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31 Aug, 2024 by Dyson pullins
24 Aug, 2024 by Jim wong
05 Aug, 2024 by Meredith maxwell
Katie assisted me with a private matter. She is prompt and very helpful. Highly recommend.
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17 Aug, 2024 by Kelly byrom
Working with Liz Hart and Mel Valle has been an exceptional experience. I was initially intimidated by the idea of hiring legal representation, but Liz put me at ease from our very first meeting. She took the time to thoroughly explain all possible scenarios and options, answering every question I had. Thanks to her guidance, I felt prepared and confident moving forward.
Throughout the entire process, Liz and Mel kept me informed and addressed any additional concerns I had, never making me feel like a burden. In addition to their in depth legal expertise, they handled all the paperwork and administrative tasks, which was a huge relief and allowed me to focus on recovering from my injuries without added stress. Their dedication and expertise were crucial to achieving a successful outcome.
I am incredibly grateful for the recommendation to work with Liz and Mel, and I wholeheartedly recommend them to anyone in need of legal representation. Their commitment to fighting for their clients and their genuine care make them outstanding advocates.
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31 May, 2024 by Todd bice
07 May, 2024 by Michael owens
Jenn was the only attorney that was strong and ethical enough to stand with us and represent us against overwhelming odds. She really was our strength to fight through the obstacles and achieve a respectable outcome.
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30 Jul, 2024 by Jordan hansen
I spent around two hours talking to Jason and the team at Jordan Law. At first, I thought I was walking into any other law firm – I was wrong. Jason and his team are kind, compassionate, direct? yes. But in such a way I knew he was the perfect lawyer for my situation. Highly recommend – He's the guy you want in your corner, I promise you.
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15 Jul, 2024 by Lr s
Jordan Law is one of the most experienced firms in Colorado. They helped me when a texting distracted driver slammed into my car on the highway. They worked with my doctors in the process to ensure all of my bills were paid on a timely basis. They kept in close communication and gave me constant updates. Ashley on the paralegal staff was very professional and amazing. I highly recommend this firm, Jordon Law.
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11 Jul, 2024 by Jason cheyne
Commutative team! Professional work!
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19 Apr, 2024 by Rona schank
We had the best possible experience with Brad Levin and Susan Minamizono. They were well prepared for our case in every step of the way, and provided professional and dedicated legal services. I highly recommend them.
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05 Mar, 2024 by L l
Robyn was a fantastic person to work with. She brought a creative, flexible and informed approach to my problem and helped bring it to the best possible resolution. She's a girl-boss and a genuine person as well which really helps bring some calm even when faced with stressful legal battles.
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05 Mar, 2024 by Josh shapiro
Robyn and her team were truly amazing to work with. Throughout my case, they were incredibly responsive, always making sure I was informed and comfortable with each step of the process. Their dedication to achieving the best possible outcome for me was evident in their meticulous attention to detail and their proactive approach to overcoming obstacles.
I will always be grateful for the help they gave me through this challenging time for me! Thanks to everyone at Levin Sitcoff Waneka!
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11 May, 2021 by Elias harr
05 Jul, 2020 by Eric kenna
Best vet in Arvada. Piko loves them!
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12 Sep, 2019 by Neal favorite
Liz represented me in a very personal matter. She went above and beyond, and I am fortunate enough to say that with her help, I was able to meet the goals I'd set for myself. She is an amazing attorney!
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20 Sep, 2017 by Lynn
My aging parents needed updated wills and a trust for real estate, and I was referred to Dave by a friend. We had our initial meeting with Dave a few years ago to discuss their individual desires. The meeting could be described as 'painful' at best, since my parents had made decisions as to their respective beneficiaries without discussion between themselves before the meeting. There was a look of shock on both my parents' faces as they each described how they wanted their property divided. Dave was extremely sensitive to the situation when he realized there was more going on than just a standard will and trust for two people in their 80s. He very diplomatically pointed out the possible legal issues with their choices of beneficiaries and how they wanted property disposed, and also brought up in a sensitive manner the personal ramifications. After a very frank and robust discussion, both parents were satisfied with Dave's recommendations, and the wills and trust were put in place.
