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
29 Oct, 2015 by Rolf
David is very organized and thorough in his review of a situation or problem and provides clear, concise plans and options. When possible, he also offers referrals to other resources that can supplement his services and expertise. He has been a valuable advisor to our family for twenty years and has helped guide us through several difficult, stressful periods.
Read more
28 Oct, 2015 by Sanford
As a long-time client, I find Davids ability i to use his knowledge of the law along with his ability to get to know and understand his clients concerns a tremendous asset.
He not only understood my concerns and issues regarding retirement, but turned them into positives for estate planning and future security.
He brought my wifes estate to a successful conclusion and worked hard to understand my personal issues and fears and completed the filings and plans to my satisfaction and allayed all my fears and issues.
Read more
06 May, 2016 by Anonymous
Assisted me and my family through one of the most challenging times of our lives, listened to our concerns, provided expert advice and representation.
Read more
24 Jan, 2010 by Anonymous
Ms. Gutierrez represented me in an unemployment case and did an excellent job explaining my case to me and preparing me for my testimony. I was really nervous!! Her patience meant a lot to me and my family.
Read more
22 Jan, 2024 by Anonymous
We hired the firm Busson & Sikorski for a complicated inheritant case couple of years back, it was really our surprise how helpful and understanding they were, perfect listener with a patient attitude and very understanding, they have a very good knowledge and experience which helped in avoiding a lot of issues, we strongly recommend them, and we like to thank them for the help
Read more
16 Sep, 2016 by Anonymous
I hired Mr. Sikorski to advise me on how I could be designated as a beneficiary of assets of an irrevocable trust after the death of the benefactor even though the benefactor still needed the income during his lifetime from the assets of the trust that was being generated. The advice from Mr. Sikorski was to establish the terms in the trust to allow the income of the assets of the trust to continue to go to the benefactor's benefit during his lifetime though he signed away the principal . This allowed the funding of the irrevocable trust to be established while having no disruption to the welfare of the benefactor during his lifetime. Mr. Sikorski explained that this is a method employed to benefit charities as well, without causing a disruption to the welfare of the benefactor. When I explained this method to the potential benefactor it made perfect sense to him and he indeed created the irrevocable trust for me with this arrangement. Mr. Sikorski was very patient with me in explaining legal concepts.
Read more
11 Aug, 2016 by Susan
We are very grateful to have been represented by the Schulman Law Firm in connection with personal injury claims. We highly recommend attorneys, John Schulman and Margaret Schulman, for legal advice and guidance.
The Schulmans are very experienced and knowledgeable. They clearly explained the status, details, and development of the cases. The attorneys and staff are very professional but also patient and understanding.
We appreciated the time, effort and attention made on our behalf. They did an outstanding job.
Read more
22 Apr, 2016 by Anonymous
The Schulman Law Firm represents for me in a labor case. The lawyers of this law firm have proved that they have a long time experience specialized in labor laws and they do also have excellent works during the course of events. Finally my case was ended successfully and I am happy about the outcome. Thank you my lawyers.
Read more
5.0
2 Reviews
12 Nov, 2019 by John
I am a long time client of Russo Law Group. Vincent Russo is a genuine and compassionate lawyer that was invested in obtaining the best possible outcome for me and my family. Every interaction I had with him and his team was met with full attention and a proactive approach. I have highly recommended Vincent Russo to many of my own clients and he has provided the same level of investment to everyone. Wonderful attorney!!
Read more
03 Jun, 2011 by Anonymous
I would recommend Vincent Russo why. I trust him with all my needs
Read more
16 Feb, 2018 by Joseph dell
My firm depends on Jay and his firm for our estate, guardianship and special need trust work. Super lawyer and a fantastic firm.
Read more
09 Feb, 2018 by Joe
Jay Robert is an excellent attorney specializing in Wills, Trusts, and Estates. At our initial consultation over drinks, he educated me on the structure and purposes of each document; The Will, Power of Attorney, and Health Care Proxy. I was asked to think about my own mortality and who I'd trust to best carry out my wishes, care for my minor son and how and when to distribute estate proceeds to my son. When I had questions over the next couple of weeks he was always available for advice and guidance. Jay's knowledge stems from his experience in court and that of his parents both Trust & Estate attorneys which explains his calming demeanor when discussing these uncomfortable subjects. His approach is not boilerplate but rather based on his witnessing how the failure of properly prepared documents cause unnecessary stress and expense to family members in the unfortunate event of death or disability. Overall it was a wonderful and educational experience and I am confident the documents he prepared will stand up to any scrutiny, therefore I wholeheartedly recommend Jay to clients, friends, and family. Joe Sacks
Read more
10 Jun, 2021 by Joseph david elder
Grimaldi and Yeung (Judy and Michelle) assisted me in creating an estate plan for my property and finances--in addition to advising me about about documentation such as living will, health care proxy and power of attorney.
