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27 Feb, 2024 by Janet chick
Jim Wald and his associate John Hughes were more than helpful in creating a Trust for my husband and myself during my husband's illness. They were more than professional. They were thoughtful, kind and respectful of our circumstances. They offered information and guidance we would not have had access to if we handled it on our own. At the passing of my husband, they continued to provide guidance making a very difficult time less stressful for me and my family. I am forever grateful for having met them and will continue to seek their help in the future should the need arise. Janet C.
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13 Sep, 2023 by Kimberly williams
Very professional. Very personable. As a team approach, they handled our issues from start to finish, & gave us the best guidance with the upmost of care. They were a blessing to us through our situation!
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05 Aug, 2023 by Chery nicholas
I’ve known Jim Wald for twenty years. I’ve worked with him personally and professionally. He thoroughly and caringly looks out for the best interest of his clients. I never hesitate to refer folk to him. Thank you Jim for your service, expertise and friendship. YCN
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05 Nov, 2020 by Ron
We had an opportunity to sell our home by owner. We were nervous but John Hughes at James G. Wald PC made the transaction seamless. John was professional and timely with all our needs. I would highly recommend John and this firm for any of your legal needs.
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26 Mar, 2020 by Diane o.
Per our first phone conversation, John Hughes, was easy to speak with, very knowledgeable, and extremely informative. By answering my questions and offering me additional information on my situation, John was definitely helpful beyond measure. Speaking with him was truly a positive experience. I hope to work with him further and I would not hesitate to recommend him to friends or family.
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16 Jan, 2020 by Julie
My experience with John was exceptional. He was able to access information and answer questions in real time. Within minutes, he is able to access data on the computer and we didn't have to wait for "research" and incur additional expenses. His sense of humor was appreciated during a stressful time, and he always communicated quickly and effectively. Thanks John, I would use his services in the future if I needed an attorney.
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31 Mar, 2013 by Virginia
Al defended me in a Criminal matter and went to work right away leaving no stone uncovered. He was well prepared in Court speaking out on my behalf correcting any oversights or questionable phrasing of the charge. He kept me well informed through Telephone contact, Email and meetings in his office. He was prompt in returning my calls. I was very impressed by his thoroughness, attention to detail, unrelenting approach and ability to stay focused on the work at hand. The Charges were dismissed after 6 months. Thank you Al for a satisfying outcome and I have no hesitation in recommending him .
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14 Nov, 2011 by Jim
I retained Mr. Rightler for an on-going legal case. By the time Mr. Rightler was involved in the case, prior attorneys had made a mess of it. Mr. Rightler took the time to learn my case. He read every document in the case file, spent time interviewing me, and got to know the players involved. He was highly organized and did not miss anything. He has excellent communication skills and is not afraid to state the facts, in court and out. He is an honest and very principled man. He is knowledgeable in the law but is not shy about asking for help where he needs it. Mr. Rightler has strong research skills which help greatly as, in my case, it was necessary for him to do very extensive research in a number of areas other than the law. Mr. Rightler , as an attorney, is consistently reliable. He always returned my calls and emails. He told me what he planned to do, and he did exactly that. I have complete trust in Mr. Rightler and I would not hesitate to recommend him as an attorney.
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03 Sep, 2010 by Peter
I have referred may clients to David Schoolcraft for additional counseling on complex legal business matters in both Federal and State venues. He is a thorough and highly effective litigator, negotiator and Counselor. He is regularly available, prompt to respond and dependable.
I would not hesitate to recommend his legal services, especially in the areas of bankruptcy, business law, estate planning and general civil litigation.
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13 Dec, 2018 by Anonymous
Chris was very well prepared and his presentation, delivery and handling of questions from the workshop attendees was very good. I learned several new concepts regarding estate planning and financing long term care without breaking the bank. I had some previous knowledge on the subject which was reinforced by Chris, and I look forward to further meetings and estate planning in the near future.
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24 May, 2018 by Anonymous
Chris discussed issues in his workshop that no other estate lawyer mentioned and thus were areas we had not considered. Knowledge is power and we now have more of both.
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07 Mar, 2018 by Bonnie
Christopher gave us concise advice with estate questions. He gave clear instructions that allowed us to handle an immediate situation in very economical way. We will not hesitate to hire him for future needs.
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09 Oct, 2020 by Barb
My husband and I set up our trusts --- one for each of us in 2006. I believe the cost was $2500 and the process seemed to go smoothly. Then in November, 2012 my husband died. In early December I went in to Nancy's office to arrange to update the trust. I came in with all the requested files, death certificate AND PAID THE $3500 UP FRONT REQUESTED.
January 24 I received a notice from Transamerica, one of the investments held by my husband, questioning why they hadn't received the paperwork for the settlement. I contacted my paralegal also reminding her of several other things that needed transferring into my name and she assured me she was "working on it". She also requested and received another death certificate.
In early March I was AGAIN contacted by Transamerican and also Lincoln National, another investment, inquiring why they hadn't received the paperwork to complete the settlement of the claim.
When I contacted the paralegal to remind her, she also asked for other information that I had provided previously.
Lincoln National and Transamerica were finally settled in April but there were elements of the settlement not finished until AUGUST and even then there were typing mistakes that fortunately I caught before I left the office.
I feel I paid my fee in December, then my needs were put on the back burner. As a contrast, my husband had a Prudential Insurance policy that I settled myself with Prudential walking me through the process including getting an EIN number from the IRS. It took 3 to 4 weeks. Why did it take the "professionals" 4 + MONTHS! In addition I was assigned to 3 different paralegals with no notification of the change. I found out when emails no longer worked or didn't get answered.
This was not a good experience---my advice is to check with your friends and relatives---particularly if after a death you anticipate needing money quicker than a quarter of a year down the line.
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17 Oct, 2019 by Martin
Thinking that we just need to polish up a few things on our estate plan, we were carefully walked through every contingency, and we feel like we are very well covered.
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16 Dec, 2018 by Barbara
Help me understand the process. Answered all my questions and more. I will continue to consult with this establishment. Could not ask for better!!!
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01 Mar, 2019 by Colleen
My husband and I went to the Nawrocki law offices for a will and an estate plan, and we had a very good experience there. When we first went to the law office, Attorney Lisa Beatty met with us and gave us a fairly comprehensive overview of what she thought would be the best plan for us. One can't help but be impressed when you first meet her because of her professional demeanor, her quick mind, and her very comprehensive knowledge about this area of the law. After we decided to hire them, we were introduced to another member of her staff, Ruxandra Oprescu, another highly competent person who followed up with all the details for us, -- and there were many details, for sure. They were both great, and I would definitely recommend them for estate planning because they are very thorough, very professional, they explain everything that they are doing, and they are also very friendly and easygoing, also. We were highly satisfied.
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11 Jan, 2019 by Marjorie
Lisa Beatty and the Nawrocki Center helped me when my husband needed nursing home care. Lisa is experienced and compassionate. She took time to answer all my questions every time we met, did a great job in court despite it being a difficult case, and got the results we were hoping to achieve. Lisa is an excellent attorney with exceptional people skills and high ethical standards. The staff at the Nawrocki Center are kind and responsive. I would definitely recommend their services!
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01 Sep, 2014 by Anonymous
I attended a presentation given by Lisa. At that time, I perceived Lisa to be knowledgeable. I called for an appointment, and her staff was unprofessional and advised she would phone me when she got back in town to set up an appointment. I phoned the office at least 2 other times with no response to my messages. There is no way I want to put our estate in the hands of an unresponsive, unprofessional attorney.
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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:
-
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.
