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08 Dec, 2017 by Lorrie
Susan Bryant has provided professional and wise legal guidance to me for over 10 years. I have also recommended her many times, and continue to receive positive feedback.
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06 Dec, 2017 by Barbara
Susan is compassionate, understanding, and hard working. She is extremely knowledgeable and able to handle whatever is thrown at her from the other side. We have been working with her on and off for almost 4 years and have never had a single issue. She is very honest and will always give straightforward advice. I cannot say enough about how much we have enjoyed working with her!
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05 Dec, 2017 by Claudia
Susan is extremely professional
Has compassion and empathy for those going through changing challenges .
Thank you for everything Susan !
You are the best !
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30 Mar, 2012 by Anonymous
When I met Myka Landry I felt confident with the advice I received from her regarding my questions.
She exudes a sense of care for others and a desire to honestly help
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29 Jan, 2012 by Charles
Myka Landry is the best attorney I have worked with, she is diligent, smart and listens extremely well. Myka works hard to make complex issues easier to understand and contractually she keeps wording concise and to the point.
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29 Jan, 2012 by Beverly
We are caring for my elderly in-laws and needed clarification of the trust they drew up in California which was confusing. Myka explained everything we needed to know and has helped us in making the right choices during this tough time. She is our legal source for elder law and we will be needing her help again in the near future. We highly recommend Myka to anyone that has questions in this field.
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11 Apr, 2019 by Helen
I interviewed a couple of Denver area attorneys before hiring Rose Mary Zapor to do my will. I learned about her after asking friends for a referral. Rose has had many years of experience with elder law and services for the elderly, including estate planning, and with how laws work in Colorado. She did my will for a reasonable flat fee, which made me feel at ease, not on the clock, while i asked numerous questions and she answered them patiently. Rose was meticulous and detail-oriented going through various options and scenarios, and gave me some good suggestions and warnings about what not to do. Her staff is efficient, too.
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08 May, 2012 by Rick
Rose helped me with medical lawsuit and was so helpful.
Quick, responsive and caring.
Rose helped me in a difficult situation with opposing lawyers and went the extra mile to resolve my issue.
Honest and caring!
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09 Dec, 2011 by Josh
Rose is an amazing lawyer. She is fair, knowledgeable and a very kind person. She is very well-versed in several different types of law including elder law, military law and family law. She is an acceptional mediator and a blessing to any case you may have. I used to say Rose had a heart of gold, but now I know she is solid gold from head to toe. She has my highest recomendation for any project she undertakes, any relationship she has or any legal matter for which you may need assistance. I would hire her at any other time as well for whatever issue I had at hand.
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09 Oct, 2015 by Gary and jennifer
My wife Jennifer and I had a very warm, professional experience working with Kathryn and her staff.
Jennifer has a terminal brain tumor and we needed help updating our wills and had several other questions that we needed answers for.
Kathryn and her staff showed not only the answers we were looking for but brought up several key points that we hadn't even thought of.
They all displayed a relaxing professionalism, compassion and we felt most comfortable that we had picked the right firm to help us.
Kudos to all the staff and especially to Kathryn for making a very difficult situation much more tolerable.
We will be using them again and would highly recommend them.
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11 Mar, 2015 by Anonymous
Very helpful in going through the options for updating my will and trust especially with respect to future what ifs. Very detailed in her presentation and reviews. Much more comprehensive and considerate of my opinions than the last lawyer. Has a good sense of future concerns in the senescent years.
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07 Mar, 2015 by Lynn
Kathryn handled estate matters for my mother and then for the estate. She is very knowledgeable and takes great care in making certain her clients understand the process and their options. She helped with the process and kept everyone informed. She can tailor her services to fit your needs. Her charges are reasonable, especially in this practice area. There is never any concern of selling more than the client needs. She is very patient with elderly clients. I highly recommend Kathryn.
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10 Apr, 2023 by Anonymous
Shari has been my attorney since May 2020 and the probate case finally closed this March 2023! I don’t live in Colorado so having to handle this all on the phone or electronically isn’t the norm. She was instrumental in giving great advice on next steps and which way to handle all the legal roadblocks. She always explained the most cost effective way versus just trying to log billable hours. I couldn’t have asked for a better attorney and would recommend her as a probate/estate attorney.
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04 Jan, 2013 by Scott
Shari helped us out in an emergency situation and she was responsive and made our family feel as if we were her only client. The highest recommendations are not enough.
