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15 Dec, 2024 by Pajoe
My family was going through a difficult time when my 96 year old dad broke his hip the day before Thanksgiving this year. Unfortunately his health declined quickly and we didn't know what to do to take care of our 91 year old mother. We contacted P. A. Lundy & Associates and Attorney Paulette Lundy was able to help us quickly but not only that, assure us that we were not alone and that made all of the difference for me and my 5 siblings in carrying out our dad's final wishes. We are forever grateful that we found her.
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23 Nov, 2024 by Brett bill
Wouldn't want anyone else to be my realtor. Her events for clients and friends are top notch
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22 Nov, 2024 by Ken alce
Jeanette is wonderful, professional, well-connected, honest and a pitbull. Enjoyed working with her and looking forward to more deals!
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5.0
2 Reviews
05 Jan, 2016 by Doris
My elderly parents did not have there affairs in order. I meat with Mr. Burke and he started the process to help them.
Mr. Burke came out to have Daddy sign the papers. Kevin was sweet , patient and kind to my parents.
Unfortunately My father passed away a month later. But everything was taken care of so my Mother didn't have to do a thing
Thanks Kevin!
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05 Jan, 2016 by Joe
My wife and I along with my young son moved to Annapolis where I started my own business. I thought I knew enough about wills and estate planning, but after meeting with Kevin, I found out I did not. His insights and experience were valuable. A great job by Kevin and highly recommended.
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15 Oct, 2024 by Veronica
I retained Mr. McDonald with respect to the administration of an estate. I could not have been happier with my choice. Mr. McDonald was supportive, knowledgeable and professional. I highly recommend him to anyone in need of an attorney who specializes in Estate/Elder Law.
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09 Oct, 2024 by Anonymous
I had the pleasure of working with Mr. McDonald for my father's estate planning, and I can't recommend him highly enough. His knowledge of the law is impressive, and he took the time to explain every step of the process clearly. Mr. McDonald was not only patient and understanding but also truly compassionate, making a challenging situation much easier to navigate. If you're looking for an attorney who will prioritize your needs and guide you with expertise, look no further. Thank you, Mr. McDonald and your team for your outstanding support!
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09 Oct, 2024 by Ron
My wife and I were referred to Andre McDonald for estate planning in Washington DC. We would highly recommend him to anyone seeking help with trusts, wills, advance directives, etc. Andre patiently explains complicated law, and gives excellent advice. He is upfront regarding what he can and cannot do, what it will cost and how long it will take; no surprises.
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29 Jan, 2020 by Carol
Mr. Mathis was courteous and efficient in updating our documents. He took the extra step of referring us to an attorney in a different field who could answer specific questions which fell out of the purview of estate planning. I recommend his services and appreciate his professional expertise.
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06 Jan, 2020 by Diana
I would highly recommend Joseph Mathis to anyone considering an attorney for a matter. Period. I have been a paralegal for the past 25 years in Washington state, but lacked a referral from any sources to handle the probate of my stepmother in Maryland. I found Mr. Mathis just as you are doing now by reading his reviews on AVVO. I was compelled by the online review to contact him and I was not disappointed in any area of representation.
My case involved the probate of my stepmother’s estate. My father pre-deceased my stepmother, but my father’s estate was not probated based on the assumption that my stepmother would “do the right thing” by my father. This was my father’s third wife, but he also had been married to her for over 30 years. She had no children of her own, her parents had pre-deceased her and she was estranged from her sister for over a decade, if not longer.
My step-mother did sign a will within months of my father’s passing that accomplished doing the “right thing”, however, due to either her severe alcoholism or undue pressure/influence from “friends”, she changed her will to exclude all three of my father’s children and leave her estate to three of her “friends”. Two of these friends hadn’t been part of her life for over five years and one of them was my father’s friend who she had been “dating” after my father’s passing.
