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26 Jul, 2023 by John
Our family has entrusted the Danica Little Law firm for several years. They have created two trusts and two wills and provided essential legal advice. On our last visit, both Danica and her assistant, Sharmaine Huggins, were most helpful in meeting our estate planning needs. We would definitely recommend this law firm.
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15 Aug, 2022 by Vivian
We originally hired Ms. Little’s firm to assist with decisions and then writing our will. When we had some life changing events, we returned for advice again…….Ms. Little and her firm are and were extremely knowledgeable about our needs and kept us on tract with possibilities of which we were unaware. My husband is a 100% disabled veteran and Ms Little, of course, incorporated this information into the decisions made for our estate.
We have been and still are excited to have Ms Little and her firm taking care of all our estate planning. None better……..
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13 Aug, 2022 by Anonymous
Attorney Little is extremely knowledgeable, helpful and kind. She provided excellent legal advice and guidance to me on several occasions. Her legal expertise and calm demeanor make her very pleasant and easy to work with. Attorney Little helped me through several very stressful legal issues. Would definitely recommend her services.
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03 Jan, 2025 by Tim waite
Yale is a highly professional attorney. He practices honesty, dignity, and perseverance. From the moment I secured his services, I had to do very little. He and his associate Keri took care of everything. All I did was provide a few documents.
I was pleased with the final result of the case and strongly recommend calling on him.
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27 Dec, 2024 by Kim katopodis
I would like to highly recommend Yale Haymond Law.
I was referred to Yale due to an automobile accident with an uninsured driver last year in 8/2023.
Yale and his Team were in communication with me throughout this entire process. I’m so grateful to Yale for his help. All my medical bills have been taken care of, and my case was closed 12/24!!
If you need help, reach out to Yale!
Thanks again!
Kim Katopodis
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05 Dec, 2024 by Valerie reese
18 Dec, 2024 by Omar ndjiliw
14 Dec, 2024 by Philip white
M.A.J Law Firm were great to work with during the green card process. They were organized and knew what paperwork needed to be sent in. They helped us successfully get the green card! Highly recommended.
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30 Nov, 2024 by Gauye
Attorney Mariwan was very helpful with my immigration process.
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14 Jul, 2024 by Lindsey burdette
Craig helped our family in so many ways! He went above and beyond to respond to text and phone calls. He was spot on with guidance and when he didn’t know the answer he found it and reported back in a timely manner. He was personable, respectful, and always allowed us to lead the way with prompting questions or topics that we didn’t even consider when fighting a battle that needed legal attention. 10/10 would recommend their firm!
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18 Apr, 2024 by Nick nutter
I have know Craig Morgan since he was a sophomore in High School. His character and hard work is second to none. A lawyers' traits are usually wisdom, knowledge, and "out of the box" thinking. He has A+'s in all the aforementioned traits. What separates him from the herd is his integrity and character. The man has always been there for me and goes way out of his way to help me in anyway he can! I wish I had the leadership skills and work ethic he has. At the end of the day......if he says he will do something...you can count on it 100%!
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15 Feb, 2024 by Coach pennington
Great customer service! Craig and Nathan have helped us immensely with our Franchise. Very knowledgeable and extremely friendly. I would recommend them to anyone!
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08 Jan, 2025 by Darrick neely
Thank you, Cordes Law, PLLC, for your exceptional service and professionalism! Stacy, and the team (Rebecca) were knowledgeable, compassionate, and kept me informed every step of the way. The results exceed my expectations, and I'm truly grateful. Highly recommend!
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02 Jan, 2025 by Mary ceccarelli (art director)
These ladies know their stuff! Great team to work with. Professional and dependable. Highly recommend! They helped us close on the sale of our business and to dissolve one of our LLC's. If you're looking for a team that will get you to the finish line, these are the ladies to call!
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19 Dec, 2024 by Paul miedema
Cordes Law was a pleasure to work with. They were transparent, professional, and efficient. They got the job done.
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5.0
20 Reviews
4.7
102 Reviews
09 Dec, 2024 by Wanda greer
Joel Bondurant was great to work with. He genuinely wanted to help me with my attorney professional malpractice issue and kept me updated thru the entire process. I would highly recommend him and use his services again if needed.
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05 Dec, 2024 by Michelle ketchum
I highly recommend Joel Bondurant to anyone seeking legal representation in a legal malpractice case. He is an exceptional attorney who possesses a rare combination of expertise, professionalism, and dedication.
From the initial consultation, Atty Bondurant demonstrated a deep understanding of legal malpractice law. He patiently listened to our concerns, thoroughly analyzed our situation, and provided clear and insightful guidance throughout the entire process.