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03 Jan, 2013 by Gary
My mother passed away on January 6, 2005, and I was appointed the Personal Representative of her Estate on January 31, 2005. On April 4, 2005, the State of Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing filed a claim against my Mother’s Estate in the amount of $22,000.00 for Medicaid services rendered while she was alive. She also had a couple of debt collectors attempting to get paid twice by the estate. My attorney at the time couldn’t handle a case this size so he backed out.
On September 8, 2005, I engaged Shari Caton as my attorney for my Mother’s Estate who helped me prove to the State of Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing that I had received a disability on my back during active military service and that I was receiving disability compensation from the Veterans Administration. This was grounds for the State of Colorado to drop their claim against the estate and so they did. Thanks to Shari Caton and her high degree of legal professionalism, for blocking the State’s Claim against my Mother’s Estate and stopping a couple of money hungry thieves from getting paid twice.
Shari Caton is an excellent attorney with a vast knowledge of the legal system, a high degree of legal professionalism and works diligently in helping her clients win their cases. Shari is a great person as well as a great attorney who is second to none. A real WINNER!!! I very highly recommend her to anyone needing legal help.
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18 Apr, 2017 by Anonymous
Bradley Frigon is extremely knowledgeable about estate matters including Medicaid. He helped me immensely during a difficult time in my life. His billing practices are very fair and the money spent on probate was well spent. His staff is friendly and helpful, as well. I would highly recommend Mr Frigon and his firm.
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21 Jul, 2016 by Richard
My mother was diagnosed with Breast Cancer in early 2014. When she found out, she was quick to get her will in order with Bradley and his team. I was designated as her Power of Attorney and Executor of the will, and I had no idea what I was doing. In the initial meetings, Bradley explained everything very carefully, and took plenty of time to answer all of our questions. She passed in April of the following year, and everyone at the office was very helpful while I navigated the complicated process of selling her house, managing her finances, and ultimately settling the estate. They were able to communicate quickly and effectively when I needed it, and made the process much easier than it would have been doing it alone. I'm very grateful to Brad, Vicky, and the rest of the team.
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22 Apr, 2016 by Marcus
My mother's wish was to have my sister and I wait one year from her death to split the inheritance 50/50. As the year from her death approached I contacted my sister regarding splitting the inheritance, but she refused planning on keeping all of the money for herself and making her husband full beneficiary. My mother lived and passed away in Denver, Colorado and I live in Kansas City, Missouri. After doing an internet search, I found Mr. Frigon's site very professional, thus I contacted his office for a consultation.
Although my mother made my sister personal representative and full beneficiary on the inheritance, Mr. Frigon was successful in demonstrating my mother's wishes prior to her death to my sister's attorney in the matter. The matter finally resolved in receiving 50% of my mother's inheritance and for each of my sons to receive money towards a down payment on a home. In conclusion, Mr. Frigon and his office demonstrated the highest level of professionalism and kept me apprised of all matters regarding this issue. The cost of resolving this issue was very fair.
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06 Feb, 2017 by Suzi
Travis Perry assisted us with establishing a living trust, estate, and succession planning. He is always accessible and responsive to our specific situations, extremely proficient. Mr. Perry has been incredibly helpful during the transition after a death on our family, ensuring that the proper documentation was updated and administrative tasks were completed.
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26 Jan, 2017 by Kirk
Travis has worked diligently on my parents and my estate planning. Having that combined knowledge has helped us move forward in a positive and proactive manner. I applaud his attention to detail, forward thinking and ability to listen and explain when things get complicated.
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16 Apr, 2016 by Anonymous
Our family was facing a Medicaid and later estate matter concerning the family matriarch. We were dealing with an unpleasant, stressful, and often bewildering legal and family situation. Ms Mitchell helped navigate and manage.
When I first searched for an attorney in the needed specialty, I contacted about 4 or 5 lawyers and firms. Ms Mitchell was the only one who returned my call and then made herself efficiently available for an intake phone call. She and her staff made the initial outreach easy and pleasant. I cannot say the same about others I contacted.
Ms Mitchell’s and her firm’s professionalism continued to shine after the family hired her and as she helped us through the difficult matter. She did what was needed to be done, pleasantly, effectively, efficiently, and with utmost respect. Her competence and that of her staff in this particular area of law is complete. Having this level of competence provided additional assurance in a time of turmoil. The family could trust her, and that means a lot in times of distress. The situation was tough. Without her assistance, it would have been impossible.
