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26 Nov, 2024 by Catherine selinsky
Highly recommended. Very knowledgeable, efficient and thorough.
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19 Nov, 2024 by Beth lang
Michelle is amazing! She has extensive experience dealing with special needs issues as they relate to trusts, wills, etc. and is truly a pleasure to work with, answering questions and providing wisdom and guidance in areas where you might not know all the options. We highly recommend her!
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22 Oct, 2024 by Linda brooks
Great experience working with Ms. Adams at Colorado family Legacy. Professional and thorough process that was completed in a timely manner. Felt she really cared and worked to provide best product for my specific situation.
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17 Dec, 2024 by Zachari kilcoin
She is great awesome to wrk with fight her best for her clients affordable prices flexible she is all around great from my experience
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01 Nov, 2024 by Donovan sykes
Abby Brown , 5 stars ⭐️, she knows the law and she fights very hard for you. She did an amazing job with my case and we won the case . She is amazing and easy to talk to .definitely recommend her
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19 Sep, 2024 by Elizabeth endicott
I can't recommend Liz Hart enough. When you've been in an accident, the last thing you want/need is to be dealing with insurance, and Liz was such a champion, helper, and guide. She is so knowledgeable, tough, kind, communicative, and skilled at what she does. The peace I felt from knowing she was on top of things was invaluable.
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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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25 Jan, 2025 by Dominick tognotti
Cost 4k for one appearance. Needed help from out of state and got fleeced. So much so that I needed to contact the State Bar which is how I know I got fleeced. If he had helped you that's great. Don't give him that much money up front if you need help from out of state. The person I spoke with at the bar can't give legal advice only told me "yes what he did is wrong," Just be careful. You may get completely ripped off if you need help from out of town. I was told it cost 3k to drop his client as a client? He thought he could just hustle me out of over 3k. A good person doesn't do these things. If he can get you out of trouble is all you care about. Fair enough. If you want a good person look elsewhere. This is not a good person. He lied, he ripped off people desperate for help. We happened to have moved and are out of state and we're in need of help. HE RIPPED US OFF with no qualms about it. I'll leave it up to the general public. Does as decent human being do this?
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17 Dec, 2024 by Deanna locke
Jeff is an excellent attorney. He helped a friend with a tough case. He was very effective in achieving a desirable outcome in a timely manner. Thank you, Jeff!
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08 Nov, 2024 by Jamison lippolis
Wolf Law is the best in town, hands down. Cassandra was extremely knowledgeable, and is clearly well connected throughout Denver and larger Colorado.
We had a very technical case, with a lot of moving pieces, and this legal team knew their stuff - I recommend this team to anyone seeking to work on their record, case, or general inquiries into any type of defense proceedings. The cost was very economical, made sense, and I felt like I got even more representation than expected. No nonsense, practicality, and a whipping of the technicals is what you want to win, they helped our family win, maybe you will be so lucky too!
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20 Dec, 2024 by Abraham j alvarez
Stuard H.
Gracias por Su Trabajo Le agradesco por Luchar duro contra este accidente de Uber.
Y por ponerme inmediatamente en terapia de chiropractico para ajustar las areas afectadas mas la suma de dinero que es mas de lo que pense. Que iv a obtener!!.
Muchisimas Gracias.
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16 Dec, 2024 by Freda adjei
Very experienced, very caring and kind. Tbey have a very polite staff
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14 Dec, 2024 by Artie mestas
They were excellent!
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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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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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17 May, 2013 by Anonymous
Though Matthew is a younger attorney, he is extremely knowledgeable and professional. He replied to all of my voice messages or emails promptly and always made me feel like my case was a priority. I was dealing with my siblings who were trying to sue me as the personal representative for my father's estate, and Matthew did an excellent job of guiding me through this process. Our outcome was successful and I would recommend him to anyone that needs a good attorney.
