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27 Nov, 2024 by Harrison a wahrer
Marneri Law, P.C. was extremely great to work with again. Nico, Nicole and Bryan are by far the best in the business. Thanks again for making this closing as easy as possible. Looking forward to working with you all again in the future!
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18 Oct, 2024 by Sabrina jain
I recently worked with the Marneris Law team to close my condo purchase. As a first-time homebuyer, I was admittedly quite nervous about how the negotiations would go, but Niko & Shayla were extraordinary to work with from start to finish. Their attention to detail, swift responses, and friendly demeanor was all so appreciated & comforting during the entire process.
Lastly, I truly felt that Niko advocated for me with the seller's attorney during some last minute issues that popped up in the final walk-through, with a favorable outcome when all was said & done.
I'd recommend Marneris Law to absolutely everyone in their home purchase endeavors! Thank you again for everything, Niko & Shayla!
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13 Oct, 2024 by Peter ella
We recently worked with Marneris Law for our home purchase, and we couldn’t be happier with the experience. Despite facing some unexpected challenges, Shayla and the team provided exceptional support, guiding us through each step with clear communication and expertise. Their attention to detail and dedication resolving issues made what could have been a stressful process smooth and manageable. I highly recommend Marneris Law to anyone looking to buy a home—they truly made all the difference!
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16 Dec, 2024 by Anuj dhingra
Sarah and Erin were absolutely wonderful to work with on the sale of my condo. Sarah was willing to hop on the phone to address some questions that were outside the original scope of the engagement. I would highly recommend them to anyone involved in buying or selling a property and would absolutely work with them again.
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13 Dec, 2024 by Jerald
Great law firm. They really helped me as a first time buyer. I worked with Erin and she was awesome!
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08 Nov, 2024 by Martin skucas
Erin was extremely helpful through each step of my home buying process. I greatly recommend her for any first time or experienced home buyers
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28 Feb, 2025 by Victor rivera
I cannot recommend this car accident lawyer firm enough! From the very beginning, they were incredibly attentive and truly customer-oriented. Their professionalism and dedication were evident at every step of the process. They maintained excellent communication throughout, always keeping me informed and answering all my questions promptly.
What impressed me the most was how seamlessly they handled my case. They provided top-notch representation in court, and thanks to their expertise, my case was dismissed without any hassle or negative impact on my record. They made what could have been a stressful experience completely painless.
If you’re looking for a legal team that genuinely cares about their clients and delivers outstanding results, this is the one. Thank you so much for everything!
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26 Feb, 2025 by Torrance long
20 Feb, 2025 by Elbert montoya
Called them 1 week before my court, they took my case and Kelly Moore represented me. Had both cases dismissed, i would highly recommend them to friends and family members. I was stressing all month long and now feel very relieved.
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24 Feb, 2025 by Mark fadden
12 Feb, 2025 by Becky van sky
We just opened our business and Steve from Law Tigers stopped by and was a big help
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12 Feb, 2025 by Brian conley
Great people. Definitely suggest to all my family, friends, and clients.
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21 Oct, 2019 by Anne
I am 80 years old and met with Mollie Whitehead to update my Will as well as review my other Trust documents. I also wanted to have Powers of Attorney set up. Mollie was professional, knowledgeable and efficient. She provided a great analysis, answered my questions on estate planning & I agreed she should send me a draft of the items we agreed upon. That process took very little time & with a minimum of editing, we finalized & formally signed all the documents.
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07 Oct, 2018 by Bob
Mollie provided all of the documents and expertise needed to complete our estate planning. We hired her to develop wills, healthcare power of attorneys, and business power of attorneys. She recommended me establish a family trust and provided all of the documents and took care of transferring our real estate to the trust. We found Molly to be very knowledgeable, thorough, and efficient. She answered all of our questions and provided clear explanations for all the documents. We wholeheartedly recommend her.
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14 May, 2018 by Anonymous
Mollie answered my questions super fast! She helped me tremendously. Highly recommended! Thanks again.