I have been and will continue to recommend Ms Mitchell to anyone who is asking for lawyer referrals. In the very near future, when my own family is getting ready for estate planning matters, we will hire her. No need to shop around any further.
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26 Oct, 2012 by Anonymous
Beth is a wonderful Estate Planner. She has great listening skills. She was also wonderful in assisting my mother with her Estate Plan. We would highly recommend her to anyone with a complicated estate portfolio.
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06 Jan, 2016 by Kaaran
It is with great pleasure that I recommend Tracy Tirey. Tracy was my mother's lawyer who put together her will. When my mother no longer could speak for herself Tracy made sure my mother's final wishes were carried out. Tracy was there when everyone else failed. She will fight for you and win. I can't begin to thank you enough. Your staff and commitment to your clients goes above and beyond what we expected. I am so grateful you were my mother's lawyer.
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22 Dec, 2015 by Lyndsey
Wonderful experience. Tracy is knowledgeable, experienced, friendly, and willing to answer any questions that come up. Kristine, at the front desk, is wonderful also.
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15 Apr, 2015 by Jim
Catherine has been our Lawyer (my brother and I) for the last 6 months or so and our relationship has been excellent. She helped us through a very sticky Guardianship case and continuous to provide needed legal advice and support. Catherine's understanding of the legal system is one of the best I've seen. We will continue to use her services to the maximum extent possible.
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29 Dec, 2014 by Ken
Catherine's expertise and confidence in Elder Law was extremely helpful in this emotionally trying situation. She was able to hit the ground running and was able to negotiate several situations with the opposing lawyer and reach an acceptable settlement that will help my father's future needs.
Catherine also negotiated with the other lawyers to find a Conservator that I feel is trustworthy in handling my father's money.
As a Guardian is something new to me I have asked Catherine to stay on as my lawyer and help guide me through the upcoming year. This is a big comfort knowing I have somebody that cares and understands my needs.
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30 Aug, 2024 by Brian pearce
Excellent, experienced team that got me the maximum amount back on my settlement. Very professional, friendly and genuinely caring personnel that will fight for you every step of the way. Highly recommend Sloat, Nicholson & Hoover for all personal injury related claims!
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12 Apr, 2024 by Noah finkelstein
What a talented, remarkable, kind and capable team. Braverman and his team (Melanie and Ariel in our case) provided absolutely first-rate service -- making the complex issues around establishing a trust manageable and easy. They're clearly among the best in the business and we're grateful for their wise counsel and appreciate how wonderful they are to work with.
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12 Apr, 2024 by Jessica ram
Working with the Braverman group has been a very pleasant and easy experience for my husband and me. From the beginning of the process we were put at ease, and every question we’ve had has been answered fully and promptly to our satisfaction. Everyone we have come in contact with has been kind, knowledgeable and highly professional. We will continue to seek legal services from Braverman for any need that may arise in the future.
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16 Jan, 2025 by Andrew brown
Lexus was super helpful, patient, and knowledgeable. Thank you very much Lexus for your time and expertise!
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05 Jan, 2025 by Drew
A highly skilled and down-to-earth team of legal professionals who always prioritize their client's best interests. They only take cases they know they would be best suited for and don't nickel-and-dime their clients. I'd highly recommend them without hesitation.
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26 Sep, 2024 by Bee hollyn
Drew is a professional, friendly and helpful part of the Colorado Estate Matters team. He provided me with a referral that hopefully can help my grandmother access services to meet her needs and wishes. I'm so grateful for the genuine, personable conversation and referral. Thank you again!
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17 May, 2013 by Anonymous
Though Matthew is a younger attorney, he is extremely knowledgeable and professional. He replied to all of my voice messages or emails promptly and always made me feel like my case was a priority. I was dealing with my siblings who were trying to sue me as the personal representative for my father's estate, and Matthew did an excellent job of guiding me through this process. Our outcome was successful and I would recommend him to anyone that needs a good attorney.
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19 Mar, 2015 by Anonymous
Ms. Law is a clear, personable communicator. She understands probate law and is able to explain client's rights so that the client can make decisions with full information. She shows that she values client's time by being prompt for in person appointments and phone discussions. She makes exemplary use of email and text. As a client, I feel that I have a partner who is working with me to guarantee that my best interests are served.