My mother passed away a few years after the meeting. Dave and his paralegal Brenda were very responsive to my needs as executor and trustee, which was complicated by my living out of state. They arranged their schedules so I could meet with them when I was in town. Dave was pragmatic in advising me as to what I could/should handle versus what they could do as lawyers for my mother and the trust. I got the sense that he was not looking to do simple tasks just to generate billable hours. They responded quickly to questions about forms to be filed, possible issues with the trust selling the family home, and additional documents needed by the realtor.
It is very hard when a parent passes away, and the groundwork laid by Dave a few years ago made the estate settlement process less complicated than it would have been without the will and trust. Dave and Brenda helped throughout the settlement process, from the time of her death to the trust distribution. Working with them was one of the more pleasant aspects during this trying time.
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13 Feb, 2012 by Chris
Dave Osterman is one of the finest attorney's I've worked with. He came recommended to me by a friend, who Dave had just completed a Living Trust for. Dave's fee structure was simple and he delivered far more value than I felt he charged. The Living Trust he prepared for my wife and I was incredibly detailed and covered aspects of our assets I had not even thought of. He continues to answer questions on my trust, to this day, years after preparing it. I would highly recommend Dave to anyone, particularly with a large portfolio of assets.
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17 Aug, 2011 by Anonymous
Since I first hired Dave, he has been extremely helpful, answering numerous questions by phone at no charge even though they were not always related to the original issue.
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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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5.0
3 Reviews
24 Jul, 2014 by Mike
Mr. Danzo was extremely helpful in helping me set up a youth sports non-profit organization. He made the complex process of dealing with the IRS painless. Mr. Danzo and his staff were efficient with something I was told could take a long time.
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13 Oct, 2011 by Anonymous
I met Frank through a professional acquaintance. I was looking for an attorney that I could trust to present to the members of an organization. I needed someone knowledgeable that could also speak to every-day people, and I needed someone that understood that there is no one-size-fits-all solution for estate planning. Frank has fit that perfectly. I’ve been able to trust him repeatedly to present good information to the classes, and I always hear rave reviews from the participants.
Because of all of this, I’ve personally created my estate plan with Frank. He made sure to make the correct plan for my husband and I (We’re younger, poorer :) and have no kids, so it is simpler). Everything was done on time and professionally. I do recommend him to family and friends.
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11 Oct, 2011 by Anonymous
Mr. Danzo has advised me regarding elder law, estate law and real estate issues. I have found him to be trustworthy, responsive, and knowledgeable. Mr. Danzo always returns my calls and has kept me well informed. I would recomend him without reservation. The specific legal matters that he helped me with, were with regard to planning before and what to do after death and also guiding me through a short sale. His referals to other professionals have been great. The location of his office is very central. I felt respected by his staff and comfortable spending time at his office. His fees were fair for the work he provided.
Best of all I liked him as a person. He is a good guy!
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30 Jul, 2020 by Karen lamprey
Elizabeth helped me with my father-in-law's probate. She was great at explaining the process, and was there for all of our questions with empathy and expertise.
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30 Jul, 2020 by Justin davis
Super helpful, and great to work with, thank you!
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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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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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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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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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01 Jul, 2013 by Kay
When I heard Mr. Hughes speak, I realizedI needed his services. I have property with wheat & oil
plus a home in Kansas. I have been concerned that if it isn't protected, I could lose it. My family &
I met with Mr Hughes and he outlined a plan that would protect everything. It has been a big problem
solved and I am so glad to have it planned so I wouldn't lose it. Mr. Hughes gave us guidance & help
in creating a living trust which will avoid complications & save money at my death. I am thankful I
chose Mr Hughes and his firm. I would definately recommend hin to othr=ers.