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19 Mar, 2015 by Anonymous
Ms. Law is a clear, personable communicator. She understands probate law and is able to explain client's rights so that the client can make decisions with full information. She shows that she values client's time by being prompt for in person appointments and phone discussions. She makes exemplary use of email and text. As a client, I feel that I have a partner who is working with me to guarantee that my best interests are served.
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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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27 Nov, 2024 by Tom
Kristin was recommended to my wife and me by our investment advisors. After contacting Kristin she provided extensive information on the process to create a customized estate plan and all of the documents to be included, what data she needed from us. Had an initial call to go through our input, answer her questions for us and ours for her. Drafted all documents. Additionally, she welcomed the participation of our investment advisors as a valuable resource in this process. Great to work with!!
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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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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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20 Dec, 2024 by Rebekah blas
Mike was beyond amazing to work with. He is an incredible attorney and we got a favorable outcome on my case. From our first phone call he listened to me and was very sympathetic for my situation. I had spoke with several lawyers prior and they were not as kind or compassionate as he is.
This was my first time needing a lawyer. Mike helped make the entire process smooth and not intimidating. He is very good at his job and does it with ease. He is also very reasonably priced.
I fully recommend Mike if you are in need of an attorney. I hope to not need a criminal defense attorney in the future but if I do, Mike will be the one I call and who I refer people to.
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16 Dec, 2024 by Micah w
Mike helped me a lot settle 3 cases with no jail time! He worked with me and was really on top of getting my cases solved. Thank you again Mike for all your help.
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13 Dec, 2024 by Kristen payne
David & Hayden were phenomenal in their handling of my 16 year old son’s traffic case. If you need representation for anything traffic related, this is the place. Thank you!
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02 Jan, 2025 by Ken andow
I have been working with Dave and the Osterman Law Firm for the past 10 years. First, with an initial estate plan and then with an updated Trust. They have always been extremely knowledgeable, excellent with explaining different options and quick to respond to any questions. I would highly recommend the Osterman Law Firm for all your estate planning needs.
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06 Dec, 2024 by Art jones
Great attentive and personalized service!
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03 Dec, 2024 by Dave karnell
We recently updated our estate plan with Lewis Osterman. All of our questions and concerns were fully addressed and the resulting finished plan meets our needs. In addition, his assistant was very proficient and helpful. I would definitely recommend Lewis to anyone who is contemplating putting together an estate plan or updating an existing plan. Lewis is a true professional who is personable, efficient and knowledgeable.
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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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5.0
3 Reviews
4.3
177 Reviews
16 Oct, 2024 by Jason roben
Highly recommend this firm for any and all legal family matters. Multiple attorneys did a great job representing me on various cases. They’re a great asset if you need help. Thanks again!
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01 Oct, 2024 by Sasha zavada
I worked with attorney Heather Landauer and paralegal Brianna Griffey for my family court case. They were always attentive and on top of the issues I was having. Kept me at ease and took my concerns seriously. I was pleased with the knowledge, service, and time I received. I would recommend them to anyone going through a contested family court case.
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24 Sep, 2024 by Caroline dermon
Erika and her team were amazing!! They went above and beyond in every way possible. Erika was always available to answer my questions no matter what time of day it was. She explained the process every step of the way and was a true advocate for my son and I. I knew she always had my back and she made what was possibly one of the most difficult times in my life, as smooth and seamless as possible. I couldn't have asked for a better outcome and it's all because of Erika. She's professional, down to earth, relatable, crazy smart and the best at what she does. She is my knight in shinning armor and I will forever be grateful for everything she did for me!!
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28 Jun, 2024 by Kate levin
Robyn and her team worked tirelessly on our case and made us feel comfortable the entire step of the process with clear communication in what was an extremely stressful time for our family. Robyn handled sensitive subjects with professionalism and care and always made us feel like our case was her top priority. We are extremely grateful for everything Levin Sitcoff has done for our family. We couldn’t have done it without them!
