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27 Feb, 2024 by Maurene
When my parents first hired Attorney Tricia Shumaker to prepare their estate plan, they had no idea they were running out of time and on the precipice of needing far more than estate planning. Within a few weeks of working with Tricia, unexpectantly, my father became gravely ill. Fortunately, they picked the right attorney! Tricia came to the house for the convenience of my 90+ year old parents. She patiently and compassionately listened to my parents’ wishes, asking questions, attending to all the details, and making sure that she fully understood my parents’ goals and that they understood her role. She explained to my parents all the financial issues they were faced with and provided prudent guidance through these complicated decisions. Tricia and her team went into immediate action, creating all legal documents, including wills, power of attorneys, health care proxies, trust and all the legal work behind these documents, all completed in record time. Goal accomplished! Tricia’s command of Elder Law, Estate Planning and the Massachusetts legal and Medicaid health systems is second to none. Then, when my mother could no longer remain at home alone, Tricia worked her magic again, successfully navigating the Massachusetts legal and medical systems with huge success. Throughout the entire complex process, Tricia explained each detail/nuance, of which there were many, making sure I fully understood each step. This was a difficult time for us, yet she was stalwart, persistent, professional, and successful in settling our mother in an appropriate nursing facility. Another goal accomplished! Tricia is very precise, professional, thoughtful, compassionate, and thorough. She is a brilliant elder law and estate planning attorney. I have 1000% trust and confidence in Tricia and 1000% recommend her services.
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06 Mar, 2023 by Anonymous
I would first like to express my gratitude to Tricia and her team who worked very hard in on an extremely time sensitive deadline to get my family's situation sorted out. Tricia created a comprehensive package of wills and trusts for my parents in an incredibly professional manner. Her attention to detail and response time were fantastic and I highly recommend her services.
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23 Aug, 2022 by Susan
After attending seminars for quite awhile, I decided, over 4 years ago, to shop for an Estate Planning and Elder Law Attorney. A friend recommended Attorney Shumaker. When I called her, she offered me a free consultation. The moment I met her, I was struck by her knowledge and also her kindness and patience. I knew she was the attorney that I should chose to help me navigate the world of estate planning and guide me through many difficult decisions. It has been a pleasure to work with Attorney Shumaker over these last 4 years. She is a gifted attorney. Her knowledge of the complex field of Elder Law and Estate Planning is impressive. But she is always able to break down the complexity in an easy understandable way. In addition, she is quick to respond to any question I have, she gives me confidence and peace of mind. She is always calm. I am very thankful I have Patricia Shumaker as my attorney and I envision our relationship to continue through the many years ahead.
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24 May, 2024 by Montserrat sole-robertson
I reached out to Zach who was Reccomnded though someone at Harvard law criminal justice department. I spoke to several other attorneys as well as Zach. Zach stands out compared to the 4 other attorneys I had consultations with. I called and he got back to me within the hour. I had a phone consultation with him about my case. He went above and beyond with out being asked. In our consult, and for several days following Zach continued to give me information I had never been presented before that could be the difference between winning and losing a case. This is all based on Zach’s experience, knowledge and research. He took the time and went far beyond the expectations of a consultation. He presented it from both sides and was able to play devils advocate well. Alone on his consult, I would highly Reccomnded Zach. There are many attorneys out there but there are few that put in the time and effort as Zach does.
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14 Nov, 2023 by Sam defranceschi
Mr. Lown is a smart and ethical collogue of mine I have known for over 30 years. I refer people to him knowing they will be taken care of and treated properly. Highly recommend.
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23 Aug, 2023 by Anna drexler
two of the kindest people i have ever known!
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03 Feb, 2020 by Hanna
I was recommended to attorney Harrington by a friend. I hired him to create an estate plan for my husband and I. He did an excellent job and answered every question we had about how trusts work and funding the trust so that we could avoid probate.
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27 Aug, 2019 by Marlon ramírez
Michael M Harrington, was a beacon of hope to my family at a time when our option appear limited and resolution seemed nigh on impossible. not only was he able to defend us , but was the only one willing to take our case in a short time notices. Mr Harrington is a great immigration lawyer with a lot of experience and was able to give me my green card. My family and I are eternally grateful for his service and I hereby recommend Mr Harrington without reservations.
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10 Jul, 2019 by Mohamed eddib
Mr Harrington helped me in the darkest time of my life. If you want your case to be handled the right way hire Mr Harrington.
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08 Jan, 2017 by Karen
I was referred to Jason through another attorney and let me tell you, I could not be more pleased. He did an amazing job helping me get guardianship for my 55yr old brother. I had been trying for a few yrs to get this task accomplished. Jason is very professional and compassionate, he truly understands how family's feel going through this rather tedious ordeal. Jason knows exactly what the courts need for all date sensitive documentation. He was always willing to help with calling the Dr. or going to pick up documents for me if need be. My brother and I are very pleased that its completed and safely filed away. I would highly recommend Jason to friends and family! Thank you again Jason!!