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22 May, 2015 by Melodee
I live in Vancouver, WA. When my mother passed away in February, I was in need of a strong, knowledgable Colorado estate attorney due to an upcoming legal battle with a sibling. I researched estate attorneys and was impressed with the information I gathered about Bob Frie and his legal firm. I made a call on a Friday afternoon and will forever be grateful to have the opportunity to speak with Mr. Frie. It was an emotional day for me and Mr. Frie compassionately discussed what had taken place with my mother. I knew from reading about him that he had 40 years of experience and was the founding partner of the firm.
From the beginning of Mr. Frie agreeing to represent me, to the conclusion of the estate process, Bob always kept me informed, discussed options, listened to me, and invested a lot of time and hard work into my legal situation. Being out of state was never an issue and Mr. Frie did absolutely everything possible to bring about a positive ending for me. I believe he went out of his way to give me the very best legal service. And, in doing so, I felt I had a friend as he listened patiently to my thoughts and concerns. As the legal issues got more involved, so did Mr Frie, and he was on top of every issue, every time. He made sure I understood what was taking place and I had 100% confidence in Mr. Frie's knowledge and expertise.
One other bit of information I found out about Bob Frie on the Internet is that he is named one of the 100 Most Influential People in the History of Arvada! I mentioned this to him after we had worked together for a few months and he was quite humble about it.
I am grateful I had Mr. Frie as my attorney. He did an excellent job for me and I highly recommend him.
As a side note, I often spoke with his secretary and she consistently relayed my messages to Mr Frie and was a pleasure to work with as well.
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27 Oct, 2022 by Jan
Matt handled a matter that would be considered small to a busy attorney, but it was important to me. He and his staff were responsive and provided excellent and timely advice. I would trust any matter, large or small to Meuli Law Office.
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11 May, 2018 by Andrew
Hello. Please use Rebecca Shandrick's legal services without hesitation! She is the epitome of professionalism, supreme knowledge of the law, and for right-sizing the legal solutions to your needs. She won't try to sell, etc., only deliver what's needed for your particular needs. She is very responsive, courteous, and a very good person indeed. We will always happily recommend and refer folks to Rebecca (in fact we already have). You'll be happy to do the same.
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28 Jan, 2016 by Jean-marc
You don't realize how convoluted the law is on wills, trusts, and all things when you or a loved one passes. Well, Molly does, and she will make sure all your loved ones are covered. People dont realize how important this is, UNTIL its to late!
Do you self and all you family a favor. See Molly for your Estate planning now. Thank you Molly!!
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10 Jan, 2018 by Paul
Kevin worked with us to set up our Revocable Trust. He was very personable, thorough, knowledgeable & accommodating. He explained each document in an understandable way. My wife & I were very pleased with Kevin’s service & professionalism. We highly recommend him & will use his services in the future, should the need arise.
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02 Jun, 2014 by Anonymous
Andrew is the most well prepared, knowledgeable attorney I have ever had the pleasure to work with. You could not be in better hands.
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19 Dec, 2012 by David steinhoff
I have worked with Don as co-counsel on 15-20 cases over the past 10 years. He always has his clients' best interests in mind. Don is careful to avoid unnecessary conflict and fees, but he will take a strong stand when the case is right. I highly recommend Don.
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17 Aug, 2018 by Kelly
Attended a dinner class on how to prepare for retirement and after meeting with Carl hired him on to complete our trust. Best decision we made!
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08 Jun, 2016 by Philippa
It never occurred to me that without owning real estate that I would benefit from an estate plan. But by putting a plan together it helped me get my arms around both my current assets and liabilities as well as putting together a plan to reach future goals. Wiegand Attorneys did an exceptional job in delivering an Estate Plan and Medical Directive. But they are so much more. They are constant guides and have helped me to achieve financial, lifestyle and security goals incrementally and steadily over the past few years and are now by my side as I step into purchasing my first property within a living trust with my family. This is a firm you want to not only handle stand-alone transactions, but to have on your team for the long-haul. They truly have their client's interests at heart and are exceptionally experienced, honest, and wise.
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27 Aug, 2015 by Michael
I'm happy to recommend Ms. Eastvedt for help with social security and social security disability cases. She is professional, courteous, and compassionate. She was infinitely patient with me during our meetings and knew exactly how to phrase answers when filling out forms. My experience with her was pleasant and profitable.
