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21 Feb, 2025 by Lai
DO NOT GET ANY TYPE OF SERVICE HERE!!! Horrible communication, they take your money, don’t speak to you, don’t help, it’s been months after sending my deposit I can’t get in contact with anyone every time I call. Very unprofessional, and frustrating. DONT COME HERE. Wish I can give this place 0 stars, negative 5 stars
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31 Jan, 2025 by Rony felix
Samuel Bon Travail!!!
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31 Jan, 2025 by Ovrlrd
Samual does excellent job helping me over the phone making it easier to understand! Highly recommend!
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22 Jan, 2025 by Mr person148
I can’t say enough good things about Rebecca! From the moment she took on my case, she went above and beyond to keep me informed. There were moments when I felt overwhelmed and even considered giving up, but Rebecca’s persistence and genuine care gave me the strength to keep fighting. Her clear communication, regular updates, and unwavering support made all the difference. I highly recommend Rebecca to anyone in need of a dedicated and knowledgeable attorney. Thank you, Rebecca, for your exceptional work and for always standing by my side!
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22 Jan, 2025 by Olga lopez
Muchas gracias por su ayuda! Mejor abogado de Atlanta.
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22 Jan, 2025 by Justin michael
Words are just not enough to express my gratitude for Henningsen Injury Attorneys I am pleased with my settlement outcome and Ms. Rebeca De La Rosa is awesome she is very professional and kept me in the loop every step of the way
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25 Aug, 2021 by Lisa
I had a recent consultation with attorney Harrison regarding my mother and steps we need to take as she ages. The information provided was extremely helpful as we decide on the best steps forward. Sufficient time was allotted and I never felt rushed. In addition, my questions were addressed thoroughly.
I highly recommend attorney Harrison and will contact her again for my legal needs as they arise.
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06 Oct, 2020 by Raneka
Ms. Harrison and her team did a great job handling my case. She was very responsive and knowledgeable. I would recommend her to a family member or friend.
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20 Aug, 2019 by Kim butterfield
23 Jan, 2025 by J d
After being in a car accident, I reached out to Humphrey and Ballard. They were great from beginning to end, they were there for me. Superb customer service. I highly recommend them.Thank you 🙌🏽
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07 Jan, 2025 by Karrah shalyn
After getting into a car accident, I turned to Humphrey & Ballard Law, and I couldn’t have made a better choice. Their team provided excellent customer service from start to finish, demonstrating professionalism and genuine care for my situation. They maintained great communication throughout the process, always keeping me informed and updated every step of the way. Their dedication and expertise gave me peace of mind during a stressful time. I would highly recommend Humphrey & Ballard Law to anyone in need of skilled and compassionate legal assistance.
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21 Nov, 2024 by Dee plummer
Thank you for the turkey Give away. Much appreciated 👏
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19 Dec, 2024 by Billy joyner
I have recently developed a business relationship with Jason Wiggam and his firm and it's been nothing but fantastic. Jason is a dedicated attorney who clearly enjoys fighting for his clients. Everyone at his firm is extremely professional and knowledgable. I couldn't recommend Jason and the attorneys of his firm more.
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15 Oct, 2024 by Leslie galberaith
Wiggam Law was a lifesaver. I would certainly use them in the future if I had the need.
I recommend them with no hesitation if you need legal help. You will not be disappointed!!
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13 Sep, 2024 by Keisha fowler
I thought they were alright but they appear to nickel and dime you for everything. I don't have an issue paying for services rendered but to be charged for a phone conference about potential services for a new tax issue seems unethical. They'd successfully assisted me with state tax issue. And because that particular issue was resolved efficiently, I requested a phone conference for a new tax issue because the details of the issue were complicated and a phone conversation was simply more efficient. They charged me almost $700 for the conference call AND the response to the emails that I sent requesting the conference call AND the follow-up emails they sent after the conference. That is absolutely unfair. These were calls about assisting with a new issue. You mean to tell me I was charged to ask questions on whether or not they could be of assistance and then charged for the emails they responded to? Absolutely not.
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14 Jan, 2025 by G kerry
Working with The Fairell Firm was an outstanding experience, and I can confidently say they live up to their reputation. I have referred several people to them over the years, and every single one of them was pleased with their service, professionalism, and how the team helped them achieve their goals. This was the first time I utilized their services for myself, and I can now say firsthand just how exceptional they are.