After she passed away, we discovered that my stepmother’s alcoholism was more severe than anyone thought it to be. It was on this fact that I pursued investigating a will contest, aka caveat proceeding, with Mr. Mathis. Based upon my stepmother’s severe change in behavior, her self-isolation, and new discovered high level of alcoholism, I truly believed that my stepmother was not in her right state of mind when she signed the second will. . In addition to my stepmother signing the new will two years after my father’s passing and 4 years before she passed, we were told by her attorney that she had sent a letter to him that stated that none of her deceased husband’s family were to inherit from her estate.
In the end the land my grandfather gifted to my father in the early 70s (pre-marriage to my step-mother) where he and my father built the only home my father’s children knew, and the only piece of land my father grew up on from age 12, was sold and the proceeds split between “friends”.
I was forced to purchase a few of my father’s guns from my stepmother’s estate. I found out about the auction of my father’s items the morning of the auction. Obviously, I couldn’t get to Gettysburg from the West Coast in time. I emailed and called Mr. Mathis’ office at 6:00 am (PST) and Mr. Mathis called the personal representative’s attorney to see about stopping the auction or what options might be available to us. There was nothing I could do but bid on my father’s property. I called Mr. Mathis in tears this day to tell him how things went. I had to leave him a message with my crying voice. He was so kind, he called me after hours to see how I was doing.
All of this hurt my heart wickedly, but I cannot say enough positive things about Mr. Mathis’ handling of this case. When we discovered the letter plus the new will of my step-mother, Mr. Mathis was very honest with me about worrying about the amount of money it might take to fight the will with this new information plus the probability of not being able to “win”. Mr. Mathis could have simply told me a retainer amount and taken my money, however, he admitted he was concerned about the costs versus the probability of winning. This is the mark of a truly great attorney. Based on my experience, a great attorney is more concerned about the negative affect on his/her client’s versus being paid a fee in a probable no win situation.
I recommend Mr. Mathis for any legal matter you seek counsel on without any reservation!!!
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25 Oct, 2019 by Mark
Mr Mathis is a very knowledgable, easy going estate planner. He was able to explain many things in simple terms and my 87 year old mom thought he was great too!
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31 Aug, 2020 by Anonymous
I hired Mr. Davis after a consultation regarding execution of a will. He is a wealth of knowledge and experience as well as a great communicator. Really appreciated his prompt attention and flexibility with my
schedule. Great to work with!
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28 Jan, 2019 by Lucy
Mr. Davis has worked with me three separate times. He prepared my Will and all those papers you have to have now days - the Power of Attorney and Living Will, financial papers and on and on. My head was swimming. He spent a lot of time with me and made it as painless as possible. It's not fun making a Will.
The second time I worked with him, he handled the probate of my father's estate. The third time was the probate of my mother's estate. He was kindness, itself, both times. It's never easy when a parent dies yet he was able to be comforting as well as helpful. He spent more time with me than he probably should have and made sure I understood everything that was happening with the estates.
I highly recommend him to anyone with elder law concerns. He leaves no stone unturned and makes sure you, the client, understand and are aware of the ins and outs of the legal stuff older people have to deal with.
(His assistant, Michelle, is great, too.)
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16 Jan, 2019 by Glen
Mr. Davis was extremely knowledgeable and professional. He informed me of what I was to expect of the legal circumstances of my case and guided me appropriately. He represented me in a hearing and at trial and was outspoken on my behalf. He also took an interest in me as a person and supported me and encouraged me on a personal level which was very helpful. I highly recommend him as an attorney and advocate.
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27 Nov, 2024 by Sherri necessary
Mr. Muncy was a pleasure to work with and an incredibly supportive advocate during one of the most challenging times of my life. After I experienced a traumatic attack that left me with a loss of eyesight, Mr. Muncy took on my case with compassion, dedication, and a commitment to justice. He handled every step with professionalism, keeping me informed and reassured throughout the process. Thanks to his expertise, we won the case, bringing a sense of closure that I truly needed. I’m grateful for his hard work, including that of his staff, and I highly recommend him to anyone in need of an exceptional attorney.