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30 Nov, 2023 by Tina
Elizabeth is beyond wonderful!!! She is very knowledgeable and her fee structure is reasonable. I feel very safe and secure with her practice and help with my Estate planning needs.
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04 Jun, 2023 by Pam
Working with Elizabeth Fink for an estate closing was an outstanding experience. Even though this was a difficult time for me and my family, she made the process as smooth as possible with kindness and compassion. She walked us through the process step-by-step in the most cost efficient way possible. Even when more questions arose after the work was completed, she was still very responsive and helpful.
She will be our legal consultant from now on.
I highly recommend her to my friends!!!
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30 May, 2023 by Diana
Thank you again Elizabeth for everything you did for me. You real don't know how much you and your staff helped me. Keep up the great work you are doing. GIRL POWER!
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06 Jan, 2025 by Norm neal
Great attorney!! He worked hard and diligently to get me the best possible deal. Thanx a lot Ray!!
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30 May, 2024 by Michael joseph
Awesome, everything was handled promptly and professionally.
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01 May, 2024 by Paula mcguire - rowe
I cannot express enough gratitude for the outstanding legal representation provided by Peter Lorenz and Ray Asher. Their dedication, expertise, and unwavering commitment to my workers' compensation case were truly exceptional. From the moment I reached out to them, I felt reassured and supported throughout the entire process. Peter and Ray fought tirelessly on my behalf, leaving no stone unturned in pursuit of justice. Thanks to their hard work and perseverance, we achieved a favorable outcome that exceeded my expectations. I am profoundly grateful for their professionalism, compassion, and relentless advocacy. I highly recommend Peter Lorenz and Ray Asher to anyone seeking top-notch legal representation. They are truly a remarkable team who will go above and beyond to ensure the best possible results for their clients. Thank you, Peter and Ray, for making a significant difference in my life!
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26 Feb, 2025 by Burke moser
Highly recommend Adam and his team for any real estate closing needs!
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21 Feb, 2025 by Justin thomas
18 Feb, 2025 by Gary hahn
After my dad passed away in April 2024, my mom and I filed for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) through the VA. Despite working with a VA liaison and following up for 10 months, we received no real updates—just that the claim was still pending. Then, my mom received a notice from the VA, which she mistakenly believed was a denial of the DIC claim. Unfortunately, even the local VA liaison misinterpreted it, causing a lot of confusion. Given that my dad’s passing was clearly linked to his disability, we realized we needed legal representation and turned to James Comerford.
From our first conversation, James took the time to listen, understand our situation, and guide us through the process. Initially, we thought we needed to file a rebuttal, but after investigating, he discovered the VA had actually misinformed us—the claim was still being processed. He assured us he would follow up, and shortly after, he called with the great news: the claim had been approved. Not only did he get us answers, but he also knew exactly when my mom would receive her benefits, including back pay.
When I asked James what we owed him, he refused payment—he was simply happy my mom received what she deserved. Even after I insisted, he suggested we make a donation to a charity instead, which we did. His generosity, professionalism, and genuine care for his clients truly set him apart.
If you're looking for a knowledgeable, responsive, and compassionate attorney who will fight for you and keep you informed every step of the way, I highly recommend James Comerford. He’s not just a great lawyer—he’s a good person who truly cares
-Gary Hahn
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25 Feb, 2025 by Gina cobb
They worked hard to get us a settlement that was fair and speedy. Great advice and great listeners.
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22 Feb, 2025 by Kaitlyn crisan
Going into this process across the country was scary, and my first attorney failed me, which is how I found this law firm. MIKAYLA AND MORGAN ARE AMAZING!! I can not thank them enough for effortlessly defending me and parenting rights. They have truly brought peace and unification back to my family. If you feel at a loss or don't know where to start when it comes to custody agreements and divorce I strongly recommend this duo! If you both don't know yet. I am so completely grateful to you both and what you have done for my family! If I could give 10 stars I would!