He was always available to answer our questions, address our anxieties, and keep us informed about the progress of our case. His responsiveness and compassion were truly invaluable during a stressful and uncertain time.
If you are seeking a legal malpractice attorney who is knowledgeable, experienced, and compassionate, I wholeheartedly recommend Joel Bondurant. He is an outstanding advocate who will go above and beyond to help you achieve the best possible result in your case.
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15 Aug, 2024 by Anna
Joel decided to take my $250 consultation fee to get on the phone with me and tell me he couldn’t help me nor was he familiar with the area of law I was needed help in. His information was recommended to me off the MeckBar site for the issue I needed. I sent my requested paperwork in on 8/13 and Instead of emailing me saying “Hey I can’t help with the area you need” he opted to ask me to do paid phone consultation 48 hours later for $250. Immediately upon our phone call he tells me he’s not familiar with the area of law nor would he know a defense. I asked if I would then get a refund for the consultation or lack there of. He said no.
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22 Nov, 2024 by Vladislav kalashnik
The best lawyer. Keith has done a very good job on my case and he also went above and beyond. Highly recommend this law firm. Thank you for your service.
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26 Aug, 2024 by Josh van kampen
Keith is my "go to" guy for myself and my clients for all things traffic court related. Reasonably priced, prompt and highly effective attorney!
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21 Jun, 2024 by Annie standish
Lee Myers is the best lawyer out there. Knowledgeable, determined, and personable, yet not pushy or disparaging. I was in an unusual divorce situation, and he came through beautifully with good humor and gentlemanly manners and charm. Completely recommend the entire firm. His son Matthew is excellent as well
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24 Nov, 2023 by Michael
I approached the Law Office of Kelli Allen in about February of this year ( 2023) to help me submit my Green Card Application. I was assigned to Berna Chacon- a bilingual specialist in data accumulation for Green Card submissions. Thank G-d I was. She was absolutely outstanding. I mean truly- it took me a while to accumulate the necessary data ( necessary being whatever Berna told me to put together) and we submitted my application in June of this year. Today is November 24, 2023, and guess what- I have my Green Card Truly great work by Berna -what a help she was! I couldnt have done it so seamlessly without her!. Prices at this office are reasonable to. And nice, and accomodating people! I would go out of my way to recommend this law office and Berna to handle anybody's immigration matters. What a great job they did and I am one happy camper!
Michael F
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02 Oct, 2023 by Pat
The Law Office of Kelli Y. Allen played a pivotal role in my complex case, which spanned over two years. Their expertise helped me avoid jail time, and I owe a huge debt of gratitude to Ben, my dedicated lawyer. I wholeheartedly endorse their services and deeply appreciate their unwavering support.
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20 Sep, 2023 by Hunter
I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to Ben, my criminal lawyer, for his unwavering commitment to keeping me informed about my case and addressing all matters. His professionalism, kindness, and deep knowledge in his field have been truly exceptional. I am deeply appreciative of his assistance, always promptly returning my calls and patiently answering all my questions. Furthermore, I am thoroughly impressed by the overall professionalism of this law firm and their entire team. I wholeheartedly recommend them to anyone facing any legal issues, as their expertise is unparalleled.
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15 Aug, 2017 by Robert t.
Best Lawyer ever, explained to me every detail of the case and got a very favorable résultats Thank you so much.
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15 Jan, 2016 by Anonymous
I hired Elspeth Crawford in March of 2015 for a hit and run and a DUI. I consulted with Elspeth the following Monday of my arrest. I hired her for a fair price. She and her partner immediately got my drivers license back from the court house. She told me exactly how she wanted to handle the case, including which witnesses to bring in. On the 4th court continuance, all of my charges were dropped.
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05 Jan, 2016 by Anonymous
My wife and I were named in a lawsuit due to a breach of contract. Our roofing contractor didn't pay his roofing materials supplier, so we were being sued by the supplier also. I hired Elspeth to handle this legal matter. She was very courteous and professional and assured me that this lien on our house and lawsuit would be taken care of.
I gave her copies of the insurance checks cashed by the contractor and also checks cashed by him for our portion of the contract such as insurance deductible. With in a few weeks, Elspeth had this matter cleared up and the opposing attorney removed the lien from our house.
I would definitely use Elspeth Crawford again if needed!
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27 Nov, 2024 by Cassandra lobo
I called in to discuss a legal matter and was actually contacted back by an attorney who offered me advice. I feel like this often is not the case. He was very precise and I was very grateful for the time he took out of his day to address my concern!