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27 Nov, 2024 by Pedro lopez
Excelente servicio y representación. Está firma aceptó tomar mi caso cuando otros abogados se negaron a llevar mi caso. Consiguieron que mi caso fuese aceptado con el seguro. Estoy muy agradecido. Recomiendo sus servicios.
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24 Oct, 2024 by Jesus tapia
Thank you Bruce. Very helpful and had a lot of patience when explaining to me various question I had regarding a accident my son was involved in. Can't thank you enough for putting my wife and I mind at ease.
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08 Aug, 2024 by Sarah cahill
Michael Katz and his team are top notch customer service providers. They are different than most offices - you can tell they do truly care and are true to their word and mission. They take time to understand your case and are have lots of expertise.
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15 Jul, 2024 by Susan you
Ms. Jessica keister is a fantastic attorney! She cares so much about her clients ! She helped me with my divorce and was both professional and empathetic. She kept me informed every step of the way through the process . Not only was she supportive, but she took a lot of time to explain those things I didn't completely understand. Her advice was on point and led to a good outcome for me and my family for which I am grateful. Thank you so much Ms. Jessica keister. I highly recommend her !
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18 Nov, 2023 by Tiffany h
Emily Koning, and every member of the team there at FLAG, operated with such competence, clarity, and integrity that I was shielded from the confusion and loss that my divorce could have caused me and my children. I am forever grateful! Anyone, who has to go through such an unfortunate situation as divorce, can trust this team to deliver the best litigation for their case!
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18 Oct, 2024 by Kimberly cotterill
I confidently recommend Jennifer McManus and Ally Legal Planning to anyone seeking excellent legal services.
From the first meeting with Jennifer to the last day of wrapping up, we felt well guided through the uncharted process of handling our family estate.
Jennifer answered all questions and concerns directly and promptly. She conveyed every aspect of the process along the way and apprised us of the schedule ensuring all deadlines were met on time.
Jennifer McManus and the team at Ally Legal Planning exceeded our expectations!
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18 Oct, 2024 by Rachel bartley
Working with Katie was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. For me, legal documents and contracts can be very daunting and I get very overwhelmed. Katie made it simple and easy to understand. I would recommend Katie and Ally Legal Planning to anyone.
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17 Sep, 2024 by Alan goldstein
Jennifer did an amazing job with our family trust. Every base was covered and every possible contingency was addressed. Her encyclopedic knowledge of not just the laws but also of financial and tax matters was invaluable. She made the whole process easy and was such a joy to work with.
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16 Mar, 2024 by Ken levinson
I had the honor of serving as the keynote speaker for the Maryland Association for Justice's Auto Negligence Seminar, Litigating Auto and Trucking Cases in State and Federal Court.The experience provided me with profound insight into the dedication and commitment of MAJ towards empowering trial lawyers to achieve justice for their clients. My topic, "From Crash to Trial: Strategies for Your Truck Cases," allowed me to share and exchange knowledge in a forum that is genuinely passionate about courtroom excellence and client advocacy.
I am immensely impressed by the extent of resources, support, and educational opportunities MAJ offers to trial lawyers. Their efforts to ensure we are well-equipped to represent those who have been seriously injured or families of those tragically lost in accidents is commendable. The MAJ stands out as a first-rate organization, not just for its professional excellence but also for the quality of its people. The warmth, openness, and dedication of everyone involved are truly remarkable.
Being part of their program was not only an honor but a testament to MAJ's commitment to fostering a community where trial lawyers can grow, learn, and succeed in their pursuit of justice for their clients. It is organizations like MAJ that underscore the importance of our work and reinforce our commitment to fighting for those harmed by negligence.
To my colleagues in the legal profession, if you're seeking a community that offers unparalleled support, resources, and educational opportunities to enhance your practice, look no further than the Maryland Association for Justice. Their work makes a significant difference in our ability to serve our clients effectively, and I am proud to have been a part of their esteemed program.
