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09 Jan, 2025 by Valerie dickson
I had the pleasure of working with Mr. Andrew Rhoden for my case this past winter. He was very professional and assisted me in preparing my case and ensure that the district was following the proper investigative processes for my case. I would highly recommend his services to any educational professional.
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20 Dec, 2024 by Troy scurlark
Throughout the entire process everyone was very polite, professional and knowledgeable. Amber and Andrew made everything so easy and answered all questions.
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14 Dec, 2024 by Steven moss
Masterly Legal Solutions was incredibly thorough, professional, and caring. From the first meeting I had, it was very clear that Andrew Rhoden was driven by purpose. His experience as a former educator brings a wealth and depth of knowledge.. The level of communication, detail, and empathy that he and his talented staff provide is truly remarkable. If you are looking for an effective lawyer who cares and will advocate for you, choose Masterly Legal Solutions.
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20 Jun, 2023 by Dawn berthal
My BFF Brian Hess is using this law firm after his leg crushing, damaged for life, near death by an 18-wheeler accident, I really can't commend and recommend them enough for the amount of patience and tolerance they are bestowing upon him due to personal issues also going on causing delays, but with kindness, grace, and understanding they continue to reschedule. So,if you're looking for a lawyer who is not in it for the paycheck but legitimately wants to help this is definitely the place you want to be
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19 Apr, 2021 by Shelee daniels
Samples Ames, PLLC has been great to work with on my slip and fall lawsuit. James Ames is the kind of attorney you would want on your side when it comes to getting the most compensation for your injuries. I would recommend him to anyone looking for the best representation.
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10 Oct, 2020 by Tricia b
James was amazing throughout the process. Helped me understand everything I didn't and kept in close communication. I appreciate the tenacity of his approach and got the case closed fast. I HIGHLY recommend James Ames to anyone who has a Personal Injury case. He will fight for you!
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29 Apr, 2021 by Shelby borden
After a death, the last thing you want to do is worry about someone liquidating your fathers assets. This is what my sisters and I had to face a week after burying our dad. Due to him not having a will things where really complicated and his wife tried to take advantage of the situation. A family friend referred us to Bill and he has been a breath of fresh air throughout this entire process. Her attorney has been procrastinating the entire time and Bill has been on him like white on rice! Bill is very much to the point- no BS so if you want to be coddled then this one isn't for you. But, if you want the facts and someone that is going to give it to you straight while fighting for what's right then Bill is your guy. I highly recommend his team to anyone going through probate or a family settlement agreement. He's expensive but well worth the money I promise!
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30 Sep, 2020 by Chã©rie green deyoung
There are few things as personal as a family dispute. There are even fewer people with integrity that will ethically represent you during an extremely difficult time. I interviewed many firms, as it was not only important to me that a positive outcome occurred, I also wished for someone that understood my plight and had character throughout the process. Bill was professional, thorough and honest from the start. He pointed out facts that no one else did as he had a grasp of the intricacies of our family trust and the law. He advised me openly along the way and I am grateful that he got an extremely positive outcome in a relatively short timeframe and at a fair fee. Highly recommend Houser Law Firm.
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22 Aug, 2017 by Richard brown
Outstanding Law firm in Rockwall. This is the go to guy.
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07 Nov, 2024 by Blake vincent
David and his team always consider the best plan for the Client's needs. I would highly recommend them, along with other Colleagues that refer him regularly for Estate Planning and Probate Services.
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05 Nov, 2024 by Christian alarcon
Pyke & Associates was able to help me with my father's Probate will. Mr. Balen who was assigned to my case is a great lawyer! who managed the Probate to go smother. Also, Mr. Balen took the initiative to help me with the sales of my father’s estate. He fought for me to find a title company and after dealing with the third title firm, he was able to help me close the sales. This process took almost a year, but if it hadn’t been for him, it would probably taken longer. I am very pleased with the service, Pyke & associates has provided me. It is a great firm and the lawyers are excellent!