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21 Oct, 2024 by Nyro
Amazing service!
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03 Oct, 2024 by Halie starnes
The team at auger and auger went above and beyond to help me with my bodily injury case after my car accident. They walked me through a very difficult process, and remained very professional and showed great compassion. Hopefully I’m never in this situation again, but if that time ever comes, auger and auger will be my first call. Thank you again for all your help!
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03 Jan, 2025 by Tim waite
Yale is a highly professional attorney. He practices honesty, dignity, and perseverance. From the moment I secured his services, I had to do very little. He and his associate Keri took care of everything. All I did was provide a few documents.
I was pleased with the final result of the case and strongly recommend calling on him.
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27 Dec, 2024 by Kim katopodis
I would like to highly recommend Yale Haymond Law.
I was referred to Yale due to an automobile accident with an uninsured driver last year in 8/2023.
Yale and his Team were in communication with me throughout this entire process. I’m so grateful to Yale for his help. All my medical bills have been taken care of, and my case was closed 12/24!!
If you need help, reach out to Yale!
Thanks again!
Kim Katopodis
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05 Dec, 2024 by Valerie reese
28 Jul, 2021 by Kim menhinick-cochran
Nancy worked on my mother and father's elder planning. She also started an LLC for their rental houses to make it easier fo us, as her children, to manage as they age. This put my mind at ease. Nancy is so patient, explaining everything as many times as necessary for my parents to understand the process. She is warm, reassuring, and extremely available. The office very nice and in the Ballentine area of Charlotte. Well worth the drive from the University area. I have recommended her many many times to Friends facing my situation at this stage in life with aging parents.
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02 Dec, 2019 by Andrea
My elderly mother moved here from Florida last year. When I found out she hadn't updated her estate information in 20 years I contacted Nancy for help. She came highly recommended by a
business associate, Nancy was so patient with my mother. She gave her all her options and carefully walked her through everything. I would recommend Nancy to anyone!
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02 Aug, 2019 by Beth
Can't say enough about Nancy Robert's Law Firm! Knowledgeable, resourceful, detail oriented, and quick to help you find the answers so you can make the needed decisions. Will be hiring. Five stars is not enough!
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12 Jul, 2016 by George
I was the executor of my mother's estate. I hired Tony Giordano as attorney for the estate. Tony was efficient and knowledgable as he helped settle her affairs. He was also most helpful in mediating family disputes and providing comfort during a most difficult time. I found Mr Giordano to be professional and an exceptional attorney.
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15 Aug, 2013 by Anonymous
Mr. Giordano was appointed by the court to be the guardian of my relative's estate. He has done a superb job He has kept me informed of all relevant issues in a timely manner and has been vigilant in insuring that my relative's assets are safe. Mr. Giordano is a person of integrity and honesty . I highly recommend him .
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27 Jul, 2016 by Anonymous
I am savvy financially, but had no clue about the divorce process when I embarked on this journey several years ago. Through it all, Ms. Kennedy and her staff have been there for me and my kids. Unfortunately, I am going to have to go back to court for a child support issue. Although it is the last thing on earth I want to do, I know I am in good hands.
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26 Jul, 2016 by Kelly
The shock of a possible divorce is difficult enough, not to mention knowing who to go to for legal advice. I was lucky enough to have found Kennedy Law; Marsha Kennedy. My case has been very difficult with many different avenues of the law including child custody, post marital support, legal issues with marital debt and sales of businesses, tax questions and the list goes on. Marsha Kennedy and her team has expertly handled each situation and guided me through the process. They have been like family to me and have given me and my children a great deal of support through a very challenging time. I would highly recommend Kennedy Law Firm. You will receive the professional help you need and the care and understanding you deserve.
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15 Nov, 2024 by Asha
I can't recommend Ben Frear enough! He's hands down the best E2 lawyer I've encountered. I talked to few before choosing him, and I'm so glad I did. Ben's deep understanding of E2 visa requirements was evident from the start. He broke down the complex process into manageable steps, easing my anxiety.
Ben was instrumental in putting together and ensuring all my documents were flawless even though my case wasn't very strong. He was always available to answer my questions, no matter how trivial. His responsiveness and dedication were truly impressive.
Thanks to Ben's expertise and hard work, I got my E2 approved without any issues and am now ready to embark on my entrepreneurial journey in the US. If you're looking for an E2 visa attorney, look no further. Ben is the one!
