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25 Jul, 2018 by Connie
I work with our El Paso, Texas facility where Jessica handles legal issues we have problems with families (DOPA's) not paying their parents bill and refusing to sell property in order to get them eligible for Medicaid.
We have a resident who owes over $54,000. Thanks to Jessica that number will no longer go up. She did something I have never had an attorney do in all my years working in long term care. This financial abuse was reported to ADPS and law enforcement. Nothing was done. Jessica sent me a letter to review that she wanted to send to the Attorney General. It was so well written. Yes this was financial abuse but she also wrote with concern for our resident. She got the ball rolling with that letter. They assigned an investigator to this case. We now have a legal guardian for our resident, the family no longer has access to her pension checks and this guardian will see that the house is sold, the nursing home bill paid off, Medicaid is applied for and our resident's needs met financially. Sending that letter to the Office of the Attorney General was not only a brilliant idea but the fact that she was determined to see the right thing done for our resident - meant so much. We are here to take care of those in our care and with Jessica's help we able to accomplish this.
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29 Apr, 2016 by Eva
Townsend allala & associates were recommended to us by a friend. My husband and I kept putting off having our wills drawn up for 25 years. Finally after we retired we made an appointment for a consultation. We were very impressed with Jessica Kludt and decided to hire her. She answered all our questions and made us feel at ease by her caring nature.
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02 Jan, 2016 by Adrienne
The Law Office of Stephanie Townsend was recommended by family friends. My father passed away leaving no will or anything organized. I worked with Jessica to handle the legal needs to manage this type of situation, as well as the various bills and other financial responsibilities required. Jessica was helpful, kind, and patient with my many questions. The office is family run, and you are treated with respect and personal attention. This was a very difficult situation, as dealing with death is, and Jessica helped make this part bearable. If you need estate planning or someone to assist with what happens after someone passes, this is a great resource and made a huge difference for me.
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10 Sep, 2020 by Laura
Karin very patiently worked with my mother to prepare her will several years ago and later helped us to fulfill her desires by processing the needed filings and transactions for disposition of the assets. Karin is both professional and compassionate.
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30 Aug, 2019 by Jeanne
Karin did a probate for us siblings. She was very good in responding back to my emails. Also, her pricing was excellent! She charged a third of what the first lawyer we contacted wanted. I would definitely recommend her.
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10 Jul, 2019 by Linda
Ms. Carson was most gracious and helpful. She promptly returned my call and expertly guided me to the best course for me and my family. I highly recommend her!
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13 Oct, 2020 by Adela myers
Even during “normal times” the death of a parent is difficult enough. Our mother passed away during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, which made dealing with her death and financial issues even worse. Since our family had previously sought the counsel of Stephanie Townsend-Allala when my father passed away and we were very satisfied with her legal services we sought her expertise again. When we talked to her about our concerns she took her time to answer all our questions and concerns. She made us feel at ease by her caring and compassionate manner. We are tremendously grateful for her expertise and knowledge in Elder Law. Our family highly recommends her legal services.
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24 Aug, 2020 by Ignacio
My family consulted Ms. Allala concerning our Mom's estate after her passing. The State of Texas sent us a Texas Estate Recovery Program questionnaire to determine if the State of Texas had any claim against our Mom's property. Ms. Allala was extremely patient in helping us answer the questions correctly. She answered all our questions with precise knowledge of statutory claim exemptions. Ms. Allala demonstrated professionalism beyond the call of duty. Her staff was also very friendly and kind during the set up of our consultation.
Ms. Allala also gave us the peace of mind that we craved during our stressful time of taking care of our Mom's estate. We highly recommend Ms. Allala and her law firm in dealing with elderly care.