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10 Feb, 2025 by Arden b fortner
I’m very happy I chose them to help me with my divorce and highly recommend them.
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26 Dec, 2022 by John
My brother and I needed a lawyer to handle our cousin’s estate, who lived in Cook County and died without a will or any direct descendants. Sheni was recommended to us based upon another cousin’s prior experience. For our initial meeting, Sheni agreed to meet at a location convenient to the heirs and we came prepared to summarize our basic understanding of the scope of our cousin’s estate. After only a single meeting with all five heirs, we immediately agreed to hire Sheni to handle his more complicated estate….with NO regrets!
During that initial meeting Sheni listened carefully to understand our unique situation and during that same session proposed what she thought would be necessary for this estate, along with offering two different payment options for her services. Sheni was extremely professional and communicated in a way were all heirs quickly felt comfortable in understanding the work necessary and was through yet efficient with everyone’s time. My brother and I were selected as co-administrators and worked closely with Sheni over the next 16 months to have our cousin’s probate estate opened and successfully closed.
While we didn’t consider this estate extremely complicated, it had some unusual aspects and issues that arose but Sheni was always available to answer our questions quickly or guide us through our options. If she couldn’t answer them quickly she would always respond to acknowledge she received the request and when she would be able to get back to use, which was always greatly appreciated!
There were a few unexpected and sometime frustrating delay’s caused by COVID restrictions and the Cook County court system but Sheni always provided reassurance along the way. Even when we encountered a difference of opinion over closing the estate, a quick conference call and discussion quickly resolved any remaining concerns/issues. While we have little experience working with estate lawyers based upon this one experience, we couldn’t have asked for a better person than Sheni to work with to handle our cousin’s estate in a professional way and very effectively!
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06 May, 2021 by Karen and james mccarty
Sheni did a great job. She bent over backwards to help us. We would recommend her to anyone who needs an estate done. Thank you for being so helpful.
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05 Apr, 2021 by Diana
Was referred to Sheni by my tax preparer. I was trying to organize my paperwork in case of death. She answered all of my questions, explained the complexities, and did the work in a timely manner. When she said it would be done by this date, it was done. Would use her again.
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19 Apr, 2016 by Anonymous
Thank you for everything You and your firm did to help me and straighten out the problems. I wish I would have known of your firm from the beginning. Using your help from the beginning would not change the problems I had but, I believe I would have been better informed from the start. Your support and knowledge helped me deal with a horrible situation. I will recommend you to anyone who needs an elder law attorney
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02 Mar, 2016 by Anonymous
I wanted to take this opportunity to once again say "Thank You" to Helen Mesoloras for meeting with us and presenting the process that will take place with my loved one going forward. It was very informative and understandable for each step in the process.
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13 Jan, 2016 by Kathleen
Thank you so much for all of your legal understandings and excellent advise. Your support was a great comfort to me.
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14 Jun, 2016 by Anonymous
My sister and I wanted to take a moment and thank your firm for the outstanding service and support we have received regarding estate planning for our parents. Helen Mesoloras, Melissa LaPointe and Erin Vogt have provided guidance and their expertise while also displaying genuine care, concern and compassion.
When my father suffered a massive stroke in October '15, we were left overwhelmed and lost as to what to do next regarding his care. After being referred to your firm by in NY (where I live) I spoke to Erin who listened and right away assured us your firm could help not only in estate planning but with the medicaid process as well.
From our first meeting with Helen and Melissa, we felt confident and secure we were not alone, and that we would have someone helping us advocate for my dad in the nursing home he was at. As for the medicaid process, being that I do not live in town, the idea of my mom and sister having to do the medicaid application alone was not an option. Had it not been for your team organizing everything and informing us when items were still needed I honestly think we would still be knee deep in paperwork today.
