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12 May, 2023 by Natashia
Back in December right before what was supposed to be my babies 1st Christmas with myself, my husband and his brother and sister the unthinkable happened my at the time 4 month old son started acting lethargic and seemed to not want to wake up, me having went to medical school and having a diabetic daughter and a son who was premature before my youngest baby I had a feeling that he was in some sort of distress so we rushed him to the hospital approximately 10 minutes before arrival I noticed my son having trouble breathing so I started to administer CPR upon arrival to the hospital once we got inside I ran him to the 1st medical person I saw, we were rushed into a room in the midst of all of the chaos my son was taken to another room while waiting a nurse comes to tell me my son had transport to the main hospital downtown Houston due to the complexities of his issues but what we thought was happening couldn't get any worse it did we were told my son had a skull fracture, perforation of the bowel and a perforation of his esophagus which was done by a Dr at the hospital. Still not knowing what was going on I got in the ambulance with my son and upon arrival to the downtown hospital I was greeted by 2 police officers while my husband was greeted by a police officer at our home so he could meet my mom with our other 2 children we were both questioned and we were always open and honest with Dr's, police officers who we spoke to and regardless we were look at as suspects. In 10 and 6 years of having 2 other children I have never had ever been accused of abuse or neglect of my children after my kids were illegally removed from my custody I called Bradley's office and during my consultation with him he already started working on my case, our sons were born on the same day so he could understand the pain I was feeling after my son had an 8 hour surgery and I only got a week of time spent with him at the hospital before I was blocked by the hospitals CAPS team we were in complete misery and during the short amount of time that we thought was going to never end Bradley fought for our family even driving from Fort Worth to Dayton to be there when we needed him and he was always in communication with me and my husband he obtained my son's medical records and got to work and by March 31st I had all my kiddos back in my home. I would highly recommend Mr. Scalise he always believed in our family and he took on one of the biggest hospitals in the Houston area and called it like it was, ultimately CPS never could provide anything to the contrary of abuse or neglect our case was very complex. I had a sick little baby who needed his family and the hospital took that time away from us but he's back along with his brother and sister just in time for his 1st birthday. My son is happy, healthy and thriving to the fullest and if it wasn't for Mr. Scalise and his help I don't know if we could of found a better attorney to handle our case not just the legal side but the emotional support and compassion that I received from his office. We are so grateful for Bradley and we thank God for me finding you and making our lives back to what they were. Also you still check on us even though we won our case and that is how it should be some attorney's just collect money and don't care after but Bradley is still in contact and we will always be grateful for his hard work. Thank you and God bless you and your family Bradley
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07 May, 2023 by Chris
Brad and his team were instrumental in my case dealing with a family issue. He was able to get a result that exceeded my expectations. If you need one of the best attorneys in Tarrant county Texas Mr. Scalise is your man.
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24 Dec, 2019 by Sasha
I said I'd shout from the rooftops how awesome Brad and Velma, and his firm are, but this review will have to do. 1. You've found yourself in a situation, and you're looking at attorneys, right? If you've found this page, look no further. No, seriously, look no further. You've found the bulldog. You've found Saul. You found Him, or whatever you want to say. Brad is not only an incredible attorney, his cost is negligible compared to the protection, diligence, and dedication you'll get. 2. Did I mention his fees? They might be beaten (unlikely), but I can tell you that not only are they reasonable, they're downright competitive. Get aside that, and Brad is your right hand man. I can't say it enough, his service is Top Notch. 3. If you're unfortunate as I, with someone breathing down your neck (in my case, Denton Co.), don't let anybody, including yourself, tell you that you don't need counsel. I was getting harassed and intimidated, daily, with the real threat of losing my daughter. And then I did the First smart thing I could've-Retained Brad as my attorney. He was able to get them to cease communication with me, and channeled it through him. They're tone Really changes. And if you're smart, you'll see for yourself. 4. His paralegal, Velma, and him will not judge you, make you feel judged, or allow others to judge you. You'll have to be completely transparent, but in doing so, Brad creates a personalized approach/plan for your situation. I never felt too ashamed to be honest with him, or Velma. And being honest is how he was able to get my "Situation" or case, closed, which is what You want, right? 5. If you nodded yes to any of my questions, you Need Brad, and his firm, yesterday. If you want the best outcome (not settling), you Need Brad. If you want a whip smart attorney, who is concerned about You, why are you still reading this, and not calling his office? Of my own volition, if you're having a similar experience, and have questions for someone that's had the anguish and torment you're likely experiencing, email me. If you're wanting help to get out of it with a favorable outcome, CALL Brad Scalise.
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28 Jan, 2019 by Jon
Guy is the best attorney my family has dealt with. He assisted my father and me in establishing my father’s trust. We first met with Guy in 1994. My father passed in 2016 and having a living Trust was the best and easiest way to settle his estate. Guy’s wife, Nancy,also works with the law firm. She has also been a big help to the family during these pass few years. I worked 31 years in county government and worked with many attorneys in the DFW area. Guy has been one of the best and knowledgeable attorneys. Settling my father’s estate went smoothly. I highly recommend Guy and his law firm to anyone needing help with estate planning.