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06 Feb, 2024 by Justin wallace
30 Jan, 2023 by Randy mcdonald
16 Mar, 2024 by Ken levinson
I had the honor of serving as the keynote speaker for the Maryland Association for Justice's Auto Negligence Seminar, Litigating Auto and Trucking Cases in State and Federal Court.The experience provided me with profound insight into the dedication and commitment of MAJ towards empowering trial lawyers to achieve justice for their clients. My topic, "From Crash to Trial: Strategies for Your Truck Cases," allowed me to share and exchange knowledge in a forum that is genuinely passionate about courtroom excellence and client advocacy.
I am immensely impressed by the extent of resources, support, and educational opportunities MAJ offers to trial lawyers. Their efforts to ensure we are well-equipped to represent those who have been seriously injured or families of those tragically lost in accidents is commendable. The MAJ stands out as a first-rate organization, not just for its professional excellence but also for the quality of its people. The warmth, openness, and dedication of everyone involved are truly remarkable.
Being part of their program was not only an honor but a testament to MAJ's commitment to fostering a community where trial lawyers can grow, learn, and succeed in their pursuit of justice for their clients. It is organizations like MAJ that underscore the importance of our work and reinforce our commitment to fighting for those harmed by negligence.
To my colleagues in the legal profession, if you're seeking a community that offers unparalleled support, resources, and educational opportunities to enhance your practice, look no further than the Maryland Association for Justice. Their work makes a significant difference in our ability to serve our clients effectively, and I am proud to have been a part of their esteemed program.
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06 Feb, 2024 by Justin wallace
30 Jan, 2023 by Randy mcdonald
29 Nov, 2024 by Diana manzo
05 Oct, 2024 by Robin finch
If you are looking for an estate attorney, whether your estate is large or small, simple or complicated, I highly recommend Andre McDonald and the Mc Donald Law Firm. I recently had the occasion to use the McDonald Law Firm for a small estate that had some minor complications due to the fact the deceased did not have an estate prior to death. Mr. McDonald met with me several times over the phone for information gathering and then set up the face to face meeting. Every document, every filing, every notice was prepared, laid out and explained clearly. At the same time, Mr. McDonald prepared a living trust for me with the same meticulous precision he used when he prepared the estate. I have complete confidence, due to Mr. McDonald's in depth knowledge of estate law on every level that the estate will be settled cleanly and quickly and my Trust will provide exactly what I want upon my passing. Do not settle for anything less than the excellence provided by Andre McDonald, his team and the McDonald Law Firm.
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12 Jul, 2024 by Jamie goldberg
27 Nov, 2024 by Sherri necessary
Mr. Muncy was a pleasure to work with and an incredibly supportive advocate during one of the most challenging times of my life. After I experienced a traumatic attack that left me with a loss of eyesight, Mr. Muncy took on my case with compassion, dedication, and a commitment to justice. He handled every step with professionalism, keeping me informed and reassured throughout the process. Thanks to his expertise, we won the case, bringing a sense of closure that I truly needed. I’m grateful for his hard work, including that of his staff, and I highly recommend him to anyone in need of an exceptional attorney.
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27 Nov, 2024 by Pedro lopez
Excelente servicio y representación. Está firma aceptó tomar mi caso cuando otros abogados se negaron a llevar mi caso. Consiguieron que mi caso fuese aceptado con el seguro. Estoy muy agradecido. Recomiendo sus servicios.
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24 Oct, 2024 by Jesus tapia
Thank you Bruce. Very helpful and had a lot of patience when explaining to me various question I had regarding a accident my son was involved in. Can't thank you enough for putting my wife and I mind at ease.