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27 Jun, 2024 by Lynsey crevier
Susan Minamizono and her team did a wonderful job on my case. She provided a lengthy consult, answering all my questions and giving a clear path forward. Susan is not only professional and great at her job, but she cares about her clients. I always knew what next steps needed to be taken and Susan was always easy to contact, with her responding promptly. If I needed legal services again, I would not hesitate to reach out to her. I’m very thankful for the work her and her team did on my case. With their guidance and help, my case was won.
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12 Jun, 2024 by Lupe gutierrez
Alonzi is the best of the best! Very sympathetic and knowledgeable. We had a brief meeting with him regarding my husbands case and he didn’t even charge for the consultation after he heard our case. He said he would only charge if he went to court with us but assured us it would be thrown out and he was right. Thank you for your wise words we will never forget the kindness you offered us at our time of stress.
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30 Jan, 2025 by Zara akkuly
It was very easy to get an initial consultation with him (just go on the website and schedule it). He couldn't exactly help my specific case because it is incredibly complex and only mildly related to bankruptcy, but he was still very helpful in shedding light on my situation and giving me some suggestions. Thanks Matt!
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13 Jan, 2025 by Jamie chadwick
When the debit consultation company is had been paying for over a year wasn't paying down my debit and I was getting threatened with law suits I didn't know what to do. I called Matt for a consultation and he was great. Before I even said I wanted to work with him he offered me some great advise that saved me from losing a lot more money. I was very nervous about the whole process but Matt and his team were wonderful. They answered all of my questions quickly and never judged. I would highly recommend them!
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03 Jan, 2025 by Drew kendall
Whiting is so lovely and kind as well as a great lawyer. She was incredibly responsive and eased my mind through the process. I could not have asked for better representation.
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23 Dec, 2024 by Megan hart
My husband hired Michael for a very complex child custody case with his ex wife. We worked with Michael for 3 years because of the complexity of the case, and continued unnecessary filings on the the ex wife's side. Him and his paralegal, Benjamin, held our hands the entire way through the process. They were very attentive and responsive when we had questions. They were very knowledgable about case law, and how we could get the best outcome. In the end, my husband won the case and got pretty much everything he requested because Michael put together a solid case that could not be refuted. We hope that we never need a family attorney again, but if we do, we will absolutely return to Michael and his team!
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22 Oct, 2024 by Nate rockitter
I never imagined feeling this good leaving the courtroom this morning. Nicholas Geman turned a potential DUI into a reckless driving charge with minimal restrictions (6 month unsupervised probation, classes & community service). I don't know how he did it, but I am extremely grateful. Hopefully I will never need a lawyer, but if I do I'm contacting Geman Law.
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17 Oct, 2024 by Nick herbst
Working with the team at Geman Law was so helpful and easy. I worked directly with Nicolas and Sarah, and from start to finish the communication was fantastic. I always have a lot of questions about everything and they’re happy to talk through every single one of them, keeping my mind at ease about the whole situation and throughout the process.
They also don’t just settle at the first sign of an offer, they want to be sure you get what the case should be worth. Not only did they do that for me, but they beat my expectations by a long shot. I’m extremely happy with them and the results, I highly recommend them to anyone else.
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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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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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18 Jan, 2025 by Nadija rutar
This was the best decision I ever made! I worked with Stacy Earp during my journey through my lawsuit and she was absolutely amazing! She was great about communicating with me and updating me with any new information. I didn’t know much going into all of this and Stacy was so patient with me. She helped me understand every part of the process and both Dianne and Stacy did a great job. Thank you guys for really making a big impact on how this all turned out!
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28 Dec, 2024 by Justin brown
I had to find a divorce attorney quickly, very tough to call everyone on google randomly, trying to find help in a fast moving horror situation. Most firms tell you money right now or 250-4000 dollars upfront, but then I found Jasmine with Modern Family Law. She didn’t talk dollars & was an angel to speak with, after Christmas of all times. She listened to everything, never making me feel like time was up. Unfortunately, I couldn’t use her moving forward because of state rules in divorce, but she explained whatever she could, leaving the door open to reach out again. Great advice, going above and beyond.I feel very grateful to speak with Jasmine. Thank you.