From the start, they displayed a deep understanding of the legal process and walked me through every detail with care and expertise. Their ability to anticipate challenges and prepare me for things I hadn’t even considered was invaluable. They went above and beyond to ensure I felt confident and well-informed at every step of the way.
The Fairell Firm’s dedication to their clients is truly unmatched. Their communication was clear and timely, and they always made me feel like a priority. The team’s thorough guidance, support, and ability to deliver results exceeded all of my expectations.
If you’re looking for a legal team that combines passion, skill, and an unwavering commitment to excellence, I highly recommend The Fairell Firm. They’ve proven time and again why they’re the best choice, both for me and for the many others I’ve referred to them
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18 Dec, 2024 by Jasmine wilde
12 Dec, 2024 by Brandon whitten
I highly recommend Lawyer Fairell! From the start, she was incredibly responsive, answering all my questions thoroughly and promptly. Her brilliant legal expertise and professionalism gave me confidence throughout the entire process. Every step of the way, she kept me informed, ensuring everything was handled in a timely manner. Attorney Fairell truly goes above and beyond for her clients, and I’m so grateful for her guidance and dedication. If you’re looking for a knowledgeable and trustworthy lawyer, look no further!
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13 Oct, 2018 by Karen
Danielle is thorough and very knowledgeable. She was responsive to my issues and helped me understand exactly what we needed to deal with. She helped me see the big picture and brought the problem to a good resolution. She made every effort to do this efficiently and in timely manner. She is a pleasure to work with.
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27 Sep, 2018 by Anonymous
She answered all of my questions, encouraged me, and I was able to phone her for follow up questions. She is kind, compassionate and knowledgeable!!
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22 Dec, 2024 by Judy
Miles Hurley’s firm helped me very efficiently and effectively created a concise notebook of a Will, power of attorney, health care directives and assisted me with assistance to legally place my husband on Medicaid so we could afford the extraordinary costs associated with skilled nursing homes. After my husband passed away they again assisted me with creating a living trust. I’m so grateful to this group of highly trained professionals who exemplified excellence across the board . I know my heirs will have a definitive action plan to follow upon my death. Thank you Miles and team !
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14 Oct, 2024 by Phil smith
Every problem or question that I have had was taken care of thoroughly and professionally. I have never had to wait for a response to an email or phone call, it has always been the same day
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28 Sep, 2024 by Kathy w
Phew... we finally made it; however, it would have been totally impossible without the help of Mr. Hurley, Paul, Nicole & staff. We had a lot of work to do between all of us and my stress level maxed out. If it weren't for Paul & Nicole having my back and giving me the confidence that we would make it through, I might have crashed. They were successful in obtaining medical eligibility care for my older brother. It was harder than anticipated, but I am so grateful to Hurley Elder Care for being there for me. Thank you on behalf of my whole family!
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17 Feb, 2025 by Davis myers
I have had the fortunate and unfortunate pleasure of working with SWTW, and more specifically Andrea Pawlak and Kevin Ward, both of which I can not speak highly enough about. I have been through the worst of life experiences and can honestly say that without their friendship and guidance I would be in a much different position. Andrea is by far the most prepared, educated, dedicated and passionate attorney that I have been exposed to. The single greatest attribute that stands above the rest is her ability to manage a client through what is seemingly their worst moments in life such as a child's death and/or a contentious divorce. Andrea brings a level of personal connection to the engagement and truly cares about the well being of her clients, not just the outcome! She knows the case inside and out and is so well prepared to provide her clients with the necessary information to make educated decisions. A lawyers job is not to make choices on custody as mentioned in a review below, that is the clients decision, your attorney should be a trusted ally that provides you with legal informed decision making options and aligns with your morals, values and ethics, I could not recommend Andrea and SWTW more because of this reason.
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16 Jan, 2025 by Le- nor
Never returned my call to seek new service
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13 Jan, 2025 by Justin case
Nina is amazing thank you
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5.0
1 Reviews
4.9
305 Reviews
31 Jan, 2025 by Chauchau n
04 Dec, 2024 by Shannon grandison
22 Nov, 2024 by Natalie grabowski
Clear communication throughout the entire process!
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30 Jun, 2023 by Mary o.
Atty. Kearse was unable to help me, but took the time to refer me to another well qualified lawyer. Thank you , Atty. Kearse, you are the best!