Another turning point happened in December when I was talking to Erin regarding my dad's overall health. He was extremely depressed and not eating at the time. She suggested that maybe palliative care could help us. While initially on palliative care, since February he had been on hospice care. But had it not been for Erin we never would have known about these services.
While unfortunately our father passed away recently, we continue to work with your team regarding my mother's estate planning. We feel great solace in knowing that dad would want us to make sure mom is taken care of and protected in every way. Thank you again for all your support.
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29 Apr, 2015 by Anonymous
We were referred us to Melissa LaPointe. Melissa is amazing. She has been our guide throughout. She is professional, smart and incredibly responsive. We would NEVER have been able to do this without her. I have learned so much from her. I had to force my husband to go to an Elder Law Attorney. He did not understand the need and did not want to spend the money. Now he would tell you that the service we received and the final result was more than worth it.”
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11 Mar, 2015 by Anonymous
There are few words that can truly describe the depths of my gratefulness and appreciation for the support and peace of mind that was bestowed on my family from attorney, Melissa LaPointe with Dutton and Casey. She was responsive to our family in a time of crisis and expeditiously handled our legal matter with utmost professionalism and compassion. Thank You Melissa, for being our light of hope.
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16 May, 2022 by Anonymous
I am most fortunate to have Ms. Duda as a strong and caring advocate for my loved one for a number of years.
Her vast knowledge of the laws involved, and her ceaseless efforts, which are always enveloped in compassion and empathy, are truly a gift to all those who are fortunate to have her on their team, both as a talented attorney and a caring human being.
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26 Apr, 2018 by Anonymous
I am the guardian of a mentally disabled family member. Some years ago I was embroiled in a long-standing, complex dispute with care providers that could have resulted in devastating and dangerous consequences for my ward. Lara entered my legal case at this point, and assisted in bringing the situation under control in just a few months. Her wisdom, knowledge, patience, calmness and exceptional skills as a negotiator and counselor helped to bring about a solution that was better than anything I had hoped for. Since then, I have continued to work with Lara as my attorney for all guardianship issues, which fortunately, have been relatively routine since that early crisis. Lara has such a passion for protecting and serving the disabled. Her compassion is boundless, yet she is like a rock when she takes a stand for what is needed, and she cannot be manipulated. Her knowledge is extensive, yet she is also guided by intuition. Her ability to be impartial, and to understand (and explain) the differing perspectives of difficult people is, and was so valuable in my personal situation. I learned much from her that still serves me well in my continuing relationships with my ward's present care providers. I would highly recommend Lara as an advocate and a resource to any disabled person, or to anyone who takes care of a disabled person.
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26 Apr, 2018 by Anonymous
I am the owner of a medical case management and guardianship company in Chicago and have had the priviledge of working with Attorney Lara Duda on numerous occasions over the past five years. Lara stands out among attorneys that I work with in many ways, but this is mostly evidenced by her passion to serve disabled and elderly clients and assist in protecting them when they do not have a voice of their own. Lara is extremely knowledgeable in the Elder Law and Probate Law arena and goes above and beyond to ensure that my clients come first.
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05 Apr, 2023 by Roberta
Kathryn Crow Casey is the attorney I recommend to my family, friends and associates. Kathryn demonstrated an extremely knowledgeable understanding of estate planning for Eldercare. We discussed a Will. powers of health and finance and several aspects related to long term care. My list of concerns and questions were quite extensive when we worked together, Kathryn patiently listened and thoroughly answered my questions. The way she explained everything was in ways that were very understandable. I feel confident that I understand the many aspects I need questioned with an additional understanding of several legal concerns.
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28 Aug, 2013 by Anonymous
Hi Kathryn, now that this process seems to be about over, I just wanted to write you a quick note to thank you for your help, knowledge, and professionalism. I’ve been on a big learning curve throughout this process and you’ve done a great job explaining things and getting me up to speed. If I ever have a friend going through something like this, I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend you. I really appreciate that there was never a touch of arrogance on your part, and that you could explain things in a way that was simple to understand
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08 Dec, 2016 by Gloryann
I can't thank you enough for taking care of my issue FAST & at a very fair rate!