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10 Jan, 2016 by Kelly
I don’t know what we would have done without Jason. My husband and I hired Jason to help us obtain guardianship for our disabled daughter who turned 18 years old this past December. From our initial meeting to help us understand what the guardianship process entailed, to our last meeting in court, Jason was an amazing resource and always so patient and understanding…no matter how many questions I had. My husband and I thought the final court appearance would be a simple formality, but unfortunately, we had a rather cold judge who made it a very unpleasant experience. Thanks to Jason’s calm, knowledgeable and professional demeanor with this judge, we were granted guardianship. We would highly recommend Jason as an attorney who is extremely smart, kind, and professional!
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09 Jul, 2015 by Anonymous
I am the representative payee for my adult disabled son. After five years of my son being disabled and collecting disability, his Doctor and I received a form to fill out for a medical review to see if he was "still disabled." I filled this out perfectly describing my son's day to day life and impairments. Although I am a medical professional, obviously I did not do this as well as I perceived as just before Christmas 2014, we received a notice stating my son was no longer disabled and his disability payments would stop in two months. Social Security was not at all helpful and gave me the run around re: the appeal process. Sometimes Social Security employees were not nice or helpful. I knew we needed help. I researched disability attorneys and found Jason. All I can say is "Thank God." He met with both of us and asked questions about my son's disability and symptoms. My son and I provided all the answers to the review to him however Jason worded it in the manner that SSDI requires, unlike what I had done in the previous summer. He was kind, patient, and understanding. There were a few times when my emotions got the better of me, "How can they do this to us?" These were the times when Jason stood behind us and helped us stand on our own two feet. He directed us in following the instructions on the appeal as they are not easy to understand, Jason understood exactly what they were and explained them in a manner that was both understandable and helpful, never degrading. On May 6th of this year, I received the notice from disability stating that after reviewing all the information, they found my son to continue to be disabled, therefore there was no need for a hearing. Of course I would prefer my son to not be disabled. However it is what it is and I do not even want to think of how awful this denial could have been without Jason. I wish I had known him and used him to initially get disability for my son back in 2009 as that process was not pleasant and took three denials/appeals. I definitely could not have done this without his help! My husband and I are now going to be using Jason for estate planning and our wills.
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08 May, 2020 by Joanne
Attorney Spaulding was highly professional and very knowledgeable about Massachusetts estate law as well as the laws and regulations pertaining to nursing homes, Medicaid and Medicare payments. An invaluable resource, she brought so much to bear in this case and saved us tens of thousands of dollars! Thank you so much for providing me so much support during a difficult time in our lives.
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04 Jan, 2013 by Anonymous
Carolyn is wonderful to work with. I cannot express how impressed I have been with the job she has done for my family and I. She helped us through a time of need and now has become a trusted advisor for my family.
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28 Dec, 2012 by Anonymous
Thoughtful, caring and intelligent attorney. Commited to helping our family through a difficult time.
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31 May, 2010 by Victoria
After having a bad experience with another Elder Law Attorney, I posed the question to family & friends to find an Elder Law Attorney who came with high recommendations. That was how I came to find Steven Cohen and now I recommend him to anyone who is looking for an Elder Law Attorney.
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30 Jul, 2008 by Anonymous
Steve consulted with me on financial issues as my mother moved from assisted living to an Alzheimer's nursing home, and later handled her Medicaid application. I found Steve to be personable and real, always patient, and knowledgeable, competent, and thorough. He was also able to refer me to other professionals in elder care specialties that could help me do my best for my mother. His legal assistant, with whom I also had a good deal of contact, was equally approachable, helpful, and responsive.
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10 May, 2011 by Anonymous
We hired Jeff when we needed legal services for my ailing father. He was very helpful in the estate planning process. He also helped us navigate through the Medicaid and nursing home process. We would use his services again and have recommended him to many friends and family.
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06 Nov, 2021 by Anonymous
I hired attorney Martin Douglas and he did an excellent job. I recommend him without any reservations
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11 Aug, 2024 by Paulo gouveia
Working with Christine Carey was an absolute pleasure. Christine helped me with reviewing all the documents from my investor, the two different transfer agreements created by my franchisor for the purchase of two additional territories and the seller's note from one of the territories I purchased. She also helped me creating the two asset purchase agreements. Throughout the process, I had tight deadlines that she diligently met providing me with the right amount of information for me to make good business decisions. I look forward to working with her again.
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02 Aug, 2024 by Charlie schneider
Gil and his team were very responsive, honest, and straightforward. Gil is very knowledgeable and open to giving advice.
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28 Jun, 2024 by Peter b
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04 Sep, 2024 by Ollie s
I regret trusting this law firm after my accident. This place has changed names 3 times in the last few years, from Kelly & Accociates , to The Law Guys to what it’s currently called Michael Kelly Injury Lawers. Was made false promises by my attorney and taken advantage of costing me THOUSANDS in the long run. They knowingly took advantage of me at my lowest and are now saying the attorney that represented me as well as my case manager have left the firm and will not help me. Stay away!