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25 Oct, 2024 by Melissa couture
Herman was excellent very informative and efficiant
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23 Jan, 2025 by Robert roberto
Esos abogados no sirven para nada después de un año me dejaron tirado mi cap no lleven sus casos con ellos no se los recomiendo
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21 Jan, 2025 by Sherry wilson
20 Jan, 2025 by Della etheridge
I had a very pleasant experience with Wolf Law PLLC, thanks to Daniel Jimenez. He was very professional, very informative, diligent in his duties. I was referred to this office for the professional and knowledgeable team for my case. As a person that had no experiences with such, Mr Jimenez confidently guided me through the process. I am very confident that my best interest was their top priority. I would recommend Wolf Law PLLC for the best of services to anyone. I cannot express my gratitude for your help and time. I'm tremendously, indubitably, unequivocally, and abundantly grateful for the positive results in the end.
Kind regards,
Della (Etheridge) Madison
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05 Jan, 2025 by Adan guzman
Highly recommend
Very quick response, asked me necessary questions and made feel very safe having an excellent attorney on my side. Everything turned out in my favor.
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18 Nov, 2024 by 2 gp
Working with Mr. Karns was an incredibly positive experience. His responsiveness and clear guidance stood out prominently in our interactions. Mr. Karns is well-versed in military law and offers practical, sound advice. I highly recommend him for anyone seeking expert legal counsel.
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06 Nov, 2024 by Timothy bennett
Call is picked up by somebody that is making sure I know that he doesn’t want to be answering the phone (weird they would apply for such a position) and I state that I have a military related legal matter. The guy on the phone instantly responds by telling me that they don’t do military law. Contrary to the Google search, all the reviews, the entire website, and all of their social media presence… they apparently DO NOT DO MILITARY LAW. Mind you, I was never asked to explain my case or what sort of outcome I was looking to reach. Just begrudgingly answered the phone and told me, with no knowledge of my intentions, that they don’t do the only thing they advertise. Fantastic. Updating to address his response. They can’t take my case that I have never described to them because they want to play around with the semantics of my choice of words. My (a person with no law background) words that I used when reaching out for assistance with… law. They recommended small claims court on the phone but small claims court caps at $7,000 rather than a half million. Anyways. This guy really said “21 a day? Let’s pump those numbers.”
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28 Sep, 2017 by Mary
We've used Mr. Cohen fit estate planning for 2 relatives.
He hosts and teaches free seminars on what his clients communicate to him that they are interested in. He and his staff make everything easy to understand. Other lawyers tend to overuse words they are familiar with (since they use the terms every day).
Me Cohen uses analogies and simple terms to communicate with the regular civilian
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20 Jun, 2017 by Anonymous
I can't say enough positive things about Michael Cohen. I live in Georgia with a family member in Texas and needed to get a lot accomplished during our visit. I provided an agenda of items that were needed and he and his staff met every need and I'm so appreciative. For those going through this process with a loved one, Michael Cohen is a great partner through the process.
In response, to those that feel the cost were high... I can only speak for myself, but I went in with all the items that I needed identified ahead of time and the cost were within reason compared to other attorneys. If you don't have a plan you can literally talk for days about all the scenarios you and your family could face and that will raise your spending.
Good luck!
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24 Nov, 2015 by Anonymous
Michael Cohen has a vast knowledge and expertise in Elder Care Law. He was highly recommended to me by two lawyers who greatly respect his work. It is his passion, as one can see in consultation meetings w/him. He is constantly updating his knowledge of all the Medicare & Medicaid Laws in Texas, as well as in other states, as the laws change continually. Michael is a teacher by nature wanting all the family members involved to understand all the pertinent information/facts that might apply to your individual case. In dealing with an elder, Michael's compassion for his or her situation is truly evident, not only in his words, but also by his actions. I highly recommend this Elder Care Attorney. I trusted him to complete a living trust for my beloved mother. To me, honesty and trust is everything when choosing an Elder Care Attorney to help our aging parents. I recommend Michael B. Cohen without hesitation to you.