Sincerely Grateful,
Mrs. Fox
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23 Mar, 2015 by Matt
Erin handled my legal issues quickly, efficiently, and with great professionalism to help me get a very favorable result. I would highly recommend her if you are ever in need of smart legal counsel.
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01 Aug, 2024 by Scott
Justin is a hardworking and knowledgeable professional. He is detailed and dedicated in the handling of your case - Justin helped navigate my family through the legal maze of dealing with an insurance company, ensuring that my family was properly compensated in the settlement of an injury claim.
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01 Aug, 2024 by Montgomery mcclure
Justin is very helpful and is my go to lawyer for any of my needs. He never hesitates to answer any and all of my questions no matter how small.
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17 Feb, 2024 by Judy smith
Justin is a professional that know what he is doing. He did a wonderful job preparing my trust
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07 Jan, 2024 by Aaron korson
Stephanie Stewart is by far one of the nicest and most professional attorneys I have met. She has valuable insight and is someone to admire in the field of law.
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19 Oct, 2023 by Kenneth piercey
Stephanie Stewart is extremely knowledgeable and helpful. She has given me a lot of valuable advice over the years and has helped bring clarity and peace of mind to difficult and complex issues. I highly recommend Stephanie!
Ken Piercey
Attorney at Law
Piercey & Associates, Ltd.
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21 Feb, 2020 by Danne valeroa
20 Oct, 2020 by Mr v
Great folks!
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16 May, 2019 by Michelle evans
Loved it
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28 Aug, 2024 by Carlos alvarez
05 Aug, 2024 by Ion preguza
28 Jun, 2021 by Rye infanzon
14 Nov, 2023 by Fr jeffrey jean
Bien
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28 Jun, 2023 by Charles phillips
Peter Brady has taken care of my case when I needed help with a trustee that was not properly handling my Fathers Estate. Peter was able to calm my stress that I had in my case and produce the proper results that my siblings and I where looking for. I highly recommend Peter Brady. He will make sure the opposing party is always wondering "Wait a minute now, what is Peter Brady doing?"
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31 Dec, 2019 by Ronda c. smith-porter
30 Jan, 2025 by Reese lasenby
THEY FOUGHT HARD FOR ME SND MY WIFE AND GOT US WHAT WE DESERVED
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30 Jan, 2025 by Janae' riley
The process took forever but thanks to Marc j shuman they took care of me! Not only got on top of my case got my settle more
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20 Jan, 2025 by Jordan curry
I had an amazing experience thanks to Tia Williams They went above and beyond to assist me, handling my questions with professionalism, kindness, and patience. Their attention to detail and genuine desire to help truly stood out. It’s rare to find such exceptional customer service these days, and I left feeling valued and appreciated. Thank you, Tia , for making my day easier and for representing Shuman legal so wonderfully. Highly recommend!”
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30 Jan, 2025 by Reese lasenby
THEY FOUGHT HARD FOR ME SND MY WIFE AND GOT US WHAT WE DESERVED
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30 Jan, 2025 by Janae' riley
The process took forever but thanks to Marc j shuman they took care of me! Not only got on top of my case got my settle more
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20 Jan, 2025 by Jordan curry
I had an amazing experience thanks to Tia Williams They went above and beyond to assist me, handling my questions with professionalism, kindness, and patience. Their attention to detail and genuine desire to help truly stood out. It’s rare to find such exceptional customer service these days, and I left feeling valued and appreciated. Thank you, Tia , for making my day easier and for representing Shuman legal so wonderfully. Highly recommend!”