Judy and Michelle were very helpful in guiding the process and prompt in answering questions and advising.
The process was smooth and efficient and the Judy, Michelle and their staff were not only very professional, but also personable. They made the process really quite easy and the final product of my documentation were prepared and packaged beautifully.
I highly recommend this firm and these lawyers for any needed estate planning.
Read more
05 May, 2017 by Anonymous
One of the most important reason I hired the firm of Grimaldi and Yeung is that they are very knowledgeable and very good in the area of Estate Planning and Elder Law. Michelle Yeung was assigned to my case and dealt with her if I had any questions or concerns. She was great. Whether I called her on the phone or emailed her she always responded in a timely fashion. When I visited the office she always took a few minutes to sit with me and explain in detail what I needed to know and what to do. She took a personal interest in me in that she reassured me during this trying time that everything was going to be OK, that she was there to help me whenever a needed her and so she was. The staff is also wonderful. Very professional and very caring. I whole heartedly recommend Ms. Yeung and the firm.
Read more
13 Dec, 2021 by Dilipkumar kapadia (richard)
Very good law office.
Read more
10 Dec, 2016 by Mikki perkins
24 Aug, 2017 by Rick
Jack Courtney met with us on a Sunday afternoon to discuss our situation. He listened to our entire story, asking questions after we were finished. He then told us where we stood and what his professional opinion was. After we hired Jack he gave us weekly updates on the phone to let us know what was going on, talking to us so we understood how the process was working. We felt very comfortable with the days of negotiating and felt we were very informed thru out the entire process. We would definitely recommend Jack Courtney to any of our friends, honest, ethical and very professional.
Read more
30 Jul, 2017 by Anonymous
During almost years my case was considered impossible; last year (2016), I hired professional services of attorney Jack Courtney. It was the right decision because my rights were recognized and the law granted a decision on my favor.
Read more
15 Dec, 2019 by Michelle
After my father died recently I had no clue what to do. Dad's will appointed me Executor of his estate. Someone told me that my dad's estate needed to be probated. I did not know where to start. I did some research on probate lawyers, then called Professor James. He was so knowledgeable and helpful! We talked for almost an hour as he simplified what I now know is the probate process. He also told me that because my dad's property is in the Virgin Islands and dad had a residence there and died there, then the estate should be probated in the Virgin Islands. But he couldn't represent me. However, he had a shortlist of lawyers in the Virgin Islands that he could recommend to me. Wow! A lawyer turning down a case and recommending another lawyer! I was astonished. And then I asked him how much I owed him for his hour of consultation. He replied, " You do not owe me a brass farthing". Accept my sympathy for your loss, and all the best with the lawyers in the Virgin Islands. What a kind and compassionate man! I would recommend Professor James to anyone. May God bless him mightily.
Read more
20 Oct, 2017 by Margaret
Attorney James is good at what he does. He is very attentive and easy to talk to. Before going forward with the case he researched and came up with the best possible approach. I was very pleased with the outcome.
Read more
07 Jun, 2015 by Elliott
Had Don do my gun trust at the Lewisville gun show great price compared to others and I have already used it once with no issues highly recommended
Read more
24 Oct, 2014 by Mark
In that I live out of state, I hired Mr. Mills to do some investigative "lawyering." This was no easy task for him as he had to locate and unearth various information from 1974 (long before computers). To my surprise and delight he was able to find all the information I required PLUS he took it upon himself to dig a little deeper into the situation. He uncovered facts that had been purposefully withheld from me from 41 years ago. His going above the call of duty helped me both emotionally and financially. I highly recommend Don Mills because of his professional knowledge, tenacity, communication, and the way he put his heart into my case. As I said, Don Mills went "ABOVE THE CALL OF DUTY!"