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11 Apr, 2019 by Rhonda
Mr. Collins was referred to me in 2012 during a time that was intense and vulnerable, both financially and emotionally. He absolutely 'took the bull by the horns' and gave sound advise and direction. I've remained a client since! Expect his highest and best at all times!
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06 Mar, 2018 by Lisa
Mr. Collins was clear and concise and gave me step by step instructions on what to do in my probate case. He was very friendly and he never acted superior like many lawyers do. I felt very comfortable asking questions that I'm sure he had answered a thousand times. His administrator was wonderful to work with. She is so kind and helpful and knowledgeable. It was a great experience.
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28 Aug, 2015 by Robin
Ira is a great listener. He asks important questions to help his clients better understand their goals.
He is always kind and compassionate.
He has advised our family on important matters for over twenty years.
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26 May, 2015 by Anonymous
Silverman helped my father prepare a will, trust and related documents. After my father died, Silverman handled probating the will and helped with estate and trust administration. I can't say enough good things about Silverman and his office. The work was done timely, for a reasonable price and was of the highest quality. I have worked with several lawyers over the years. Silverman is one of the very few who returned calls promptly and took a genuine interest in both my father and me. I can give him my unqualified recommendation.
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03 Mar, 2016 by Anonymous
I purchased my first house a year ago and found out shortly after that the seller did not disclose water leaks or mold and in fact tried to cover this up. Collen came to the rescue and helped me through every step in the process. Collen and his team were there whenever I had questions regarding the case and issues from the remediation company all the way to the contractor that finished the build out. Every step of the way Collen was there. Being that it was my first house I really did not want to take this case to trial and it be dragged out for years. Collen was able to settle the case after a couple of months and the settlement was very satisfactory to me. I felt that in any situation Collen would always make time for his clients. I would highly recommend Collen to anyone that has dealt with construction problems. He really knows his stuff and the process.
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14 Jan, 2010 by Frank
Extremely knowledgeable and talented in employment law as it relates to employee v. employer situations. Ms. Gibson presented a non-confrontational approach in representing my position to senior management regarding unacceptable management practice in the mid-level area. The approach was successful on several points. It was non-threatening to senior management. It provided a win-win opportunity. It presented undeniable facts in a manner that eliminated threats and emotion. It got favorable results.
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07 Nov, 2022 by Anonymous
1st lawyer who listened more than he talked. Did what he said, on time and at the agreed on fee.
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06 Jun, 2013 by Mark
Christopher Haltom did an excellent job working on my father's estate documents, including trust, will, etc. He explained everything in full detail and left no stones unturned.
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11 Aug, 2016 by Joseph carlson
Great person and great professionalism!
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13 Oct, 2022 by Daniel vicario
Fair and adequate representation.
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08 Jul, 2021 by Lilly benitez
Brown Fox has helped in the success of my small business from inception through an array of confusing situations. They truly are counselors.
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04 Mar, 2020 by Reid beucler
21 Jun, 2024 by Chi
Sadie was an old law school friend of mine. I went to her for help with a personal probate matter and it was like we were back in lawschool again with Sadie patiently tutoring me on the on the ins and outs of probate law. She handled our case with ease and expertise, took on everything for my loved one in our time of need, and will be handling my estate planning soon. Take it from a practicing attorney, there is no one more qualified, meticulous, and compassionate when you are in need of a Wills, Trusts, Probate, and Estate Planning attorney in Texas. Do yourself a favor and make the call to her for a consult asap.
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01 Mar, 2024 by Cynthia bishop
Very friendly. Punctual and very well-informed.