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25 Oct, 2022 by Rick
This was the second time using Bernard law firm and the second time I experienced excellent services. Attorney Mary Lou Morris was very focused on customer services, explained the process clearly, and provided timely feedback and thoughful consultation. I would recommend Kearse to anyone looking for a Will or estate planning services.
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14 Oct, 2022 by Artis and michael
This was my 2nd time using Mr. Kearse's firm to prepare wills, power of attorney and medical directives for me and my husband. And just like the first time, we were very satisfied with the level of customer service. We worked with Mary Lou Morris who was very knowledgeable and helpful. Mary Lou asked all the right questions and helped us immensely.
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20 Sep, 2015 by Susan
Paul was recommended to me when I took my sorority sister to be diagnosed by a psychiatrist for hallucinations. She lived two hours away, had no family and had never been to any doctors, so there was no one to catch the problem early . I looked at the Doctor and said, "ok what do I do now?". He handed me Paul's card and said that he thought I should call him.
Well, this was a Godsend. After talking with Paul, I knew exactly what I needed to do. I now have full responsibility for her and he has been with me the whole way from getting her diagnosed with dementia, to helping with all of the legal paperwork and consolidating the finances (after having to find all of them first!) and getting her moved in to an assisted living home where she is getting topnotch care. If you need a responsive and caring lawyer, hire Paul!!
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16 Jul, 2015 by Stacey
Paul does an excellent job of making a connection with his clients. He becomes invested in meeting the needs of his clients. He is helpful, friendly and has lots of knowledge about trusts, wills, etc. It is easy to get in touch with Paul and he makes a point of staying in touch with you. He is willing to meet at your convenience. I really like that he is still willing to answer questions almost a year after he completed my trusts. Great experience all the way around.
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15 Jul, 2015 by Alice jane
It is difficult to ascertain what attorney if any to trust Mr. Black has come highly recommended by several people. Mr. Black took an extraordinary amount of time and preparation with my husband and myself to prepare our Last Will and Testament, Power of Attorney, and Advance Directive. I compared prices for the same services and feel that I was given a very fair fee for the work that was done for us. I would highly recommend Paul Black.
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26 Mar, 2017 by Julie
Mr.Olczak is a very competent attorney and was extremely sensitive regarding my needs during this difficult time of loss. (Especially with me living out of state in Texas)
He met all my needs and is very understanding and affordable. I would HIGHLY recommend him should you find yourself in the same situation. It's obvious he has a passion for the work he does, and I don't know what I would have done without him. Thanks again from Texas.
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24 Jan, 2017 by Tiffany
I normally never write reviews, but Mr. Olczak was heaven sent! My previous attorney had fired me and my case was in default. John resolved my case in less than two weeks! His fees are reasonable, he has a wonderful personality, but most importantly he will get you results!!!
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07 Feb, 2014 by Michael
John prepared a general power of attorney and advance directive for health care documents for my father. I realized that we did not have these documents in place and while I was in town for a recent visit, John came to our house to discuss the matter. He returned the very next day with the documents prepared for signature. He took the time to explain everything carefully. His responsiveness and knowledge in this specific area was excellent and much appreciated. I also thought the fee he charged was quite reasonable.
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24 Feb, 2025 by Jorge wolff (wesnetwork)
Mones Law Office helps my son with extremely good results for him and for us (the family). He represented my son in a criminal case with 100% expectation and beyond of that. I strong recommend the Mones Law Office in Atlanta.
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05 Dec, 2024 by Kaila welcome
He was a great lawyer. Very knowledgeable and I didn’t have to go to court. Job well done! Thanks!
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04 Dec, 2024 by Jeffrey nelson
Everyone involved in my case is helpful.
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20 Oct, 2017 by Mikey
Chris Brannon of Brannon + Black has provided excellent legal advice and support for my family for many years. He is extremely knowledgeable of the many nuances that arise when planning for family specific needs, and has always been willing to take the time fully understand my family’s situation. Chris helped me navigate appearances in probate court and cooperated with attorneys from other practices. During these interactions, he always provided information which was helpful for me to understand and plan for the various possible outcomes, and was always able to provide the final result which was best for my family. Chris was a wonderful asset during a difficult time.
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25 Aug, 2016 by Cam
Chris did a great job representing my father as we applied for his veterans pension. As a result of Chris's work, my dad's application was approved and he was able to move into the assisted living facility he preferred. After my dad's death, Chris represented the estate in filing for probate and he and his staff did a very efficient job of filing and then completing probate. All of these activities were done under a very fair, fixed fee so we knew our costs right up front and there were no surprises. I recommend Chris wholeheartedly to anyone needing elder care legal services.