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27 Dec, 2024 by Marina cardoza
Called for a free consultation and spoke wirh Cynthia Griffin. She was very kind and extremely helpful!
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20 Dec, 2024 by Rebekah blas
Mike was beyond amazing to work with. He is an incredible attorney and we got a favorable outcome on my case. From our first phone call he listened to me and was very sympathetic for my situation. I had spoke with several lawyers prior and they were not as kind or compassionate as he is.
This was my first time needing a lawyer. Mike helped make the entire process smooth and not intimidating. He is very good at his job and does it with ease. He is also very reasonably priced.
I fully recommend Mike if you are in need of an attorney. I hope to not need a criminal defense attorney in the future but if I do, Mike will be the one I call and who I refer people to.
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16 Dec, 2024 by Micah w
Mike helped me a lot settle 3 cases with no jail time! He worked with me and was really on top of getting my cases solved. Thank you again Mike for all your help.
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13 Dec, 2024 by Kristen payne
David & Hayden were phenomenal in their handling of my 16 year old son’s traffic case. If you need representation for anything traffic related, this is the place. Thank you!
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03 Dec, 2024 by Dolly parton
13 Nov, 2024 by Mp singh
A lot of Thanks for my green card specially to jay sir for your true guidance 🙏🙏🙏🙏
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14 Sep, 2024 by Deyanira torres cruz
I want to thank Wadi and Scott for their efficient representation in a traffic law case. Scott explained everything to me in terms I could understand and made the process feel seamless.
If anyone is looking for knowledgeable and seasoned attorneys, don’t hesitate to hire Muhaisen & Muhaisen!
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18 Jul, 2024 by Stephanie colborg
I met Mr Eldridge 30yrs ago at the time he handled 3 cases did excellent job.
Recently, I was represented by Wade Eldridge in a court case where I was falsely accused and was facing three years in jail. I felt betrayed scared and small up again such accusations. Wade Not only took my case and helped me through this trying situation. He showed compassion and heartfelt case for me as a person he became my protector. He was there for me in my difficulties like no one else was, and he fought hard to bring me justice and defend my innocence, all through this he rest assured me that he would be there for me and give me his best effort, even though he had many other cases I always felt that I was important to him and he is going to save me as it all turned out he did be protecting me so very well that I was given no jail time at all, and even after the case Was ended he pursuing some injustice he discovered on my behalf. I have a friend who is a retired assistant US attorney who went ahead to head with Wade in federal court, and even though they were on opposite sides, my friend said he had great respect for the way Wade represented his clients if you find yourself in need of a strong man to defend you and your troubles, this person who is free because of his devotion and Care highly recommends that you enlist Wade Eldridge as your champion, he will immerse himself in your case if you are his only one he will fight For you. With all Sincerity , Stephanie Colborg.
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27 Jun, 2024 by Joeffery ibisagba
Worst attorney to date I’ve actually had the displeasure of speaking to. Extremely dismissive and would not hear the claims to the case. Please avoid by all means you have a better chance of going elsewhere. On the initial call I should’ve avoided the instance you started with oh I’m rude..by choice
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19 Jun, 2024 by Kayla ricardy
I got in a car accident where my car was totalled and my wrist and hand were broken. The other driver was at fault and I knew I needed a lawyer to help with this. I went to see a handful of lawyers about this and it didn’t feel right until I met Wade. Wade took the time to explain the process we would go through in detail. Wade & his paralegal Dawn are absolutely awesome. Dawn is unbelievable at organizing things and requesting what she needs from you. I don’t know how she keeps it all together. I really thank Wade and Dawn and I am very happy with the outcome of my case. I will be referring anyone I know who needs lawyer help to them.