Read more
26 Mar, 2017 by Gary
In 2009, I had the good fortune to hire Gina, during a time of distress to hire Ms. Danetti to draft a trust document for my family. Gina was amiable, thorough, professional, and compassionate which made the process less stressful for me. During the ensuing years she was available and willing to guide me and advise me on matters relating to the estate and taxes. Now, in 2017, I look back and acknowledge the importance of her legal knowledge and continued support.
Read more
29 Aug, 2014 by Victoria
Ms. Danetti is efficient, knowledgeable thoughtful and makes things easy to understand. Her advice was succinct and very clear. She is very aware of the time and considerate. I would recommend her, and I would seek her services again.
Read more
29 Nov, 2010 by Anonymous
This has been my first experience meeting with a lawyer. Surprisingly, my meeting with Jason went so well. It was very informative and educational. After listening to my situation patiently, he advised me on what steps I need to take to protect my children and myself in my pending divorce case.
Jason believes in being there for his clients when they need him. If he is occupied for a period during the business day he returns phone calls and e-mails as quickly as possible, the same business day, using the technology he has in place to stay in touch.
I believe Jason listens to his clients and really understands what the client wants and needs, and works within that framework. Jason works to ensure that the scope of his legal work stays consistent with the client’s expectations. He also realizes that many of a lawyer’s future clients come from existing clients, and he seeks to make his clients so satisfied with his services that they are eager to send their friends and family to him
Should any of my friends, family or associates need professional legal advice, I will be happy to recommend Jason as highly capable and effective.
Read more
24 Nov, 2010 by Anonymous
I went to him concerning a custody issue after I was pretty much told by another lawyer that my children's emotional feelings were irrelavent & I had no argument as long as they were not coming home bruised or physically broken. He took the time to talk with my children. He fought for my children's rights & he is - in my book - a child advocate. He was very informative & great with the kids. He made a scary situation not so scarey. I trusted him with my children and they are getting the help they need. He made the law work for the little people.
Read more
14 Mar, 2015 by Anonymous
I hired Mr. Schwartz to assist me in a probate matter. He was professional, responsive, and knowledgeable. His knowledge helped me tremendously.
Read more
13 Mar, 2015 by Marida
Attorney Schwartz was very professional and personable. He took time to answer all my questions regarding my will, health and POA. He reviewed all doucements with me. As a grandmother I feel very confortable that he addressed all my estate planning needs and concerns. I am recommending him to my friends and family.
Read more
19 Nov, 2013 by John
Very professional and honest. Cant say that about all attorneys. Really seemed to care about my family and case. I would recommend her to anyone looking for a good attorney.
Read more
07 Jun, 2013 by Tony
Very Knowledgeable and precise. Always answers questions and is very up front.
Read more
26 Jan, 2015 by Jenny
It's good business practice to have a good attorney available to you. Nick Dupre has always responded quickly and thoroughly with all my questions. He has always answered all my questions and is not quick to get you off the phone or in person. It's just really good to know Nick is there to take care of any details to help make our company run smoothly and not to mention the peace of mind knowing he keeps all of our legal needs in line. Did I say, I recommend him for all your legal business needs?
Read more
19 Oct, 2011 by L
I have never worked with an attorney like Mr. Dupre. He and his firm, Stone & Associates, are incredibly responsive, approachable, and knowledgable. I have never had an attorney answer ALL of my myriad questions so quickly and thoroughly. And what do most people cringe about with attorneys? The unrelenting and questionable bills for seemingly trivial things. NOT so with this firm. They charge up front and it is not egregious. This allows such a great level of comfort in that you can ask all you need and not fear an onslaught of invoices. Nick Dupre and his firm help remove the stigma that many attorneys have these days.
Read more
28 Aug, 2015 by Robin
Ira is a great listener. He asks important questions to help his clients better understand their goals.
He is always kind and compassionate.
He has advised our family on important matters for over twenty years.
Read more
26 May, 2015 by Anonymous
Silverman helped my father prepare a will, trust and related documents. After my father died, Silverman handled probating the will and helped with estate and trust administration. I can't say enough good things about Silverman and his office. The work was done timely, for a reasonable price and was of the highest quality. I have worked with several lawyers over the years. Silverman is one of the very few who returned calls promptly and took a genuine interest in both my father and me. I can give him my unqualified recommendation.