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27 Jul, 2012 by Jerry
I highly recommend Guy Garner. We were looking for a lawyer specializing in estate planning when a trusted friend recommended Mr. Garner's law firm. Guy reviewed our individual situation then took the time to patiently explain all our estate planning options, including many things we would not otherwise have known to consider. We now have a comprehensive estate plan portfolio and the peace of mind knowing it is the product of such an experienced and knowledgeable professional. He and his office staff are a real pleasure to work with and we are very happy we found them.
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24 Jul, 2012 by Lorie
It is not very often you find an attorney these days who truly cares about you and the legal matters being handled. Guy not only cares, but makes himself available to answer questions and takes whatever time is needed to thoroughly explain things in detail. You are not just a "number" at this firm, you are always treated with respect and courtesy and can expect a prompt response to any request. Mr. Garner helped us with a will, power of attorney, irrevocable trust and a V.A. claim for our mother and was so patient and kind in explaining the process to her. He has also helped us with several other legal matters and is always knowledgable, pleasant and easy to work with.
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16 Nov, 2023 by Eliza
El abogado Rodríguez respondió todas mis preguntas amablemente, con paciencia y profesionalismo.
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22 Jun, 2018 by Sharon
I called from out-of-state to seek information on how to handle my Aunt using the wrong name on her plan. Stephen Wiley, JD replied to my email inquiry within a few hours & saved me lots of unnecessary worry, explaining succintly how best to handle this situation. Will definitely seek him out with any future legal issues.
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28 May, 2024 by Sandra leissler
I enjoyed working with Jensen & Jensen. They were friendly and professional.
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24 May, 2024 by Dea s
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22 May, 2024 by Aislin ranch
It was a pleasure working with everyone at Jensen & Jensen. They assisted me with an easement issue I was having. Ed listened to my issue and got everything settled quickly. I had been fighting the easement issue for over a year. Very reasonably priced for great service. Thank you and you staff for everything.
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26 Jun, 2024 by Dan hartman
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24 Jun, 2024 by Richard gonzales
The Dove Firm updated our wills and trust account. I found the entire staff as professional, friendly, and responsive. They explained this complicated process in layman terms that we understood. I trust them to handle our important financial and legacy documents with much expertise and confidence.
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24 Jun, 2024 by Valerie burnside-edmond
What a wonderful staff! Atty Carolyn Dove is awesome. She is very nice to work with. She is timely and very professional. I am very comfortable with her and she works hard regarding your legal concerns. I highly recommend Dove Law Firm. You will be glad with the end results and know she cares about her clients.
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27 Nov, 2024 by Christian rainey
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23 Nov, 2024 by Rocio reber
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08 Oct, 2024 by Cherise perry
If I could give ZERO stars I would. The level of incompetence is UNMATCHED.
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10 Oct, 2024 by Troy bushlow
Unprepared for almost every appearance. Once used his phone to bring up proceeders and statutes. The judge was not impressed, just annoyed. I lost every appearance in family court. Didn’t defend me or my character to the judge. A total waste of my time and money to loose everything to my ex.
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12 Sep, 2024 by Orville riley
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19 Mar, 2024 by Robert p.
First of all, don't pay any attention to the very few negative reviews on this law firm. There are just some people out there who are impossible to satisfy no matter what you do.... Dwain and Jack Downing, and their staff, were wonderful. I hired them to handle probating my father's estate and they walked me through the entire process step-by-step. They were very professional, prompt, thorough, and their fees were very reasonably priced. I will be keeping them on speed dial for any of my future legal needs. Thank you so much for everything!!
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02 Jan, 2015 by Teddy
This lawyer drew up a will and trust several years ago. In October, he was asked to make some very simple updates and amendments to the will and trust: to provide current addresses and in the will to change a beneficiary. We hoped to have this completed before moving to another town. He was asked to update the financial power of attorney and the medical power of attorney. For this he charged nearly $1000. He cashed the check the very next day. The forms were supposed to be mailed to us, we would have them witnessed and notarized, copied, and send them back. That was two months ago. I sent a registered letter demanding the changes and a return of the original will. The USPS says that they tried to deliver it on a Monday, left a notice for the letter to be picked up. That was three weeks ago. There was one phone call from a clerk saying that she needed the names of the people who would witness the signature to type them into the document. I explained that the names of the witnesses, who will be strangers at the UPS office, would be printed in when they witnessed the signature and it was notarized. I asked about the registered letter. The clerk said she did not know anything about it. I do regret raising my voice to the clerk; that was wrong of me. More time has passed and Mr. Kolton still has not returned the will, has not sent the amendments, has not refunded our money, let alone an apology. I do not know what is going on with Mr. Kolton since he has not sent me any communication at all. I do know that in two months time he has failed to deliver very simple amendments or to refund our money. If he ever does provide the services for which he has already cashed the check, I would be happy to post again. I would remind anyone of ordinary means wanting to write a will in Texas, that our Congress has made it very easy. In Texas, one can simply write out a will or go to an office supply store and buy a "fill in the blank" or a CD that will guide one through. Cost: Less than $30.
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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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. What is the best approach for my case?
    Ask for an honest assessment of your situation and what legal strategies the lawyer recommends.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.

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