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13 Aug, 2024 by Zachary cohen
Ben helped me get my E-2 Visa get approved from Canada for a business I started in FL. He was exceptionally knowledgeable and responsive throughout the entire process. He was also able to advise on some of the edge case situations regarding the investment amount, what to do about expiring passports, hiring plans, etc. 100% recommend to anyone pursuing an E-2 Visa!
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13 Aug, 2024 by Reid w
Benjamín was exceptional in handling my E2 visa case, His expertise, clear communication, and supportive approach made the process smooth and stress-free. I highly recommend Frear Law to anyone needing a skilled lawyer.
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17 Apr, 2021 by Jeff
Nancy has recently guided me through the lows of managing the legal process after the passing of my mom. Her professionalism is second only to her personal ability. She has made the tough job of overcoming legal contracts from out of State a piece of cake. She’s a straight shooter who will tell it like it is while still being sensitive to the human aspect of legal matters. I value her opinions and guidance at a level that was once only reserved for the closest of friends. I highly recommend you consult with Attorney Norelli if you need an experienced, and passionate attorney in Charlotte. *Get in touch for a full reference.
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08 Jun, 2015 by Lisa
Despite the unfortunate conduct of my family members during a lengthy estate dispute, I had an excellent attorney to assist and guide me through the entire process. Stratford is superior in all areas of communication. She is timely, she is direct, and has a strong staff that has been consistently wonderful to work with. Stratford pays attention to details, and balls do not get dropped. Estate matters tend to be lengthy, and without hesitation I would recommend Stratford, the lawyers, and the support staff of her firm to anyone.
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10 Aug, 2016 by Lee
Lou was wonderful handling an insurance matter for my aging mother. I had worked with the insurance company for a year and had reached a dead end. He became involved and worked with them for a month to resolve. What a great advocate!
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31 Jan, 2025 by Carla atwy
Our experience with the Law Offices of Harold Cogdell has exceeded our expectations. Harold was very informative at all times, always looking out for our family member in need of council. He was very honest and thorough from the beginning and he assured us he was going to proof my relative's innocence at all cost. Harold has been a ray of light during this dark period of our lives and I would recommend him to anyone in need of hope, justice and a new start.
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30 Jan, 2025 by Gigi
Harold Cogdell was a beacon of hope to my family at a time when our options appeared limited and the likelihood of a satisfactory resolution seemed nigh on impossible. Not only was he able to defend us from an unjust accusation, his calm and empathetic demeanor offered emotional succor to myself and those I care about most. My family and I are eternally grateful for his service and I hereby recommend Mr. Harold Cogdalell without reservation.
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23 Jan, 2025 by Casey graham
16 Jun, 2024 by Thomas bock
20 Sep, 2023 by Marcom legal
Bad practice that needs to be called out for wrongfully advising their clients to harm the opposing side. We are in shock!
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20 Sep, 2023 by Lauren toro
UNPROFESSIONAL, RUDE & WRONGFULLY ADVISE CLIENTS.
I am working on mediating agreements w/my spouse. They are rude & putting FALSE IDEAS into my spouse's head!!! Telling her I am going to manipulate her!! How DARE THEY?! They won't even speak to me as pro se. My souse has been wrongly advised also to: 1) SLANDER ME 2) GET AN EVICTION ON MY RECORD 3) Allow my spouse to steal my driver license, CCS, money & remove 20K in credit from my name and MORE!
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02 Jan, 2025 by Ali robbins
I cannot speak highly enough about Delaney and her legal team. Despite reaching out during a holiday, Delaney responded promptly and with a thorough explanation of why the firm couldn’t represent our case. Her professionalism, sincerity, and attention to detail were unmatched, especially compared to the dismissive responses we’ve received from other highly reputed firms in the area.
Delaney’s compassionate and respectful approach truly stood out. She took the time to review our case carefully and provided thoughtful feedback, which was greatly appreciated during a stressful time. While the firm wasn’t able to take our case, I wouldn’t hesitate to refer others to them or seek their expertise in the future. Their professionalism and genuine care for their clients do not go unnoticed. Thank you, Delaney for setting such a high standard in legal representation!
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29 Nov, 2024 by Cindy matthews
My husband and I were very pleased with Elam & Rousseaux. They were professional, caring and competent through the entire process. Highly recommended.
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10 Sep, 2024 by Tammy taylor
Was willing to help when no one else would, Nice, got the job done.
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21 Oct, 2024 by Speech tactics
20 Sep, 2024 by David kohler
03 Sep, 2024 by Russ watts
Nicole is brilliant and is able to quickly understand complex situations that require legal action. She is a phenomenal lawyer that provides customized solutions, not just cookie cutter templates. You can tell she loves what she does, she lives and breathes the legal world which is exactly what you want in a good lawyer.
