Lawyers map
>288
experienced lawyers
Filter by
06 Dec, 2017 by Brian
I consulted with Megan on a probate issue regarding my deceased grandmother's home. Megan provided excellent advice, and was very helpful. She was able to help solve the issue so the property could be sold. I would recommend Megan to anyone seeking assistance with probate.
Read more
02 Dec, 2017 by Joan
My son in law is semi retired lawyer in another firm but referred me to Biven and Associates nearly ten years ago for my mom who needed long term care. I then needed assistance for my significant other with his estate and I then had the pleasure to meet Megan Selvey. She helped me through a difficult time, numerous phone calls and meetings with family members until his recent passing. Megan is smart, caring and professional with genuine concern for her clients welfare. She goes beyond in her duties and is always available to take a call. I have referred friends and family to her and continue a business relationship with BIVENS and Associates. Megan is an asset to the company and I consider her a friend and my go to person for any legal issue.
Read more
02 Dec, 2017 by Kathryn
Megan Selvey was referred to us by our daughter. Upon consulting her for our services, we found her professional and very informative about our legal needs. She was not forceful in her methods and only offered us what we required. In addition, she provided the services we required in a timely fashion. I would and have highly recommended Ms. Selvey to anyone seeking her services!
Read more
12 Dec, 2015 by Anonymous
We recently had a very complicated trust matter as we were moving a trust from La to Az, where laws are very different. We also decided to make new wills and basically restructure all of our estate planning. Other attorneys we spoke to made our goals seem virtually impossible. Craig made it seem easy (even though we know it was not). Everything was handled quickly and in our best interest for the future and the future of our children. We can't say enough positive things. And just a note - the staff in his office are friendly and pleasant as well.
Read more
05 Jun, 2015 by Bill
I have been working with Craig for more than 5 years. Not only has he been extremely helpful to me and my entire family he has also drafted trust documents and other estate planning documents for several of my friends who I referred to Craig. I would not hesitate to give Craig my highest and best endorsement. He is extremely knowledgeable and takes the time to explain difficult concepts in a way we can all understand.
Read more
03 Jun, 2015 by Jim
I am an independant financial advisor here in Tucson. I have been referring my clients to Craig for a number of years and the response has always been tremendous. Not only is he highly knowledgeable in the fields of trusts and elder law, he is sincere, approachable and sensitive to client situations. Sometimes our interation can get somewhat complicated but he is always able to express himself in a way that is easy to understand. I trust Craig enough that I have asked him to set up my mothers trust as well as my own. I would highly recommend him both as a person and a very capable attorney.
Read more
14 May, 2021 by Deafmentor
Both my husband and I are first-borns and were designated to settle the estates of our respective parents. Wendy not only helped us navigate the “legalese” of what needed to be done respectively and quickly but also helped us set up our own Trust. She even went so far to meet with our daughter (at our request) who was visiting from out of state which gave us peace of mind that she will be in good hands when our time comes.
Read more
19 Sep, 2017 by Bill nordbrock
I work with seniors in transition and on estate cases. I have worked with many different estate planning attorneys, and with Wendy on several cases. I have never seen an attorney who works so hard. She is absolutely committed to her clients, does what is right for them even at her own expense. When I ask her complicated questions she either knows the answer, or knows how to get it quickly. I cannot recommend Wendy strongly enough!
Read more
09 Jan, 2014 by Anonymous
She created a revocable trust which meets my needs and protects my family in the future. She explained why my out-of-state rental property should be in the trust. She is very thorough and handled other legal documents that I hadn't even considered until she explained how important they are in the full picture.
Read more
28 Sep, 2020 by Laurie
I’d like to recommend the Weecks Law Firm. I have been in professional groups with Ms. Debbie Weecks for over a decade and appreciate her dedication to our senior industry community in the NW Valley. Her professionalism and competence are unsurpassed.
Laurie Fox
Cypress HomeCare Solutions
Read more
22 Dec, 2015 by Anonymous
Ms. Weecks is an excellent attorney. She recently helped me on two issues in which myself and my wife were wrongly accused. She was very timely and kept us in the loop constantly as to what was going on with our case. Because of her we avoided court altogether! I definitely recommend her over any big name law firm in Arizona. Thanks again for all that you do!
Read more
22 Nov, 2015 by Donna
If I were to ever again find myself in need of an attorney, I would without hesitation call Debra Weecks. I was
fortunate enough to be referred to her from one of the local agencies dealing with the elderly. My situation was
difficult, in that it involved a parent with dementia, a restraining order and, ultimately, court action. Ms. Weecks is direct and honest (while maintaining a sense of humor)! She will tell you what the probabilities and possibilities of your actions are and help you make a good decision. During this process, she worked with both my financial and tax consultants, both of whom were very impressed with her knowledge. I would and have recommended her services to anyone in need of an excellent attorney.