Read more
24 Oct, 2014 by Philip
Michael's level of professionalism, knowledge, compassion and overall results in helping me to properly navigate through a multitude of family issues before the Surrogate Court, was outstanding! He was able to guide me through a very stressful and life altering situation to perfection. I would highly recommend his services to anyone I know.
Read more
23 May, 2012 by Dave
The lawyer work with my wife and I, creating a will, health care proxy and trust for our family. He was patient, kind and insightful helping us reach a very satisfactory result despite some thorny issues. I and my friend use him, and all are happy with the results. True none of us have had our wills read after our demise, but my wife and I feel secure that our children will be cared for and secure should we not be here to look after them.
Read more
20 Nov, 2015 by Emily
I recently hired Mr. Fedele as my real estate attorney. Closing on a house can be a very overwhelming and nerve racking process. Mr. Fedele was very professional and attentive at all times to my needs as his client as well as to my concerns I had as a first time buyer. He took all responsibility and eased the stress which I am most appreciative for. I would highly recommend him to friends and family.
Read more
19 May, 2015 by Kim
My husband and I used Michael as our real estate lawyer when buying our house last year. He was always available when we needed him and immensely knowledgeable. We had a few hiccups along the way and he was always right there advising and guiding us through the process. I have recommended Michael to many friends and relatives and will continue to do so. If you are looking for a top notch lawyer he is definitely it.
Read more
24 Jan, 2018 by Emma
We met Steve in his beautiful office conveniently located off the 405 in downtown Bellevue. We had no idea what to expect but Steve walked us through our estate planning making sure we had all of our options explained carefully and considerately. He made it a pleasure extending hospitality with a glass of champagne which helped break the awkwardness of talking about delicate subjects. Thank you Steve we do appreciate your help and guidance.
Read more
24 Sep, 2016 by Anonymous
I recommended Steve for estate planning. I had a very simple "estate" but a lot of questions. I felt he was prepared, considerate and brought up interesting questions to planning my documents. I highly recommend the experience and Steve.
Read more
25 Sep, 2015 by Nick
Our family hired Betsy to review my mother's existing will and estate documents. Betsy did a terrific job of adding the necessary paperwork that we were missing without recommending a bunch of extra stuff we didn't need. I found her to be thorough and patient as well as cost effective. I would have no problem recommending her.
Read more
24 Sep, 2015 by Patti
Miss Klampert with my attorney on the Social Security case not only was she very professional and she was very kind very sympathetic have empathy for everything that I was going through. She's bright intelligent and she gets the job done. Not to mention an all-around awesome person. I couldn't be happier for the job she did. And you will not be sorry either if you hire her. She is absolutely wonderful and an angel!
Read more
08 Aug, 2017 by Tom
Calvin worked on my father's estate. He is friendly, knowledgable, helpful, and very easy to work with. He made a complicated procedure go smoothly and stress - free. After this very positive experience, my wife and I will be using him for our estate planning. What a wonderful man.
Read more
07 Aug, 2017 by Ellen
I was very comfortable working with Attorney Calvin Dexter. He listened to and cared about all of my concerns. He answered my questions and discussed things in terms I could understand. He identified many legal issues I was unaware of and explained how to handle those issues to meet my goals. I'll contact Calvin if I need legal help again.
Read more
22 Nov, 2014 by Dawn
Corryn has been so kind and understanding with all that's been happening with my parents and their health issues. She is so accommodating with our crazy work schedules and very patient when explaining the legal parts of how a family trust works. She is very compassionate when dealing with both my parents and helping them understand how a trust works for them and the care that they require. It's also very comforting to know that she is a RN and can give advice or explain some of the health care involved with my parents care. She's also helped me with different ways on how to approach my parents about their care, what their wishes are and what's best for them. I would definitely recommend her to anyone going through the same issues that our family is currently facing.
Read more
14 Nov, 2014 by David
I reached out to Corryn regarding senior planning for my aging parents. Corryn communicated very well with me and my parents during the entire process. She met with my parents and patiently explained in detail the services they should consider. She answered their questions and concerns compassionately as many of the topics were sensitive in nature. Corryn never attempted to upsell them any services that she felt was not necessary. She completed all the filings and documents in a timely manner and provided my parents an easy to use binder of all of the services. I would highly recommend Corryn.