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30 Jan, 2025 by Reese lasenby
THEY FOUGHT HARD FOR ME SND MY WIFE AND GOT US WHAT WE DESERVED
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30 Jan, 2025 by Janae' riley
The process took forever but thanks to Marc j shuman they took care of me! Not only got on top of my case got my settle more
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20 Jan, 2025 by Jordan curry
I had an amazing experience thanks to Tia Williams They went above and beyond to assist me, handling my questions with professionalism, kindness, and patience. Their attention to detail and genuine desire to help truly stood out. It’s rare to find such exceptional customer service these days, and I left feeling valued and appreciated. Thank you, Tia , for making my day easier and for representing Shuman legal so wonderfully. Highly recommend!”
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30 Jan, 2025 by Reese lasenby
THEY FOUGHT HARD FOR ME SND MY WIFE AND GOT US WHAT WE DESERVED
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30 Jan, 2025 by Janae' riley
The process took forever but thanks to Marc j shuman they took care of me! Not only got on top of my case got my settle more
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20 Jan, 2025 by Jordan curry
I had an amazing experience thanks to Tia Williams They went above and beyond to assist me, handling my questions with professionalism, kindness, and patience. Their attention to detail and genuine desire to help truly stood out. It’s rare to find such exceptional customer service these days, and I left feeling valued and appreciated. Thank you, Tia , for making my day easier and for representing Shuman legal so wonderfully. Highly recommend!”
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29 Jan, 2025 by Eric lau
03 Sep, 2024 by Isabelle warner
31 Aug, 2024 by Luke upchurch
I really appreciate the scholarship opportunity and how that benefits working adults.
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08 Feb, 2025 by Dr y
Very pleasant experience with Jasmine at Gurney Law Group handling the sale of our condo. Excellent communication and follow through!
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31 Jan, 2025 by Paul nicol
I can't speak highly enough of Leslie, Xavier and the Team at Bojas Law. My wife and I did due diligence on a number of lawyers before committing to one. Xaviers helpful, transparent, calm expertise and obvious experience won out. The reality did not disappoint. They provided a seamless, stress-free (as much as is possible), straight forward experience with great support and communication. Unreservedly recommended!
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28 Dec, 2024 by Mayra
Un cliente me recomendó e inicie un caso con ellos , y ahora yo lo temiendo , son muy profesionales y amables , profesionales porque saben lo que están haciendo, amables y comprensivos porque no te piden todo el dinero junto , nos apoyan en esa manera , e residido respuesta muy pronto Gracias a Dios , Dios los siga bendiciendo a ellos y les siga dando sabiduría, para ayudar a mucha gente más
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16 Feb, 2025 by Patrick lange
I recently used Michael and his firm to help my client who was acquiring a heating and air company. They were incredibly thorough and handled this acquisition immediately. I would highly recommend him and his team.
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01 Feb, 2025 by Maria isabel lara vargas
Phillip Turner es el mejor abogado que he podido conocer. Gracias!
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15 Jan, 2025 by Delaney hockey
We are a not for profit organization. It is a hockey school for deaf and hard of hearing players.
Marcus & Boxerman has been very helpful within our organization. The firm is professional, attentive and resourceful. Emails and phone calls are returned right away and the personal attention from the firm is appreciated. Marcus & Boxerman has helped us with a large scope of projects from waivers to updating our bylaws. Great firm to partner with for your business/organization!
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13 Dec, 2024 by Giyu tomioka
Can’t say enough about Lindsey, one of the kindest most professional people that I have ever had the pleasure of working with. I hope i don’t get injured again, but if so, I definitely know who I’m calling.
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13 Dec, 2024 by Brett kennett
Lindsey was clear about what she was going to do and what I should do in my case. She answered all questions about health and employment and everything went smoothly to get where I am today. Thanks Lindsey.
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18 Nov, 2024 by Alex dykas
The Sheppard Law Firm is one of the best law firms in Chicago from my personal experiences. Mr. Sheppard has defended me two times with previous cases and both times I've been extremely satisfied with the results. Mr. Sheppard does everything he can to protect your freedom get the results you please. I highly recommend Sheppard law firm to anyone who needs an amazing lawyer that can help turn your whole situation around. He truly is one of the best!
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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.
