is a child with Dissibilities....We are very satisfied with the Professional Stratagies he used to help resolve our case at Mediation....Our family would highly recommend him to anyone who needs an Honest Lawyer on their side for Legal Purposes and the Advocates who work closely with him in his office they are all awsome and helped us get the best results at Mediation and all is good now...We are Blessed to have found these guys and would retain him again if ever needed.......
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06 Jul, 2018 by Anonymous
Mr. McCoy did a fantastic job with my case. His professional manner and keen knowledge of my case gave me a better than anticipated outcome. He and his staff are all first class.
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13 May, 2015 by Kim
It was a real pleasure to have Mr. McCoy as my counsel. He was very thorough in his preparedness of my particular case, and was exceptionally kind when dealing with such a devastatingly sensitive matter. He was honest in the sense that this could be a long and arduous process, assuring me that no stone would go unturned in bringing this matter to a positive outcome. He was prompt in returning my calls, and , in fact, my case did return justice for my family. My thanks to him for his exceptional representation.
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10 Jan, 2024 by Janice menard
14 Sep, 2019 by Promise phillips
Janet mynatt is an amazing attorney. She really listens and goes over your case extensively. She really knows what she is doing, is informative and calming when it comes to hearings. I highly recommend her.
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12 May, 2016 by Josh
I am very satisfied with this firm. After going through three accountants and four years later, I finally found a company that cares and has the knowledge to actually help me. I have gotten further with them in days, verses years with the other guys. If you are, like I was, needing help with state and federal taxes and or are dissatisfied with your current "so called professionals", then call this firm. They know taxes! Also to mention, there is a big difference between an accountant and an actual tax attorney. Thanks to these guys, I can finally start to breathe again!
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21 Jul, 2015 by Strickland
Mr. Jordan is a great tax attorney. He is a very knowledgeable and honest person. He handled all matters for us in a professional and timely manner. We highly recommend him.
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25 Mar, 2022 by Rick heilman
Friendly, efficient staff here at Alta Law Group. It was a totally painless experience for having to hire an attorney to assist me. Very nominal wait time and the attorney who I met with, Mrs. Bernstein was extremely thorough and pleasant. Her legal aid was just as thorough and pleasant. I actually look forward to meeting with them again and highly recommend this law firm to anyone considering seeking legal advice.
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22 Jan, 2019 by Kid tha
25 Aug, 2022 by Sunny bellew
Melissa is smart, a good listener and thorough. Was recommended to me and now I highly recommend.
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13 Jun, 2022 by Kayla bohanan-rader
Love Melissa
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06 May, 2009 by Anonymous
Mr. George Borer is an outstanding attorney who gave my family and me excellent legal service. He has a brilliant legal mind who uses care and compassion with his clients. Mr. Borer is my top choice for representation at any time.
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17 Feb, 2009 by Anonymous
George Borer has represented my company for nearly 20 years in the areas of guardianship, conservatorship, and probate. I have worked directly with Mr. Borer for nearly four years. Mr. Borer does an excellent job of working directly with my staff and me outside of the courthouse, and is a tremendous attorney and advocate inside the court house. I have always appreciated Mr. Borer's steady and ethical approach to his work, his organization, his willingness to refer clients to our services, and his availability to sit down with us when we need counsel. Mr. Borer and his office are timely in their response to our questions and offer immediate advice that we can act on. This is important since we work with the firm nearly every single day. Above all, Mr. Borer understands the mission of our non-profit and is committed to giving us the legal work and we need to fufill our mission. I would highly recommend Mr. Borer and his firm.
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02 Jul, 2024 by El
Excellent, thorough, and hard working.
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20 Feb, 2018 by Devan sterusky
Great attorney. Truly worked hard for me to get only 9 months jail time for 9 misdemeanors.
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29 Jan, 2016 by Anonymous
I highly recommend Jeanette Grabie, Esq. & staff. She and her staff are very knowledgeable and were miracle workers to assist me in a very short time to make sure my loved one's funds were protected. She & her staff had to expedite everything as my original attorney failed to do his job. If I could give ten stars I would. They are very pleasant to work with too!
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04 Dec, 2011 by Peter
Handled medicaid cases for both my parents. Excellent knowledge of the law. Would highly recommend.
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26 May, 2015 by John
We cannot say enough about our experience with Judy. She was very helpful and honest. She did not try to "sell" us an estate plan, but listened carefully to what we wanted and honored our wishes. Her staff were lovely and polite, and also helped us a great deal. We have already recommended this office to several of our friends, and give Judy the highest recommendation.
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17 Mar, 2015 by Donna
I highly recommend this lawyer. She helped me last year during a very difficult time in my life. Answered all my questions in a way which I can understand, returned my phone calls and emails in a timely manner, and kept me informed on the status of the issues I had and what I needed to do and how she was handling it. She has a great personality and makes you feel comfortable from the very first meeting. Please do not hesitate to call her. You will not be sorry.
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29 Apr, 2015 by Joanne
It has always been a pleasure to work with John Garvey. Always gets back to me quickly. Handles all matters on time and is very professional. Highly recommend.
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09 Apr, 2013 by Barbara a.
John Garvey has handled several estate and trust issues for me over the past 14 years and his assistance has been excellent. In addition he is a kind, down to earth person with good common sense. I highly recommend him.I
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02 Mar, 2017 by Anonymous
Martin Hersh has been our family attorney, handling family estates for many years, some with complex circumstances. He has represented us well in successfully navigating each time. With Marty's help, we were able to locate an excellent attorney in France to resolve a situation we were dealing with there. Marty is a trusted attorney who goes above and beyond. I would highly recommend!
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14 Mar, 2013 by Anonymous
He is very patient & explained what we were doing every step of the way. He was prompt with returning phone calls & with completing the matter I retained him for. I would recommend Mr. Hersh to everyone & anyone!
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25 Jul, 2014 by Tracey
We have used this lawyer for multiple homes over the years! At present he is helping our son and daughter in law who are fortunate to have his services. Toms honesty, expertise and scrutiny is admirable and we highly recommend him not only for your home needs but will and estate needs as well.
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22 Sep, 2009 by Cliff
Tom was great to work with. When I moved to Rochester from MA I needed an attorney to help me with my home purchase. During his review of the property he found a problem. Due to his diligence I was able to close on time and be assured that there were no problems with my property.
The following year I used Tom for my income tax. Instead of struggling with two different state tax systems I let Tom use his skills.
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18 Sep, 2014 by Sharon r.
If you are looking for one you can trust, a person who will make you understand how the system works and what you are WORTH, I highly recommend Mr. Tom O'Connell. Despite so many clients,he listens to you carefully. He is dedicated .I am new in this country, I lost my husband I don't know ANYBODY and I was not thinking well. I was lost but he was able to read my mind and he made me understand his position As a widow, I was put in a situation that I need someone to protect me and to guide me from what I am entitled to, he was there for me and he made it possible . Believe me, the outcome was a very very good one. With other lawyers, they took advantage of my vulnerabiltiy. Pay here..pay there..He is fair. that's why I am referring this good man !!!
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11 Jan, 2012 by Grace
I can't say enough about what a good lawyer Mr. O'Connell is. Not only is he thorough and highly competent, but above all, he is kind and compassionate. A real pleasure to know
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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.