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What an Elder Law Lawyer Can Do for You
An elder law lawyer specializes in legal issues that affect older adults, their families, and caregivers. These lawyers handle a broad range of topics, including estate planning, Medicaid and Medicare, long-term care planning, guardianship, elder abuse, and retirement planning. The goal of an elder law lawyer is to protect the rights, finances, and well-being of elderly individuals and to help them plan for future healthcare and financial security.
If you or a loved one is aging and facing challenges related to healthcare, finances, or legal matters, an elder law lawyer can provide essential guidance to protect your rights and interests as you age.
When Should I Hire an Elder Law Lawyer?
Hiring an elder law lawyer can be beneficial in many situations where older adults need help with legal, financial, or healthcare-related decisions. Common reasons to hire an elder law lawyer include:
- Estate planning: If you want to create or update a will, set up trusts, or ensure that your assets are distributed according to your wishes, an elder law lawyer can help with comprehensive estate planning.
- Medicaid and Medicare planning: If you need help qualifying for Medicaid to cover long-term care or need advice on navigating Medicare benefits, a lawyer can guide you through the application process and protect your assets.
- Long-term care planning: If you’re concerned about paying for nursing home care or assisted living, a lawyer can help you create a financial plan and explore options for government assistance.
- Guardianship or conservatorship: If a family member is unable to make decisions due to age-related cognitive issues, an elder law lawyer can assist in setting up legal guardianship or conservatorship to ensure their care.
- Elder abuse and exploitation: If you or a loved one is experiencing physical, emotional, or financial abuse, an elder law lawyer can help you take legal action to stop the abuse and recover damages.
- Retirement planning: Elder law lawyers can assist with planning for retirement, including managing pensions, Social Security, and other retirement income.
- Special needs planning: If you have a disabled family member who requires special care, an elder law lawyer can help create trusts or other legal arrangements to ensure their long-term financial and healthcare needs are met.
What Does an Elder Law Lawyer Do?
An elder law lawyer provides a wide range of legal services to help older adults and their families navigate the complexities of aging, healthcare, and estate planning. Their responsibilities often include:
- Drafting wills and trusts: Creating legal documents that outline how an individual’s assets will be distributed after death, ensuring that their wishes are honored.
- Medicaid and Medicare planning: Helping clients protect their assets while qualifying for government benefits to cover healthcare and long-term care costs.
- Establishing guardianships: Assisting families in setting up guardianship or conservatorship for loved ones who are unable to make decisions due to mental or physical incapacity.
- Protecting against elder abuse: Investigating claims of elder abuse or financial exploitation and representing the victim in legal actions to stop the abuse and seek compensation.
- Planning for long-term care: Developing strategies to cover the costs of nursing homes, assisted living, and other long-term care options without exhausting the elder’s financial resources.
- Managing probate and estate administration: Guiding families through the probate process to ensure that the decedent’s assets are distributed according to the law and their wishes.
- Setting up advance directives: Helping clients establish healthcare directives and powers of attorney to ensure their medical and financial decisions are carried out if they become incapacitated.
How Are Elder Law Lawyers Paid?
Elder law lawyers typically charge for their services based on the complexity of the case and the type of legal work involved. Common payment structures include:
- Hourly rate: Many elder law lawyers charge by the hour, especially for tasks such as drafting documents, handling legal disputes, or providing ongoing legal advice. Hourly rates typically range from $150 to $500 or more, depending on the lawyer’s experience and location.
- Flat fee: For specific tasks, such as drafting a will or setting up a trust, some lawyers charge a flat fee. This can range from $500 to $5,000 or more, depending on the complexity of the estate plan.
- Retainer: For long-term legal representation, such as managing a trust or handling guardianship matters, a lawyer may charge a retainer, which is an upfront payment that covers future legal work.