Would recommend for anyone looking to win.
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06 Mar, 2019 by Anonymous
I hired Mr. Frank’s firm to assist me with a parent’s estate. Firm claimed I had no authorization to become POA, and that I’d need to find a Gurdian for the estate. Firm went on to tell me the court would not deem me an appropriate fit to be the Guardian of the estate for my own parent, and claimed we would have to have Mr. Frank become Guardian of the estate for a yearly fee. I went to a different attorney who quickly saw that I did in fact have the needed paperwork to become POA. Mr. Frank’s firm then refused to release my own paperwork back to me for three weeks and transferred all my calls directly to voicemail (unless I called from a different number they didn’t have on file), and failed to return calls.
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09 Nov, 2017 by Anonymous
Rudely refused to listen to the questions I needed answered and wasted my time and money on something I had no interest in. When I pay someone to work for me, I expect them to be respectful enough to listen to the description of the job I want done.
In a previous attempt to schedule a consultation, I didn’t receive a call back for many weeks. I should have gone elsewhere at that point.
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16 Sep, 2016 by Anonymous
After hiring and paying a retainer and consultation fee, I waited seven weeks and never heard from Mr. Frank. After many telephone calls to inquire if work was being done, I never received any working documents. I had to hire another law firm. I never got a reply to my refund request. I call office and phone just rings and goes unanswered. To date, I have not heard from anyone.
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06 Sep, 2024 by Aj yuka
Yolanda M. Trotman is someone you want at your side when things are tough and uncertain. I was pleased with the service I was given. The main office is professional and very friendly. If they don't pick up the phone do not freak out. Give it some time and call or shoot a email they are working hard for many people.
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16 Jul, 2024 by Mandy deese
Thankfully Yolanda took my nasty dog custody case that was making my life hell when other firms didn’t know where to start. Even working in legal myself I needed assistance. She was professional in court and had the respect of others. She did what I hoped she would do, rip my lying ex to pieces in cross examination. The results were favorable to me. She is an experienced attorney and I’m thankful she took my case! Thank you, Yolanda. ❤️
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08 Jun, 2024 by Dear jania
Yolanda is a excellent attorney. I trust her completely and her services are professional and reliable. Highly recommend to hire for any legal issue. You want a attorney who cares and is dependable.
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08 Mar, 2021 by Samone
My husband And I Hired Keith to assist with a child custody case. From the beginning I was NOT very confident in his services. But he assured both my husband and I that this was a “slam dunk” case. He was very inconsistent. He never called and updated us with progress along the case. We had to continue to call him. Everytime we would call he would say “I was just about to call you!” There would be months in between communication. We tried to be understanding with COVID since he told us that the courts were backed up during that time but something didn’t seem right since were getting other legal issues taken care of so we called the courts about this case ourselves. He had never sent the courts information regarding the other parent being filed THEY WERE NEVER FILED, in fact the case had been closed! Then when he was confronted about it he blames the sheriffs office. He also stated that he “THOUGHT” she was filed but he was looking at the incorrect information on the sheriffs website. Even if it was an error on their part - he never checked in on this case. He allowed this case to sit and sit and they closed it! He lied about everything. 1000.00 of our money that he refuses to refund.
We waited a year and my husband still has no contact with his son.
We have secured another attorney but guys just want you all to be careful with this one.
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22 Oct, 2019 by Crystal
I hired Keith Gamble to represent me in a contentious divorce and custody process. Mr. Gamble was professional, responsive, and informative throughout the process. He remained calm and outlined all of my options, offering me sound and helpful guidance. Things turned out exceptionally well because of his representation. I really appreciate his availability and support of me in finalizing the agreements.
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27 Oct, 2016 by Carrie
I cannot thank Keith enough for all of his help in representing me during this last crazy year. Keith is awesome & amazing at what he does! He stood by me & believed in me when I needed it most. He took the stress out of this rough time in my life & I couldn't have asked for it to be handled any better than he has done. I am so thoroughly impressed by his knowledge of law & would highly recommend Keith Gamble to represent you & your family.
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20 Feb, 2024 by Anonymous
Unfortunately, I did not have a good experience with this attorney, despite my being as gracious as a person can be with another person. I would not recommend due to extremely poor follow-through and an air of entitlement, in my opinion. Was made to feel like I was constantly chasing her down. Made a stressful situation only more stressful and wasted my valuable time. I guess she thinks hers is so much more important.
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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.