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09 Nov, 2023 by Jennifer cashier
I recently worked with Staubus & Randall on matters related to the probate process, and I couldn't be more impressed with the level of professionalism and expertise they brought to the table. From our initial consultation to the resolution of the case, Joseph Legere demonstrated a deep understanding of probate law and a genuine concern for my family's needs.
Joseph and his team guided us through every step of the probate process, ensuring we were well-informed and comfortable with the decisions we had to make. Their attention to detail and ability to navigate complex legal issues were truly commendable. What could have been a daunting and overwhelming experience was made much more manageable thanks to their expertise.
In addition to their legal acumen, Joseph Legere exhibited a high level of empathy and patience. He took the time to answer all of our questions and address any concerns we had. It was clear that they genuinely cared about helping us through a difficult time.
I would highly recommend Staubus & Randall to anyone in need of a probate attorney. Their combination of legal knowledge, professionalism, and compassion sets them apart. I am grateful for the support they provided and the peace of mind that came with having such a capable attorney by my side.
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20 Dec, 2024 by Santos villatoro
Hired Mullen & Mullen for the first time and the experience I had was terrific! They are on top of things! They keep you well informed In every step of the way and they answer any questions or concerns to its entirety!
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20 Dec, 2024 by Brian hughes
Joe Morrison was patient and persistent in pursuing my agenda.
Cannot be happier with the results.
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18 Dec, 2024 by Erica rosillo
I definitely recommend Mullen and Mullen, from the start they went above and beyond to make my situation less stressful and comprehended. Michael Foster showed me that this law firm genuinely is here to help. They kept me updated constantly and answered all my questions without hesitations. A big thank you to Greg, Olivia, Kimberly, and everyone involved who made this process easier and kept me informed on every step. Without a doubt this is the right law firm to go to if you’re in need.
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30 Oct, 2024 by Justin miller
They were able to get us compensation that otherwise for sure would not have received dealing directly with the manufacturer. It was helpful to have representation to navigate this issue. We would use again if we had a problem.
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24 Oct, 2024 by Ray raymond
Excellent service.
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24 Oct, 2024 by Nicholas hughes
22 Jul, 2020 by Jill
John not only helped us with a critical business issue and recommended another incredible attorney to partner with regarding the business issue. Together we were successful in solving the issue. Additionally, John has helped me with a business succession plan and estate planning. His knowledge in these areas are very good, and his recommendations are on point.
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25 Jun, 2020 by Chuck
John helped our family navigate the complex and frustrating maze of the Medicaid approval process after my father had a stroke. There were extreme challenges we had to overcome. He also set up his Life Estate Trust. There were many unique challenges with this case too. He can be a little gruff at times but he does care about you and will do what he says he will do. I would recommend him.
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25 Jun, 2020 by Kay
We contacted John after my husband died to consult with him about how to handle the estate. We soon learned that he had dealt with many similar cases and we hired him with confidence. He followed through step by step what needed to be done. He is very knowledgeable, experienced and thorough. I am happy to recommend him for your organization. Sincerely, Kay
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11 Feb, 2025 by Robert galbraith
Very pleasant experience with Hamilton Wingo. They always keep your best interest in mind and the communication is never lacking. 10/10 would recommend.
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22 Jan, 2025 by Melissa escobar
I called them to let them know what happened.. they took over and helped me with everything. Anything I needed they took care of. I never had to go through something like this before and I'm glad I picked Hamilton Wingo to help me.
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20 Jan, 2025 by Kevin barb
Brian and his team are the best legal group we have ever worked with. They recently helped us with a complicated business transaction and I could not have asked for better service. Thanks Brian and team!
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07 Dec, 2024 by Brian brackensick
A good conversation, and good advice.
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18 Oct, 2023 by Adam wynne
This was a great firm to work with! Richard was very friendly and knowledgeable. Would highly recommend!
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17 Oct, 2023 by Sonia lucero
I have known Richard for many years and he is a genuine and trustworthy person! His knowledge of patent law is incomparable! I highly recommend working with him, you will be glad you did!