Read more
12 Apr, 2019 by Anonymous
Megan has provided our firm with highly competent and knowledgeable legal counsel and representation for which we are most grateful. She is to be commended for her ability as an attorney and for her maintenance of communication and client relations. It is a pleasure to recommend her both personally and professionally.
Read more
11 Jul, 2018 by Anonymous
Go no further- you’ve found the perfect lawyer! Megan is sharp, strategic, tenacious, detailed, ethical, personable and always accessible. Our family was involved in a complex guardianship case regarding my father. We could not have won the case without her as THE “spearhead”. In alliance with John Barron, Megan gave our dad a new life. He can’t remember when he was this happy. At 89, he is now looking forward to 100! Megan, thank you for the peace of mind.
Read more
17 Oct, 2017 by Anonymous
Megan is a very ethical and solid professional. We were very impressed with her skills and her integrity in regards to our case. From the start, we felt we were in good hands, and the results were very positive and helpful, even though we were clearly the underdog, so to speak. She comes highly recommended!
Read more
20 Jun, 2017 by Heather
C.J. was very good at compiling all the docs we needed and explained the process. Very grateful that we now have this in place. We would recommend him to family and friends for sure.
Read more
20 Jun, 2017 by Nate
CJ took care of some estate planning that I had long put off. Not only was the job done quickly, but the price was fair and below my expectations. The trust he created included items I had never considered. He also provided valuable advice and follow up for the implementation of the trust...i never felt lost or like I didn't know what to do.
I sleep better with this work done, and can't recommend CJ strong enough.
Read more
20 Jun, 2017 by Robert
CJ walked us through all of the legalize of what our trust entails - in addition to spending the time with us he also gave us the documents and instructions that we need to move forward with moving our assets into the trust.
Read more
10 Jan, 2025 by Patti lukas
Emily and her staff are wonderful! Estate planning can be overwhelming but Emily made it easy to understand. We would highly recommend Emily if you’re looking for estate planning.
Read more
31 Dec, 2024 by Paul neumann
Emily and her team have been amazing to work with. They initially assisted us with compliance and a financial planning strategy involving my disabled sister’s guardianship and helped us navigate the difficult world of ALTCS, AHCCCS, DDD, and the DES.
We continue to maintain a retainer relationship so Jessica and the team are always readily available to assist with any questions or issues that come up.
Paul
Read more
19 Dec, 2024 by John
Emily Taylor and her team (Michelle) were super amazing! They were professional, courteous, supportive, while walking us through the step-by-step process of our estate planning. I highly recommend Emily Taylor and her team for all of your estate planning needs!
Read more
14 Jun, 2024 by Yandi valdes
Gracias al abogado Adam y todo su equipo de trabajo. Se los súper recomendaría a cualquiera con toda la confianza del mundo son muy profesionales en el trabajo que realizan. Me siento bendecido por el trabajo que realizó el abogado a mi favor. Por mi experiencia es la mejor oficina de abogados que pude haber conseguido, siempre atentos y muy amables conmigo. Gracias
Read more
17 Feb, 2024 by Efrain cortez
Que tal mi nombre es Efraín anteriormente con un problema legal DIU y gracias Jackson White que cuenta con excelentes abogados me solucionaron mi caso. El abogado Adam Ashby y su asistente Luis de corazón les agradezco, trabajaron en equipo para poder sacar adelante mi caso y así solucionando mi problema, no pude encontrar mejor abogado que Adam. (Excelente Abogado)
Read more
11 Jan, 2024 by Jenni
Great lawyers! They kept my husband from going to jail and made sure we had the best results in everything Adam Ashby and Luis Sisniega
Read more
22 Oct, 2014 by Erik
I have worked with Hans for over a year. At all times, Hans remained level-headed among the most trying of situations. He kept focused on what mattered and avoided distractions. We have had enjoyed positive results, and I attribute the outcome to Hans command of the law and willingness to explore and pursue all options instead of just the obvious ones. I am satisfied with my choice as it made a difference and turned my situation around from when I was previously represented by another attorney.
Read more
19 Aug, 2009 by Mike
Did a great job for us on my father's estate. Laid everything out.
Read more
19 Jan, 2022 by Jason
I needed help with questions for an Arizona probate. Jason responded quickly and was thorough in his explanation. Incredibly helpful and easy to talk to.