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11 Aug, 2016 by Anonymous
When writing my families will, Chris Brannon was extremely professional. He helped explain the details and answered all of my questions. I highly recommend his firm.
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19 Nov, 2015 by Julie
Raina initially wrote our wills and living will after the birth of our first child and subsequently updated them after the birth of our second. She was professional, efficient, and understanding. She was able to guide us through the process, making it effortless for us. I would highly recommend her to anyone!
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19 Nov, 2015 by Daniel
Raina helped us prepare a will and living will. She was patient and listened to our needs throughout the process. In the end, the final products exceeded our expectations and we used her again to update our will after our second child was born.
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23 Feb, 2012 by Samuel
In my dealings with Mr. Drye, he has consistently demonstrated proficiency, knowledge and business acumen. His area of expertise is in the field of analysis of benefits and risks associated with the purchase of manifold insurance products. Furthermore, he is capable of making unfamiliar concepts, which are sophisticated, even to a fellow attorney, understandable. Mr. Drye is the consummate professional, and I feel comfortable recommending his service to anyone who seeks it.
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04 May, 2011 by J. michael
John represented me in a rather complex case. Because of his preparatory work and organization of information a State Supreme Court Justice in Ohio could see the facts clearly. Although the case was heard over an extended period of time, we prevailed and were awarded a seven figure judgement on a contract matter largely because of John`s work and contributions. He is great.
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25 May, 2011 by Rj
Emerson helped my daughter when she was clocked doing 85 mph on 285. He knew the Asst. DA and the judge. He was able to get the speed dropped to 72 which allowed her to still be able to retain her license. He is very plugged in to the Atlanta/Dekalb network.
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20 Oct, 2009 by Cheryl
Attorney Carey was very knowledgeable about my situation and kept me informed throughout the process. I was very satisfied with the outcome and would use him again.
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19 Apr, 2024 by Olivia white
28 Oct, 2023 by Mackenzie clark
08 Sep, 2023 by Kayla jones
This firm gets the job done! They will go above and beyond for you, they truly care. I’ve worked with a few firms previously and none compare to Merritt and Merritt! The customer service is top tier from the staff as well as the attorney!
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11 Feb, 2010 by Anonymous
As corporate counsel for a large financial institution headquartered in Atlanta, I retained Ms. Ashby to handle several trust termination and/or modification petitions with the Fulton County Court. Ms. Ashby did an excellent job at a very reasonable rate. She is knowledgeable, easy to work with and delivers results within a reasonable time. She has excellent academic credentials having attended the University of Virginia Law School, a top ten law school. Her work history is also impressive. Generally when hiring outside counsel, I consider all of these factors. I was very pleased with her services.
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14 May, 2015 by Anonymous
Michelle was wonderful to work with as my family wrote our wills. She took the time to explain the things we hadn't thought of and was careful and professional at all times. I couldn't have asked for better.
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26 Jan, 2024 by Anonymous
We have valued the assistance that we've been given in helping to care for our loved one. We have benefited from the much needed information to help with navigating the many issues we were facing. The follow up calls and contacts have helped provide us with a better future outlook. Time has been taken to answer every question and concern so for that we are truly appreciative for our law team.
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22 Jan, 2021 by Jeremy farlow
Frank Callaway is a fantastic lawyer and advocate. He’s helped me navigate several real estate deals, none of which were as easy as they should have been. His professionalism is paramount and his attention to detail is unmatched. I cannot recommend him or his services more highly.
Jeremy
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08 Dec, 2020 by Kizzie crawford
Thank you guys for helping us to the closing table. You were patient and professional all the way through this process. I will definitely use your office again.
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26 Oct, 2019 by Atl cougar
23 Jan, 2025 by J d
After being in a car accident, I reached out to Humphrey and Ballard. They were great from beginning to end, they were there for me. Superb customer service. I highly recommend them.Thank you 🙌🏽
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07 Jan, 2025 by Karrah shalyn
After getting into a car accident, I turned to Humphrey & Ballard Law, and I couldn’t have made a better choice. Their team provided excellent customer service from start to finish, demonstrating professionalism and genuine care for my situation. They maintained great communication throughout the process, always keeping me informed and updated every step of the way. Their dedication and expertise gave me peace of mind during a stressful time. I would highly recommend Humphrey & Ballard Law to anyone in need of skilled and compassionate legal assistance.