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05 Jan, 2025 by Adan guzman
Highly recommend
Very quick response, asked me necessary questions and made feel very safe having an excellent attorney on my side. Everything turned out in my favor.
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18 Nov, 2024 by 2 gp
Working with Mr. Karns was an incredibly positive experience. His responsiveness and clear guidance stood out prominently in our interactions. Mr. Karns is well-versed in military law and offers practical, sound advice. I highly recommend him for anyone seeking expert legal counsel.
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06 Nov, 2024 by Timothy bennett
Call is picked up by somebody that is making sure I know that he doesn’t want to be answering the phone (weird they would apply for such a position) and I state that I have a military related legal matter. The guy on the phone instantly responds by telling me that they don’t do military law. Contrary to the Google search, all the reviews, the entire website, and all of their social media presence… they apparently DO NOT DO MILITARY LAW. Mind you, I was never asked to explain my case or what sort of outcome I was looking to reach. Just begrudgingly answered the phone and told me, with no knowledge of my intentions, that they don’t do the only thing they advertise. Fantastic. Updating to address his response. They can’t take my case that I have never described to them because they want to play around with the semantics of my choice of words. My (a person with no law background) words that I used when reaching out for assistance with… law. They recommended small claims court on the phone but small claims court caps at $7,000 rather than a half million. Anyways. This guy really said “21 a day? Let’s pump those numbers.”
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27 Feb, 2025 by Becky james
David and his staff did a wonderful job and we would recommend their services to anyone.
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26 Feb, 2025 by Crystal palms
19 Feb, 2025 by Jarvis woodson
Did Great Job Got My Case Dismissed
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17 Jun, 2024 by Leah fleitas
The BEST attorney to work with; we had an outcome that was even better than expected. Thank you!
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04 Apr, 2024 by Jared tinsley
Exceptional attorney. Really cared about making sure i got the payout i wanted even when he didnt have to work as hard as he did to get it for me. i will be recommending him to anyone that asks me for a good compassionate lawyer
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02 Feb, 2024 by Chelsey anderson
Morgan was so tactical and realistic with me, she responded anytime I had a question or concern rather it was big or small, this journey isn't over for me yet but Morgan made sure to put me in the right hands along with being by side along the way. Thank you for all your knowledge and help. You made me feel a peace of security in some of my scariest times. She will definitely fight with and for you.
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11 Nov, 2024 by Olivia
Here’s the updated review:
I hired Shawn Laney, paying $1,500, with the hope of receiving competent legal representation, but unfortunately, my experience was extremely disappointing. In my case, there was a noticeable lack of communication—my calls and messages often went unanswered, leaving me feeling unrepresented and frustrated. Based on my experience, I feel that I did not receive the level of service I expected or paid for. If you’re considering hiring him, I would recommend carefully evaluating other options to ensure you find someone who will be competent, responsive, and won’t just take your money and run.
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25 Oct, 2024 by Anonymous
Don’t use this guy. He took our money and never worked on our case. He does not respond to calls, emails or text and is not at the address on Google. The 2nd address is one mail is forwarded to but it’s an apartment building he doesn’t live in.
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26 Feb, 2024 by Robby green
23 Mar, 2015 by Anonymous
My family hired Don Jones for our 80 y/o parents. Our father suffers Dementia and our mother could no longer care for him at home. He was in serious need of long-term nursing home care. Mom and Dad have accumulated savings exceeding $600k and we were very concerned about it all being paid to the nursing home. We were also concerned about their money running out and that my brother and I would have to pay for Dad's care from our savings. With Don's help and planning, we have been able to protect ALL of Mom and Dad's assets from the nursing home. Medicaid will pay for ALL of Dad's nursing home care on his behalf. We can't say enough great things about Don and his staff. Without him, we wouldn't have known about Medicaid or that it would pay for all of Dad's care. Thank you Don!