Read more
22 Jun, 2018 by Anonymous
When we came home from vacation to find 5 of our 30 year old pine trees cut down, the police told us we needed a civil attorney. We contacted Paul Kray. He met with us quickly and was very knowledgeable, also offering several alternatives. He is quite willing to take the case but also said he is your neighbor so try to work it out with him first. I was impressed with his common sense and honesty.
Read more
17 Apr, 2015 by Kevin
As a start-up company, we contacted Paul Kray and he demonstrated knowledge of our needs and an appreciation of our budget and helped us get incorporated, review vendor agreements and catch issues that we otherwise would not have identified. He helped us get off to the right start and his ongoing support has helped our continued success. I highly recommend for small to midsize businesses clients.
Read more
12 May, 2016 by Chris
Matthew Donald helped our family set up a trust to care for our mother who was entering an assisted living facility. Matt was knowledgeable, a terrific listener, and really calmed our trepidation. We have been able to financially care for our mother and relieve her worries as well as our own. Matt was a Godsend for our family.
Read more
20 Nov, 2014 by Terrie
I highly recommend Matthew for estate planning. He helped us to create a personalized plan in addition to providing the education we needed to make informed decisions. He is truly an expert in the complex filed of trusts and estate planning.
Read more
29 Apr, 2020 by Bill
After the death of my father, we realized that our Will, Power of Attorney, and Health Care Provisions, were inadequate. Erin proved very competent in her understanding of the specialty that elder law demands She was very patient with her time and made sure we fully understood the finer points of the law. We are completely satisfied that when these documents are needed they will serve us well. Erin is a joy to work with.
Read more
20 Apr, 2020 by Tom
Erin re-drafted our wills, trusts, and other similar documents, which were originally done over 25 years ago. She was patient with us, made obscure legal concepts accessible, and made us feel comfortable throughout the process. She is very competent, professional, and easy to work with and brings a lot of experience to the job. Very well credentialed too.
Read more
14 Mar, 2017 by Bob
I have had, on two separate occasions, hired Mrs. Apelis to do estate planning and incorporation work. She is professional, accessible, prompt and thorough. She answered all of our questions in detail and made us feel confident that we were being well represented. I would highly recommend her to those in need of legal representation.
Read more
12 Mar, 2015 by Kris
I have had the pleasure of working with Erika for the past year. As a new business owner, she made sure all of my documents went through the transition of ownership smoothly. She has always provided my business with the best service! Erika is very quick and knowledgeable with her answers to my questions. Since being a business owner has been a new adventure in my life, she has made sure everything was in the right place, at the right time and always correct!
Read more
07 Sep, 2017 by Anonymous
Jeannette did a great job helping me with my parent's assets and getting them help with Medicaid. She always answers calls and questions promptly. I never waited more than a day for a response on a question. They kept me informed and explained the process front to back. Great service!
Read more
17 Nov, 2014 by Anonymous
Had medicaid planning done by Jeannette, and the experience from beginning to end was great. She did a great job helping me understand what was going on and I really liked her.
Read more
15 Mar, 2016 by Cindy
I discovered Erica Skerl while searching online for an Elder Care attorney. I wanted guidance in applying for Medicaid for my mother, whose onset of dementia forced us to move her into a nursing home.
Erica has been such a blessing to work with during this stressful time. She is very knowledgeable, personable, compassionate, respectful of my time, and most importantly, responsive.
She is excellent at responding to my emails quickly, and if she was tied up at a hearing, would send me a quick email letting me know she received my email and would respond in greater detail once back at her office.
The receptionists also are very courteous and accommodating.
I would highly recommend Erica Skerl as an Elder Care attorney!
Read more
07 Jan, 2011 by Anonymous
Ms. Skerl is a compassionate and intelligent lawyer who came to our aid in dealing with an insurance company trying to deny benefits. Additionally, she developed our wills and healthcare power of attorney documents. Ms. Skerl was responsive to our needs. She is respectful and caring. We highly recommend her services.
Read more
19 Mar, 2024 by Jesuslovesme10
This is my attorney that is currently working on my case with domestic issues. He has been thorough and very informative. Always on time. I am very blessed to have him as my attorney.
Read more
10 Jul, 2023 by Cindy
I was appointed Carl though legal aid of western Ohio around September or October 2022. He not only got my 2 children who live with me and I a little piece of mind/sense of safety for the next 5 years around March or April 2028!
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.