Read more
12 Jan, 2021 by Don
Jason did an outstanding job preparing our trust and estate planning documents. We were very happy with the service.
Read more
06 Feb, 2024 by Diana
Jimmy D. Rohde is the best attorney I have ever worked with and I was so fortunate to find him.
I was overwhelmed trying to settle my mother’s estate she died unexpectedly, witout a will. I don't live in Arizona, so I had to find an attorney who could help me “long distance”. After making numerous phone calls, I found that most attorneys either didn’t want to tackle my particular situation, or they wanted money up front before they would talk to me, I found Jimmy Rohde.
My first “meeting” with Jimmy was by phone. I had so many questions to ask i.e. where to start, what can I do and not do etc? He immediately seemed to grasp my situation, and explained things clearly and thoroughly. I never felt rushed, nor did he limit the number of questions I asked.
After the 1st phone call, I knew Jimmy was the person I wanted to consult. When I flew back to Phx. to meet with him, Jimmy took the time to understand the "difficult dynamic" that is my family. He was 100% professional, but exuded a warmth and friendliness, that made me feel totally relaxed during that meeting. He displayed an exceptional level of expertise and provided me with clear explanations. He encouraged me to ask questions, no matter how insignificant or simple I thought they were. Since I'm out of state, I wasn’t sure what papers of my mother’s I needed to keep vs. what to get rid of, so at that 1st meeting I brought a box "filled with folders". Jimmy didn’t say a word, he just looked over the “mounds” of paperwork (most of which he probably didn’t need to see), and gave me sound advice. He asked detailed questions, and then gave me several options on how to proceed. He explained everything in terms I easily understood. I left feeling well informed and having a clearer direction of how best to proceed.
It was clear from the onset that Jimmy was very knowledgeable and truly wanted the best for me. After the estate was "settled", family (from another country) entered into the scene. I was ruffled and emotional. Again, Jimmy was a Godsend. He was calm and empathetic while remaining professional. Jimmy's legal experience, along with his warmth and kindness, gave me hope at a time when my options appeared limited and the likelihood of a good resolution seemed next to impossible. He went above and beyond his obligation, and I couldn’t have asked for better advice or services.
I know this is a long review, but it comes from the heart. I would recommend Mr. Jimmy D. Rohde to anyone needing a lawyer for probate and/or trust law without reservation.
Read more
04 Dec, 2020 by Stacy
My case was a contentious guardianship/conservatorship dispute, where some members of the family were trying to block my mother with Alzheimer's from getting memory care. It was a heartbreaking, traumatic, and long-drawn out process. Jimmy literally saved the day, by doing everything legally possible to ensure that my Mom got the care she needed. Throughout it all, he was kind, thoughtful, and committed to seeing the right thing happen for my mother. He is excellent at this work. Very strongly recommended!
Read more
06 Aug, 2024 by Anonymous
Catherine assisted me in my Will and Estate planning. I need a revision of the Will, however she has since retired. I consider this a loss as her work was of great help to me.
Read more
10 Aug, 2016 by Anonymous
What a blessing meeting Catherine Leas at a time when I just did not know where to turn. She put my mind at ease when I needed it most. I plan on seeking her advice in the very near future and recommending her to anyone looking for an attorney.
Read more
27 Mar, 2020 by Bill
Listens well, has a nice attractive trust/will/etc package, seems to be very thorough & comprehensive. I highly recommend. I've seen these "spiels" before, but this one was impressive enough to make me a customer... a very happy customer!
Read more
17 Mar, 2020 by Joseph
Jake Carlson and his team at Lifeplan Legal are exceptional. They were able to take us from the initial consult all the way through the hiring process and completed an estate plan that my wife and I are extremely happy with. Jake is a true professional. He was always available to answer and review questions, simplify many legal terms and procedures and help us understand the differences between various powers of attorney. My wife and I were very impressed with his depth of knowledge and his genuine care and concern for his clients. The concept of create an estate plan based on values is also another clever and meaningful approach that really resonated with us. Jake and his team at LifePlan Legal aside from being highly professional and approachable, are also friendly and thorough. We believe that we acquired a wonderful value and give Jake and his team the highest recommendation to anyone looking for a meaningful approach to estate planning. We have great peace of mind knowing that we have secured our assists and our future through using Jake and his team. Thank you again!
Still Very Satisfied,
Joseph and Jordan Lawless
Read more
26 Feb, 2019 by Anonymous
Chip is very knowledgeable, compassionate and caring. He takes the time to listen and applies his expertise to help his clients in the best way possible. I would highly recommend.