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21 Dec, 2014 by Ingrid
I have been working with Donald Jones since 2007. He has always been available to answer questions and give advice at any given time. Highly professional and responsible. I would recommend Donald without a doubt.
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15 Dec, 2014 by Anonymous
I hired Donald to help me and my family with a sensitive estate planning matter. He immediately swung into action and put us in an asset protection plan that now protects our entire estate (which is several hundred thousand dollars). I was floored when Donald explained the law and the asset protection resources that were available to us. I never would have expected that he could do what he did. And, he did it all quickly and ethically for a very reasonable fee.
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28 Apr, 2014 by Anonymous
Very knowledgeable and extremely patient. She helped my mother with her estate planning and made sure all the necessary documents were signed to follow my mother's wishes in case my mother becomes unable to handle her own affairs. She made the whole process not seem so overwhelming.
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17 Oct, 2013 by Christie
Lora is amazing! She helped me stand up to my ex-husband and do what is right for my kids. She got my ex to start paying for my kids heath insurance and he now pays me child support. She was there every time that I needed her. I couldn't have found a better lawyer!
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14 May, 2013 by Anonymous
Extremely smart and quick on her feet. After my last lawyer disaster, she was breath of fresh air! I really have only great things to say about her. She handled my divorce efficiently and discovered assets my husband was hiding. Then she got the court to make him pay some of her fees. Yeah!! Worth every cent.
She has also helped me on and off since the divorce, both in dealing with my ex and with another small matter.
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07 Dec, 2024 by Bertina green
I was unfortunately face with a legal situation and Kelvin Roquemore not only gave me very helpful information he saved me from a costly court case. This law firm goes the extra mile to help and really cares!!! If you find yourself in a situation Roquemore Skierski is the number to call. Hands down the best legal advice.
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08 Nov, 2024 by Ali alrefae
I highly recommend Attorney Mr. Kelvin for his outstanding work in drafting and preparing our sales agreement. His attention to detail and ability to clearly communicate complex legal terms made the entire process smooth and stress-free. If you're looking for a skilled attorney for legal documents, Mr. Kelvin is an excellent choice. Thank you for your exceptional service!
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07 Nov, 2024 by Kevin diomampo
Kelvin genuinely took the time to listen and provide valuable insights. He went above and beyond to help me prepare for an upcoming deposition. His advice was sharp, practical, and incredibly helpful, making me feel much more confident about the process.
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11 Aug, 2016 by Susan
We are very grateful to have been represented by the Schulman Law Firm in connection with personal injury claims. We highly recommend attorneys, John Schulman and Margaret Schulman, for legal advice and guidance.
The Schulmans are very experienced and knowledgeable. They clearly explained the status, details, and development of the cases. The attorneys and staff are very professional but also patient and understanding.
We appreciated the time, effort and attention made on our behalf. They did an outstanding job.
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22 Apr, 2016 by Anonymous
The Schulman Law Firm represents for me in a labor case. The lawyers of this law firm have proved that they have a long time experience specialized in labor laws and they do also have excellent works during the course of events. Finally my case was ended successfully and I am happy about the outcome. Thank you my lawyers.
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16 Aug, 2023 by Michelle
I hired Mr Davis to represent me in a probate case. I came to him with a mess of information regarding mishandling of an estate which I stood to inherit from. He worked very diligently with me to ensure we had all the information and supporting documentation to go forward with the deposition to prove our claim. This was a very sensitive family matter and Mr Davis handled everything with an exuberant amount clarity, compassion, poise, and dignity on my behalf. He was very intentional and through during the questioning in deposition which provided absolute clarity as to amount of mismanagement that had taken place. Mr Davis was excellent about communicating with me every step of the way about what to expect without giving false promises as to a possible outcome. Again I cannot praise his efforts enough for the way he handled this! He was an absolute shark when needed while being compassionate to the situation. I highly recommend Mr Davis for any legal needs especially estate planning matters and probate.
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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.