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08 Dec, 2014 by Debra
He was really fast to respond, knew his stuff and basically got me what I needed, and he keeps his overhead low so I think that is why he was pretty affordable. I don't really feel like paying for a marble office floor and he takes my calls directly.
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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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13 Feb, 2023 by Ryan james
Rafael made it a quick point to call me when I had concerns about our 1099s and a few of our vendors. I really appreciated the calls to get our resolution with out all the back and forth. Thanks Rafael!
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14 Jun, 2022 by Roy mcfarland
Amazing service. Highly recommended! Peter is incredibly knowledgeable and compassionate. Helped with all our legal and tax questions! Thanks!!!
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12 Oct, 2020 by Dean dubach
We've been using LongLG for years. Very knowledgeable and professional. Their staff goes the extra mile for their clients and of course I highly recommend them.
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16 Sep, 2024 by Dan grieser
McCune Legal is professional, easy going and they made everything relatively painless as rarely happens with legal matters. Thanks
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13 Sep, 2024 by Brian and stephanie phelps
From the very first consultation Matt provided clear, detailed guidance and made the entire process much less overwhelming. Matt is very knowledgeable and responsive which made us feel confident and supported every step of the way. Look no further, Matt is your guy!
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26 Aug, 2024 by Alvin schaff
Matthew and the team were a pleasure to work with. In a stressful situation they helped me to navigate my options and make the correct choice for my situation. And through it all the were their every step of the way to help. Can't recommend them enough
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24 Sep, 2024 by Gina hernandez
Our family is very pleased with Mr Henriksen … he was very supportive and understanding with our sons situation he fought with passion and he knew the outcome… Thank you so much you are that the guy😄
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24 Sep, 2024 by Robert fraser
Nothing but respect and appreciation for this firm. There attention to detail and comfort during a very stressful 6 months. There are no words for my gratitude for Joesph and the Sawyer Legal Group. Thank you Thank you Thank you!!!
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05 Sep, 2024 by Mohamed hashi
Gordy did good job. Go see him if you are in an accident.
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20 Sep, 2024 by Josiah
I recently had the pleasure of working with Mike Petrash, and I couldn't be more satisfied with the experience. Mike was incredibly knowledgeable, professional, and dedicated to my case. He took the time to explain every detail and made sure I felt comfortable and informed throughout the entire process. His expertise and commitment truly made a difference, and I am grateful for his exceptional service. I highly recommend Mike Petrash to anyone in need of legal assistance.
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13 Sep, 2024 by Dan ochoa
Jan is an incredibly skilled and experienced attorney. She fights for her clients and get results.
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29 Aug, 2024 by Ross sciaraffa
He was always very professional and did an amazing job with my case I would highly recommend him to anyone that needs an attorney
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20 Sep, 2024 by Josiah
I recently had the pleasure of working with Mike Petrash, and I couldn't be more satisfied with the experience. Mike was incredibly knowledgeable, professional, and dedicated to my case. He took the time to explain every detail and made sure I felt comfortable and informed throughout the entire process. His expertise and commitment truly made a difference, and I am grateful for his exceptional service. I highly recommend Mike Petrash to anyone in need of legal assistance.
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13 Sep, 2024 by Dan ochoa
Jan is an incredibly skilled and experienced attorney. She fights for her clients and get results.
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29 Aug, 2024 by Ross sciaraffa
He was always very professional and did an amazing job with my case I would highly recommend him to anyone that needs an attorney
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15 Aug, 2024 by Modupeolasufficient
Thank God for Alex. Team was a pleasure to work with and they was able to help me get more money than the insurance company gave me for my injuries. GSG law firm did an excellent job in my case and I will use them if needed in the future.
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01 Aug, 2024 by Ralonda huntington
25 Jul, 2024 by Troy bonham
A wonderful law firm. The staff makes you feel heard and they really care about doing their best for each client . You are in good hands. It is great to have a law firm that cares. Im grateful for Alex and Nubia, they go above and beyond to make sure your experience is fantastic.
Troy B.