Read more
05 Oct, 2018 by Sheldon
Chip was kind, thorough, efficient and knowledgeable in restating our family trust, originally prepared in California in 1987. Our estate is relatively modest, but he helped us ensure that our daughter and special needs son are looked after in a fair and equitable way.
Read more
06 Sep, 2017 by Elisa
PLG is very understanding about my situation when comes to financial problems.
Oksana always give me updates of what is going on. She is very nice kind, approachable and compassionate. They explained to me the procedures and answers my questions that I don't understand. I recommend 100% David and Oksana the rest of the PLG company staff for helping me with my legal needs. Excellent staff and knowledgeable lawyer. Thank you for your help I appreciate it very much.
Read more
14 May, 2014 by Cheryl
David and Oksana did an outstanding job for me. They always kept me in the loop and were very polite at all times. This is a truly professional office and yet they take the time for the little people, like me! I would recommend to everyone! They deserve! Thanks again both of you!
Read more
13 Nov, 2024 by Kelsi sears
Very happy with Mr Ring's knowledge, experience and the care he put into my case
Read more
29 Aug, 2024 by Janell barron
Derek did an awesome job on my case.
Read more
21 Aug, 2024 by Harry james
This was the first time in my life that I had ever been in trouble. I was TERRIFIED! From the moment I spoke with Derek Oliverson I knew I did not need to worry. He took the time to listen to my case and then he explained what he was going to do. He kept me informed through the entire process. I could not have asked for a better outcome. I am so grateful to Derek and his entire team. They are the best and I highly recommend them to anyone that needs legal help.
Read more
15 Dec, 2018 by Mark
She is very knowledgeable in elder law. She advised me on my father's situation. I found from her that I could do a Conservatorship to stop his wild spending. Since my father was in Colorado she advised me to seek a lawyer in Colorado. He is a snow bird. Her advise was as good as the best lawyer I found in Colorado. I had to interview 3 lawyers in Colorado before I found one as competent. She was very generous with her time and did not charge me for a long consult.
Read more
21 Sep, 2017 by Elaine semonian
He was extremely professional and compassionate and explained to me very clearly what I needed to do.
Read more
09 Mar, 2021 by Kathryn
We can’t say enough great things about our attorney, Mr. Scott Jensen! Several years ago, we saw him for a consultation, concerning a very detailed family matter in an estate settlement. His expert advice was instrumental in these matters.
Mr. Jensen is now handling our estate documents. He is professional & cordial, with attention to detail. The staff are helpful, and kind. We couldn’t be more happy to have found him & his firm. A very trusted, reputable law firm.
Read more
22 May, 2011 by Alexis
Best Attorney Ever. Can contact at anytime. His staff is wonderful. He was my attorney in a matter that took over two years to conclude. He was professional at all times, and at the end I felt like he was a friend. Bills very fairly, at times not even charging if I had a quick question. Highly recommend!
Read more
05 Apr, 2024 by Louie
After a bad experience with another law firm, I contacted Lihn Law Group to help an elderly uncle create an estate plan. He is in a nursing home confined to a bed so he needed someone that would be patient with him and spend the time needed to understand his needs and wishes. Caleb and Hannah were awesome. They visited him several times in the process of understanding how he wanted his estate distributed and took great effort to help him understand the implications of everything he was doing. They went above and beyond to make sure he was well taken care of and throughout the whole process, it was clear that they genuinely cared about his best interest. They were always responsive to needs and requests and I wouldn’t hesitate to contact them in the future for additional legal help. I can’t say enough good things about my experience with them and highly recommend them to anyone seeking estate planning or any legal help that is within their expertise.
Read more
03 Sep, 2021 by Alan
I had my trust reviewed. Ron Compton did the review and rewriting. He is one of the most efficient and professional people I ever known. I will never use another attorney for my estate work.
Read more
27 May, 2015 by Craig wisnom
Teresa is one of the top younger attorneys in the estate planning field. She is able to handle issues related to all areas of estate planning, as well as special needs and elder law relate issues, and in some situations will take litigation in this area where her firm's skills may be utilized in a manner beneficial to the client.
Read more
09 Jan, 2018 by Anonymous
We consulted with Tara regarding several of our client contracts. She reviewed our business documents and made recommendations and changes based our needs and the services we provided. She was professional, efficient and knowledgeable. We will definitely work with Tara in the future regarding our business contracts and transactional needs.