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03 Sep, 2024 by Young god
Beatriz and Ian are great they communicated amazingly and made sure too stay on top of it
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27 Aug, 2024 by Kevin boyar
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04 Sep, 2024 by Ollie s
I regret trusting this law firm after my accident. This place has changed names 3 times in the last few years, from Kelly & Accociates , to The Law Guys to what it’s currently called Michael Kelly Injury Lawers. Was made false promises by my attorney and taken advantage of costing me THOUSANDS in the long run. They knowingly took advantage of me at my lowest and are now saying the attorney that represented me as well as my case manager have left the firm and will not help me. Stay away!
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03 Sep, 2024 by Young god
Beatriz and Ian are great they communicated amazingly and made sure too stay on top of it
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27 Aug, 2024 by Kevin boyar
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22 Oct, 2024 by Shannon
I highly recommend Mark Scialdone for anyone facing a difficult or sensitive divorce and/or child custody case. From our first meeting, he showed incredible kindness and sensitivity, making me feel at ease during a tough time. Mark listened to my concerns and provided strategic advice tailored tomy needs. Communication with my ex-husband is not always the easiest, and Mark was empathetic to this situation and made the court process a lot less stressful than it could have been. His calm demeanor and focus on my best interests helped navigate the challenges we faced. Thanks to his expertise, I reached a fair resolution that supports a positive co-parenting relationship. If you need a compassionate and skilled divorce lawyer, look no further than Mark Scialdone!
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05 Sep, 2024 by Kendry espinal
el senor frank me lo mandO DIOS Como un angel excellent abogado LA FAMILIA GONZALEZ LE MANDA MUCHA BENDICIONES
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16 Aug, 2024 by Hernando thelisma
Today I wanna say thank you Dear Fernandez, you’re the best lawyer I’ve ever seen in my life, he was very helpful. You help me a lot with the case I was stressing, and you make sure I was OK, with everything, and if anyone does need anything with a court, just make sure please please make sure you choose him because if you choose lawyer Fernandez there’s no where you will regret it because he’s the one , sir you’re the best for me Thank you very much for your service 👏
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18 Sep, 2024 by Justina gannon
It seems the only way I get a call back from this firm is when I leave a bad review. It’s been almost 3 years and my case is still not settled. Every time I call, I get the run around with “they are in a meeting”. THREE YEARS. This is ridiculous. Don’t take on more cases if you can’t even settle the ones you have open!!
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26 Aug, 2024 by A z
It was a pleasure to have business with Jeffrey Glassman Law Firm and especially Jerry Fox! Thank you again!
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24 Aug, 2024 by Shaisha mccall
Sarina Ahmed, from Jeffrey Glassman did a great job helping me with my case, I’m very happy with the service I received
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27 Jul, 2024 by Charles a. reid iii, esq.
Called for representation. Told lawyer what I thought about investigator. Glickman is friends with her so didn’t want the case. Not sure about you, but I wouldn’t want an attorney that prioritizes their relationship with the opposing side over a client. This is especially true when the other side lied in writing. But go for it. Maybe him being friends with the person destroying your life is what you want. Not me. I want an attorney who will call it out.
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14 Mar, 2024 by Forrest motz
I worked with Raven at the Law Office of Nicholas F. Ortiz on a tough legal issue and was really happy with his work. He was always on top of things, clear about what was happening, and made sure I understood everything. Raven and the team really cared and helped me get a good result. They're great at what they do and really look out for their clients. I'd tell anyone who needs legal help to go to them.
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01 Mar, 2024 by Luis rc
I was disappointed with the response time from this service and generic answer that they could not take the case. After submitting a form to be contacted on a Friday, I received a reply almost six days later. In contrast, when I reached out to another attorney via a form, I was contacted within ten minutes for intake. Later that day, I had a conversation with an attorney about my situation. Timeliness matters, and unfortunately, this service fell short.
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15 Nov, 2023 by Nathan wagner
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18 Sep, 2020 by Scott guilbeault
I am not one to write many recommendations but I am compelled to do so because of the superior service I have received over the years. Specifically I have been a client of Chris Agostino for over a decade and I could not articulate in writing how much I appreciate him and his firm. Chris has provided guidance on both personal and business issues over the years and I forever grateful for everything he has done for me. In fact, over the years we have developed more than a client/attorney relationship...I consider him a friend and trusted advisor that I have referred to multiple individuals and business owners to him and his firm. I give my highest personal and personal reccomendation to RIW and Chris Agostino. Call me if you have any questions or are considering engagement with this firm.
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11 Sep, 2020 by Steve anderson
Great team at RIW. They have knowlege and experience needed for sophistcated transactions. I can count on them to see a deal through. Highly recommend, especially for restaurant and hospitality matters.
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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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