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20 Dec, 2021 by Daniel graves
Great attorneys and great people work with. I have very much enjoyed working with Gabe.
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31 Jul, 2021 by Rorschach 81
Excellent law firm!
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04 Aug, 2020 by Sean murphy
Great law firm and receptive to your needs. They will go above and beyond to handle any situation that you are dealing with. Kristen Shields out of Nashville personally handled some legal work for our firm and has done an excellent job in protecting a claim for us. Thank you!
Sean Murphy - Financial Controller - MT2 LLC
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02 Sep, 2024 by Emmanuel aleman
28 Aug, 2024 by Dan hyatt
I strongly encourage anyone with legal needs to use Wolf Law LLC. Jeff was professional, efficient and got even better results than I originally anticipated. He kept me informed throughout the process and was always available. I hope to avoid legal issues in the future, but if anything were to come up, there is no where else I’d turn to.
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14 Aug, 2024 by Danielle sawyer
Colleen Kelly was extremely kind, compassionate and helpful in getting us the help we need! I’d give her more stars if I could! 🙏🏼 thank you!
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20 Sep, 2024 by John mccollins
Over the last 10 years I've dealt with roughly two dozen different attorneys across the US with specialties in employment, real estate, family law, and general business contract law from tier 1 firms to leading local firms and solo small firm practices. Tony Viorst is without a doubt in the top 1 or 2 out of the ~24 lawyers that I've ever had the pleasure of interacting with. His rare combination of legal expertise, wisdom, bulldog personality, and most importantly ethics are a lethal mix that set him apart. I would recommend Tony to anyone who needs representation from a highly competent litigator in any of his specialty practice areas and beyond. Thanks again, Tony!
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26 Aug, 2024 by Tamara thiess
Professional, knowledgeable and efficient. Finally got our estate planning done and we have great peace of mind knowing Elizabeth did a thorough job with it. Recommend them 100%!
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20 Aug, 2024 by Debra mosby
Thank you for everything
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19 Aug, 2024 by Evan mahdy
17 Aug, 2024 by Dan krall
Bill did a great job representing me. When I came to him I was in a pretty good state of panic. He helped me to understand what I was up against and formulate a plan that would help us achieve a desired outcome. He kept me informed at all times and was always reachable. I never felt like I was imposing, asking lots of layman's questions, or when I was worrying about things that weren't necessarily a reality, he was able to clearly and concisely well my fears.
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17 Aug, 2024 by Kevin c
Great results. Charges dropped after taking a one time online class and got me permission to attend via Webcam as I live out of state.
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10 Feb, 2024 by Joy stevenson
Wadi and Scott were so Awesome and Amazing in our case! We had a very difficult criminal case that went down to the wire! They held steadfast and they stood their ground. Special thanks to Kris who also made our success possible! We cannot thank you enough for your time, energy and effort that you put forth in this case! If you need a defense attorney, these are your people!!!!
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28 Dec, 2023 by Loren brown
05 Dec, 2023 by Esperanza corchado
02 Aug, 2024 by Ken graham
I had an excellent experience with the Law Office of Nicholas J. Vail, PLLC. I was referred to Nick through colleagues for assistance with creating an operating agreement and understanding the nuances of business ownership types and decision-making processes between business partners. Nick was exceptionally responsive, thoroughly addressing all my questions and providing clear explanations of how to structure my business. He also offered valuable advice on finding a registered agent and detailed the necessary steps for filing. Nick's professionalism and expertise made the entire process smooth and informative. I highly recommend his services for anyone in need of business legal guidance.
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08 Jul, 2024 by Tim pahula
Nick was amazing and would highly recommend. I found him on Contact Counsel, his price was right, but his service and work could not have been better. He is super easy to work with and was very quick but also very thorough. I was work with him again in a second and would highly recommend to anyone! Thanks again Nick!
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08 Jul, 2024 by Tom hawat
Nicolas is a professional lawyer, listen and take care to details, strive to give the correct advise and he is trustworthy.
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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.