Read more
18 Nov, 2019 by Jenelle
Justin did a wonderful job representing me in my case and was able to negotiate a satisfactory settlement in a reasonable amount of time. Justin was very professional and helpful during a traumatic time and made the experience as pleasant as possible given the circumstances. I would definitely recommend Justin in the future!
Read more
30 Oct, 2017 by Lola
He just absolutely knew what he had to do. He's without no doubt an extremely professional individual!
Read more
05 Dec, 2024 by Carrie wexler
25 Jul, 2024 by Carol weber
Simply the best experience we could have had with our Estate planning process!
Read more
14 Jul, 2023 by Sheri pfautz
After my inquiry email, Mr. Leonard graciously called me right away, even though it was late in the evening after his normal work hours. We discussed my situation in an initial consultation, and even though he was unable to assist on the matter, he offered me detailed advice on options for proceeding. I would recommend Mr. Leonard.
Read more
13 Jan, 2019 by Andrew alex
20 Sep, 2024 by Keith singer
10 Jun, 2023 by Jennifer becker
No-nonsense, highly experienced, professional, and notably superior to my other limited experiences with lawyers.
Read more
02 Nov, 2021 by O k
16 Oct, 2024 by Joseph dewees
06 Apr, 2024 by Alfred hinkle
Excellent service. Great attorney
Read more
08 Dec, 2023 by Jennifer doliveira
Emily Kile is a wonderful Estate Attorney. She has done our trust for us twice and we couldn't be happier. She is thorough and professional. He staff is very professional and knowledgeable as well.
Read more
Browse lawyers
Cities in Arizona - Find a Lawyer Near Me
-
Phoenix
-
Scottsdale
-
Tucson
-
Mesa
-
Tempe
-
Chandler
-
Flagstaff
-
Gilbert
-
Prescott
-
Glendale
-
Yuma
-
Peoria
-
Kingman
-
Surprise
-
Florence
-
Goodyear
-
Sedona
-
Sun City
-
Sierra Vista
-
Paradise Valley
-
Casa Grande
-
Oro Valley
-
Avondale
-
Cave Creek
-
Green Valley
-
Bullhead City
-
Cottonwood
-
Lake Havasu City
-
Nogales
-
Queen Creek
-
Sun City West
-
Bisbee
-
Fountain Hills
-
Window Rock
-
Anthem
-
Buckeye
-
Carefree
-
Holbrook
-
Globe
-
Paradise Vly
-
Prescott Valley
-
Marana
-
Maricopa
-
Sacaton
-
Safford
-
Show Low
-
Higley
-
Parker
-
Payson
-
Apache Junction
-
Laveen
-
Saint Johns
-
Litchfield Park
-
Sells
-
Camp Verde
-
Lakeside
-
Snowflake
-
Pinetop
-
Sahuarita
-
VAIL
-
Chino Valley
-
Eloy
-
Fort Huachuca
-
Benson
-
Coolidge
-
Davis-Monthan AFB
-
Fort Mohave
-
Tumacacori
-
Cortaro
-
Fort Defiance
-
Lk Havasu Cty
-
Tuba City
-
Wickenburg
-
Dewey
-
Luke Afb
-
Page
-
Patagonia
-
Sonoita
-
Thatcher
-
Tolleson
-
Tubac
-
Cornville
-
Eagar
-
Fountain Hls
-
Guadalupe
-
Oracle
-
Phoeniz
-
Rio Rico
Browse lawyers
Practice Areas in Arizona
-
Business
-
Real Estate
-
Litigation
-
Criminal Defense
-
Personal Injury
-
Family Law
-
Estate Planning
-
Government
-
Civil Rights
-
Intellectual Property
-
Appeals
-
Probate
-
Insurance
-
Juvenile Law
-
Medical Malpractice
-
Immigration
-
Tax
-
Lawsuit / Dispute
-
Consumer Protection
-
Wrongful Death
-
Child Custody
-
Car Accident
-
Elder Law
-
Trusts
-
Debt Collection
-
Bankruptcy
-
Child Support
-
Workers Compensation
-
Domestic Violence
-
Mediation
-
Entertainment
-
Divorce
-
Social Security & Disability
-
Adoption
-
Class Action
-
Sex Crime
-
DUI / DWI
-
Employment / Labor
-
Financial Markets And Services
-
Debt Settlement
-
Cannabis Law
-
Federal Crime
-
Foreclosure
-
Discrimination
-
Wrongful Termination
-
Sexual Harassment
-
Drug Crime
-
Copyright Application
-
Construction
-
Landlord & Tenant
-
Credit Repair
-
Environmental Law
-
Life Insurance
-
Contracts
-
Education Law
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.