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21 Nov, 2024 by Dee plummer
Thank you for the turkey Give away. Much appreciated 👏
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26 Feb, 2025 by Alexis rene
Awesome Attorney to work with! He is diligent and cares about the clients best outcome on the case! Highly recommend!!
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12 Feb, 2025 by Kellee jones
Mr. Boone has been incredibly helpful and responsive throughout my process. He promptly answers any questions I have and is always willing to hop on a call to provide further explanation. I’ve already recommended this firm to several people, which speaks to my positive experience.
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11 Feb, 2025 by Tj hodges
Attorney Boone is a very knowledgeable attorney. Within 7 days of using his service, my case was already filed, accompanied with a court date. I highly recommend his firm for future legal services and consultations!
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21 Feb, 2025 by Lai
DO NOT GET ANY TYPE OF SERVICE HERE!!! Horrible communication, they take your money, don’t speak to you, don’t help, it’s been months after sending my deposit I can’t get in contact with anyone every time I call. Very unprofessional, and frustrating. DONT COME HERE. Wish I can give this place 0 stars, negative 5 stars
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31 Jan, 2025 by Rony felix
Samuel Bon Travail!!!
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31 Jan, 2025 by Ovrlrd
Samual does excellent job helping me over the phone making it easier to understand! Highly recommend!
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06 May, 2024 by Beth p.
31 Mar, 2023 by Bobbye clark
Very impressed. Was quick to get our documents done quickly. I will recommend him to my friends and family.
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17 Feb, 2022 by David hart
21 Feb, 2025 by Britney white
Brittany has been very communicative with the process since she took over my son’s case and I’m very pleased with how it was handled …the process took longer than expected but overall I have no complaints!
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09 Jan, 2025 by D d
If I could give a 0 I would! Floredia is awful! The motto is everybody is somebody well by me! They wasted months on a time sensitive case that they took to wait months later to deny because I was being forced to seek mandatory additional care, which was not stated previously, I've lost my husband of 22yrs which I told Floredia but she doesn't care! I'm a nobody& my situation is irrelevant! I'm hurt beyond words for the inconsideration & I personally recommend Julian Sanders if you want results respect and a legal time that fights for you!
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06 Jan, 2025 by Lakeila
09 Jan, 2025 by D d
If I could give a 0 I would! Floredia is awful! The motto is everybody is somebody well by me! They wasted months on a time sensitive case that they took to wait months later to deny because I was being forced to seek mandatory additional care, which was not stated previously, I've lost my husband of 22yrs which I told Floredia but she doesn't care! I'm a nobody& my situation is irrelevant! I'm hurt beyond words for the inconsideration & I personally recommend Julian Sanders if you want results respect and a legal time that fights for you!
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06 Jan, 2025 by Lakeila
05 Jan, 2025 by Eric gonzalez
09 Jan, 2025 by D d
If I could give a 0 I would! Floredia is awful! The motto is everybody is somebody well by me! They wasted months on a time sensitive case that they took to wait months later to deny because I was being forced to seek mandatory additional care, which was not stated previously, I've lost my husband of 22yrs which I told Floredia but she doesn't care! I'm a nobody& my situation is irrelevant! I'm hurt beyond words for the inconsideration & I personally recommend Julian Sanders if you want results respect and a legal time that fights for you!
Read more
06 Jan, 2025 by Lakeila
05 Jan, 2025 by Eric gonzalez
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FAQs
Questions? We have answers
What an Elder Law Lawyer Can Do for You
An elder law lawyer specializes in legal issues that affect older adults, their families, and caregivers. These lawyers handle a broad range of topics, including estate planning, Medicaid and Medicare, long-term care planning, guardianship, elder abuse, and retirement planning. The goal of an elder law lawyer is to protect the rights, finances, and well-being of elderly individuals and to help them plan for future healthcare and financial security.
If you or a loved one is aging and facing challenges related to healthcare, finances, or legal matters, an elder law lawyer can provide essential guidance to protect your rights and interests as you age.
When Should I Hire an Elder Law Lawyer?
Hiring an elder law lawyer can be beneficial in many situations where older adults need help with legal, financial, or healthcare-related decisions. Common reasons to hire an elder law lawyer include:
- Estate planning: If you want to create or update a will, set up trusts, or ensure that your assets are distributed according to your wishes, an elder law lawyer can help with comprehensive estate planning.