- Contingency fee: In some elder abuse or financial exploitation cases, a lawyer may work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if they recover compensation for the client. This fee is typically a percentage of the settlement or damages awarded.
Be sure to discuss fees with your lawyer during the initial consultation to understand how you will be billed and what the total cost of services might be.
How Much Does an Elder Law Lawyer Cost?
The cost of hiring an elder law lawyer varies depending on the complexity of the case, the lawyer’s experience, and the fee structure. General cost estimates include:
- Simple estate planning: Drafting basic documents, such as a will or power of attorney, may cost between $500 and $2,000, depending on the complexity of the client’s assets and wishes.
- Complex estate planning: Setting up more advanced estate plans, such as revocable or irrevocable trusts, Medicaid planning, or special needs trusts, can range from $2,000 to $10,000 or more.
- Guardianship or conservatorship: Legal fees for setting up guardianship or conservatorship often range from $2,000 to $5,000 or more, depending on the complexity of the case and whether disputes arise.
- Medicaid planning: Legal fees for Medicaid planning can range from $1,500 to $10,000, depending on the level of asset protection needed and the complexity of the individual’s financial situation.
Always ask for an estimate of fees during your initial consultation to ensure you understand how much the legal services will cost.
Top Questions to Ask an Elder Law Lawyer
Before hiring an elder law lawyer, it’s important to ask the right questions to ensure they have the experience and expertise needed to handle your case. Key questions to ask include:
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What experience do you have with elder law cases?
Make sure the lawyer has experience handling cases similar to yours, whether it's estate planning, Medicaid applications, or elder abuse claims. -
How do you charge for your services?
Clarify whether the lawyer charges by the hour, a flat fee, or a retainer, and ask for a detailed estimate of the total cost. -
What is the best approach for my case?
Ask for an honest assessment of your situation and what legal strategies the lawyer recommends. -
How long will the process take?
Whether it’s drafting an estate plan or setting up a guardianship, ask the lawyer how long they expect the process to take. -
Will you handle my case personally?
In larger firms, junior attorneys or paralegals may handle parts of the case. Make sure you know who will be working on your case directly. -
What documents should I bring to the consultation?
Ask the lawyer what documentation or information you should prepare for your consultation, such as medical records, financial statements, or prior legal documents.
How to Check the Credibility of an Elder Law Lawyer
To ensure you are hiring a reputable elder law lawyer, follow these steps to verify their credentials and experience:
- Check their bar status: Verify with your state bar association that the lawyer is licensed to practice and has no history of disciplinary actions.
- Look for elder law experience: Review the lawyer’s website or professional profile to ensure they specialize in elder law and have experience with cases similar to yours.
- Read client reviews and testimonials: Look for client reviews on platforms like Avvo, Martindale-Hubbell, or Google to see what previous clients have said about the lawyer’s professionalism and success rate.
- Ask for references: A credible lawyer should be able to provide references from past clients who have worked with them on elder law issues.
- Check for certifications: Look for certifications or affiliations with organizations such as the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA), which can indicate the lawyer’s dedication to elder law.
What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?
To get the most out of your first consultation with an elder law lawyer, it’s important to come prepared with relevant documents and information. Here’s what you should bring:
- Existing estate planning documents: If you have a will, trust, or power of attorney in place, bring copies for the lawyer to review.
- Financial records: Provide details of your assets, including bank accounts, investments, real estate, and retirement accounts, as well as any debts.
- Medical information: If the case involves guardianship or Medicaid planning, bring relevant medical records that detail the individual's health condition and care needs.
- Insurance policies: Bring information about health insurance, long-term care insurance, and any other relevant policies.
- Questions for the lawyer: Write down any questions you have about your legal needs, the process, and the lawyer’s fees.
- List of family members or beneficiaries: Prepare a list of the individuals you want to include in your estate plan or who will be affected by the legal process.
By preparing thoroughly for your consultation, you can help the lawyer assess your situation more effectively and receive the best legal advice tailored to your needs.