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13 Nov, 2024 by Greg blount
A wonderful experience working law offices of Todd Mohink. He’s very thorough and informative. He listened to my problems and gave great guidance. Thank you Todd
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10 Oct, 2024 by Eric sheng
No one wants to be in legal trouble but if it comes knocking on your door, Todd K. Mohink, PA, is the one you want to be on your side. As a seasoned attorney at law, Todd has vast experience and a wealth of knowledge. What most impressed me about Todd was that he was able to give me a sense if reassurance and the confidence that things would be ok. Today, my life is back to normal and I’m grateful for Todd’s help.
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02 Oct, 2024 by Marcos escotto
My case could not have worked out any better. Todd was recommended to me by my employer with not a lot of time to spare before the case and he still resolved the matter with the best possible outcome. Hes well connected. Todd had relationships with EVERYONE; the judge, the prosecution, the other lawyers, everyone. Very impressed and he is highly recommended
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07 Aug, 2024 by Tash otto
I always thought an "officer" did ethical things, like fight for a child's best interest, call out or allow testimony against the lies spoken about someone. I also once believed in justice, not that this matters to you. It's just a paycheck.
I am hopeful that someday you realize that in the interest of your paycheck you destroyed a young woman and her father. You don't care if a good man loses his car, home or job. You only care about winning and there's really nothing a decent person would need to hear beyond that. Maybe someday look deeper into the people whose lives you destroy in the interest of a buck. Because a man who can't afford an attorney can certainly afford to pay your wealthy narcissist the money he could have paid an attorney? I don't make $100k per year. I serve people. We don't make great money, you must know that. Oh, right but you presented lies about my pay to fool the judge.
Congratulations. Resting your case was well played when you don't care about the truth. I could have destroyed your client and her witnesses. Only one of them ever used to know me, the bipolar 54 year old who still lives in his mommy's basement, from high school! You have no idea what you've done. Someday I hope you do. It is a relief that I will never have to deal with the unethical likes of your firm again!
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23 Feb, 2024 by Michelle hamed
Would really not recommend, not thoughtful or caring during COVID and a very sad family matter. I’m still not sure how I was helped me for the amount of money I spent in a short time. I feel was taken advantage of me for 5,000 retainer and billed for each and every line item. As a single Mom, who didn’t have two incomes and during COVID we never even met or Facetime, never even met her online or other
. The sad lack of large financials as a single Mom was totally disregarded. Unfortunately not a good experience at all. Lawyers need to be held accountable for their work and not just bill to bill and make money. I don’t see how physicians are so regulated and lawyers have no regulations, it’s unethical.
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02 Sep, 2023 by K f
Angela Grau and her team of attorneys, paralegals, administrative assistants and accounting department were top notch. Even though as the trustee and personal representative I could manage my mother's trust and estate, I knew nothing on how to defend my mother's trust from litigation. Angela was recommended to me by my mother's attorney who drew up the Maryland Will and Trust. I asked them for a referral. I will not go into details about my particular litigation. DARS was professional, knowledgeable, responsive, paid attention to detail, and helped me navigate the tasks of managing my mother's affairs after her passing. I will forever be thankful for their help. I highly recommend them.
I would like to update my review and make some comments about another attorney within DARS. My niece who lives in Howard County was in need of a top-quality family law attorney. I referred her to DARS and told her she will find a top-notch team to help her with some very serious issues. Once she contacted DARS she decided to utilize the services of Britton Gore. And just yesterday, April 13, my niece received a very positive decision on her case from the Howard Co Court. This portion of the review is secondhand, but I must say that everything that my adult niece and her mother told me about Ms. Gore was extremely positive. She was very prepared for the court proceedings and was able to methodically inform the court of the most important issues which led to their favorable decision. Ms. Gore listened to my niece and pursued evidence to help her tell her story to the court. They are thrilled with the outcome of the proceedings. Once again, thank you DARS for helping my family. And thank you Ms. Gore for your patience, determination, hard work, professionalism and careful consideration of a very serious family issue. You helped my niece find her voice and guided her gently to a positive resolution. My niece and her mother who is my sister, along with my husband and I are grateful to you and your firm.
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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.