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01 Feb, 2015 by Jennifer
I met with Daniel Kapsak along with my Grandmother through the education\planning and final copy of her Will\Trust. We found him to be professional, knowledgeable and very helpful with the process. He always met face to face with us. He took time and was very clear with explaining so that my grandmother understood the process and the choices she was making. Her concerns, wishes and ideas were his priority, and she never felt rushed or had unanswered questions. My Grandmother has since passed away, and my husband and I have been very pleased with all the documents as we have settled her estate. Daniel Kapsak met with us, and gave us direction and assistance. Everything has been complete, and in order. We did need and use the health care power of attorney and financial power of attorney, these made everything clear and stress free. The trust has made the whole process seamless and smooth. We appreciate the peace of mind Mr. Kapsak brought my Grandmother, and now for us.
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21 Mar, 2023 by Laurie
I faced a very sticky probate issue. Richard Vincent was highly recommended, so I was pleased to hire him. He was excellent from start to finish. He guided me through the process, made sure everything was properly documented, and gave me encouragement and advice. The case ended well, and I was relieved and grateful that he handled my case. I can't praise him enough.
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28 Jan, 2017 by Bonny parkerson
Handled my case with professional and personal care. Kept me informed of all proceedings and helped me understand all the lingo so I never felt out of the loop. I highly recommend him.
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09 Nov, 2013 by Ned carter,
Dennis Walters represented me in one of the hardest (according to Dennis) divorce/custody) cases he has ever tried. My wife used every dirty trick in the book, from restraining order to accusations (2 months later) of sexual abuse of our little kids...once we were almost all the way through (11+ month) the judge used the term "NUCLEAR BOMB" in reference to, were the allegations mother had made true or mother's NUCLEAR BOMB" TO KEEP FATHER FROM SEEING HIS KIDS! MOTHER'S ACCUSATION was much stronger that a NUCLEAR BOMB, it was a HYDROGEN BOMB, obliterating absolutely everything! I have been treated worse that a convicted pedophile (no charges were ever filed and I cooperated fully on all fronts) my rights to my kids, house (4000 sq' 9 miles from Aspen, CO), property, tools (unable to make a living), guns (constitutional right), and my life and reputation have been taken away due only to Mother's accusation.
She Amy Carter BSN Aspen Valley Hospital was arrested 2/13/2004 for domestic violence against me (she called 911)...she turned the tables and used/abused the system and Aspen Response for Women coached he how to lie TO GET THE DESIRED RESULTS. It is hurting the kids, she wants to be vindictive against me. She has only allowed me to see our 5 y.o. boy and our 3 y.o. girl for 49 hours in the past 11 months, AND I WAS THE STAY AT HOME DAD! Dennis and I have had a difficult up hill battle to the tune of $54,000 in 11 months....we are currently waiting for the judge Daniel Petre to decide final orders. Judge Petre is very busy, seems very good, honest, and thorough and has given him self until 1/21/2014 to decide this very difficult divorce.
Amy Carter does not let my parents speak to the kids, but her mother "talks to them 2 or 3 times a week". That is a direct quote jOYCE, AMY'S MOTHER form testimony.
Dennis WALTERS HAS DONE THE BEST HE CAN, AN EXCELLENT JOB, AND WE HOPE JUSTICE WILL PREVAIL!
I AM waiting to see if we have a justice system, a legal system, or a LEGAL EXTORTION SYSTEM?
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27 Nov, 2024 by Tom
Kristin was recommended to my wife and me by our investment advisors. After contacting Kristin she provided extensive information on the process to create a customized estate plan and all of the documents to be included, what data she needed from us. Had an initial call to go through our input, answer her questions for us and ours for her. Drafted all documents. Additionally, she welcomed the participation of our investment advisors as a valuable resource in this process. Great to work with!!
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24 Sep, 2024 by Urban sanctuary
Attorney Matt Athey was incredibly helpful and knowledgable!
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01 Jun, 2024 by Patrick ryan
I had the pleasure of representation from J, B & P through a very difficult time in my family with my father being very ill and my needing to take over for his health and finances. My attorney, John Konz, was very kind, professional and effective. Good firm, good people. I am grateful for their kind expertise.
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30 Apr, 2024 by John goneau
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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:
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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.