- Medicaid and Medicare planning: If you need help qualifying for Medicaid to cover long-term care or need advice on navigating Medicare benefits, a lawyer can guide you through the application process and protect your assets.
- Long-term care planning: If you’re concerned about paying for nursing home care or assisted living, a lawyer can help you create a financial plan and explore options for government assistance.
- Guardianship or conservatorship: If a family member is unable to make decisions due to age-related cognitive issues, an elder law lawyer can assist in setting up legal guardianship or conservatorship to ensure their care.
- Elder abuse and exploitation: If you or a loved one is experiencing physical, emotional, or financial abuse, an elder law lawyer can help you take legal action to stop the abuse and recover damages.
- Retirement planning: Elder law lawyers can assist with planning for retirement, including managing pensions, Social Security, and other retirement income.
- Special needs planning: If you have a disabled family member who requires special care, an elder law lawyer can help create trusts or other legal arrangements to ensure their long-term financial and healthcare needs are met.
What Does an Elder Law Lawyer Do?
An elder law lawyer provides a wide range of legal services to help older adults and their families navigate the complexities of aging, healthcare, and estate planning. Their responsibilities often include:
- Drafting wills and trusts: Creating legal documents that outline how an individual’s assets will be distributed after death, ensuring that their wishes are honored.
- Medicaid and Medicare planning: Helping clients protect their assets while qualifying for government benefits to cover healthcare and long-term care costs.
- Establishing guardianships: Assisting families in setting up guardianship or conservatorship for loved ones who are unable to make decisions due to mental or physical incapacity.
- Protecting against elder abuse: Investigating claims of elder abuse or financial exploitation and representing the victim in legal actions to stop the abuse and seek compensation.
- Planning for long-term care: Developing strategies to cover the costs of nursing homes, assisted living, and other long-term care options without exhausting the elder’s financial resources.
- Managing probate and estate administration: Guiding families through the probate process to ensure that the decedent’s assets are distributed according to the law and their wishes.
- Setting up advance directives: Helping clients establish healthcare directives and powers of attorney to ensure their medical and financial decisions are carried out if they become incapacitated.
How Are Elder Law Lawyers Paid?
Elder law lawyers typically charge for their services based on the complexity of the case and the type of legal work involved. Common payment structures include:
- Hourly rate: Many elder law lawyers charge by the hour, especially for tasks such as drafting documents, handling legal disputes, or providing ongoing legal advice. Hourly rates typically range from $150 to $500 or more, depending on the lawyer’s experience and location.
- Flat fee: For specific tasks, such as drafting a will or setting up a trust, some lawyers charge a flat fee. This can range from $500 to $5,000 or more, depending on the complexity of the estate plan.
- Retainer: For long-term legal representation, such as managing a trust or handling guardianship matters, a lawyer may charge a retainer, which is an upfront payment that covers future legal work.
- Contingency fee: In some elder abuse or financial exploitation cases, a lawyer may work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if they recover compensation for the client. This fee is typically a percentage of the settlement or damages awarded.
Be sure to discuss fees with your lawyer during the initial consultation to understand how you will be billed and what the total cost of services might be.
How Much Does an Elder Law Lawyer Cost?
The cost of hiring an elder law lawyer varies depending on the complexity of the case, the lawyer’s experience, and the fee structure. General cost estimates include:
- Simple estate planning: Drafting basic documents, such as a will or power of attorney, may cost between $500 and $2,000, depending on the complexity of the client’s assets and wishes.
- Complex estate planning: Setting up more advanced estate plans, such as revocable or irrevocable trusts, Medicaid planning, or special needs trusts, can range from $2,000 to $10,000 or more.
- Guardianship or conservatorship: Legal fees for setting up guardianship or conservatorship often range from $2,000 to $5,000 or more, depending on the complexity of the case and whether disputes arise.
- Medicaid planning: Legal fees for Medicaid planning can range from $1,500 to $10,000, depending on the level of asset protection needed and the complexity of the individual’s financial situation.
Always ask for an estimate of fees during your initial consultation to ensure you understand how much the legal services will cost.
Top Questions to Ask an Elder Law Lawyer
Before hiring an elder law lawyer, it’s important to ask the right questions to ensure they have the experience and expertise needed to handle your case. Key questions to ask include:
-
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.