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06 Aug, 2020 by Glenda
Stephanie Townsend gave us tremendous hope in our situation and guided us through our journey like a pro. She was always available to us to tell us what we needed to be doing. No question was too dumb. Stephanie answered them all and encouraged us. She is professional, knowledgeable, and offered emotional support to us as we faced difficult decisions in our situation. My family is grateful to her. We cannot praise her enough for all that she has done. Without hesitation, we recommend her highly and without any reservations.
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27 Feb, 2024 by Juan carlos dominguez
Great, non greety lawyer that will help you to work your legal issues. He will represent you in a very professional manner. Definitely will recommend him
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26 Oct, 2020 by Manny mqz
09 Aug, 2020 by Adriane guerra
Mr. Garay is extremely professional, prompt and knowledgeable. He is an excellent at communication and easy to work with. Highly recommended!
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11 Jul, 2024 by Miguel flores
I am an attorney, and I referred several clients to Mr. Gonzalez. So far, my referrals have been very satisfied with his work. I recommend him highly.
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12 Apr, 2024 by Jeanette hernandez
21 Feb, 2024 by Mark k bishop
Very good experience with this attorney. Very quick with my divorce and reasonable cost. Would recommend.
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26 Sep, 2024 by Andy mccaughey
Veteran Approved! Thanks to Dunham and Jones, my life is much better than I thought it would be after getting arrested. I made a bad choice that caused me to end up in serious legal trouble. My initial contact with the firm was instantly comforting as they were energetically motivated to get the best results for me. Mr. J. Lindberg began processing my case with the precision of an emergency room surgeon, knowing the exact actions needed to best treat my self-inflicted legal wounds. My lawyer throughout the case was Ms. Valentina Herrera Salcedo. She made me feel like I was at the center of a 360-degree defensive perimeter with a determined warrior protecting me. She analyzed every angle and azimuth of my case for the best outcome in the courtroom. Man, she was ready to fight, identifying and researching so many courses of action, I could barely keep up. She made me do my part, which was sometimes painstaking, but her calm and confident competence was reassuring and motivating. My results were unbelievably better than expected, dismissed and eligible for expunction. Thanks Dunham and Jones, especially Valentina, your team Rocks!
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22 Aug, 2024 by Jessica cooper
I personally had a great experience with both Wes (representing me) and Vanessa’s (assistant) assistance throughout my court case. I don’t recall who I did the initial meeting with, but it was very professional and I couldn’t beat the price. I believe this was the most reasonable pricing for anything that I have needed legal service for in El Paso. I will say initially, I felt as though communication was “far and in between” and I am a person who prefers frequent communication. What helped with me was emailing them both and they would respond to me in a timely manner to my questions. Any questions I had they were both able to answer, and though at times I thought I may have known best Wes would come to me with great reasoning. In the end, it all worked out in my favor. Thank you.
I will add:: We do have to remember that the legal system goes at its own pace and as much as we want things to speed along, the ones who represent us can only do so much in that regard; they are also at the “mercy” of the courts.
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09 Aug, 2024 by Ale carreon
Best attorney, Cesar Lozano is an awesome attorney very helpful!!!
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26 Sep, 2024 by Andy mccaughey
Veteran Approved! Thanks to Dunham and Jones, my life is much better than I thought it would be after getting arrested. I made a bad choice that caused me to end up in serious legal trouble. My initial contact with the firm was instantly comforting as they were energetically motivated to get the best results for me. Mr. J. Lindberg began processing my case with the precision of an emergency room surgeon, knowing the exact actions needed to best treat my self-inflicted legal wounds. My lawyer throughout the case was Ms. Valentina Herrera Salcedo. She made me feel like I was at the center of a 360-degree defensive perimeter with a determined warrior protecting me. She analyzed every angle and azimuth of my case for the best outcome in the courtroom. Man, she was ready to fight, identifying and researching so many courses of action, I could barely keep up. She made me do my part, which was sometimes painstaking, but her calm and confident competence was reassuring and motivating. My results were unbelievably better than expected, dismissed and eligible for expunction. Thanks Dunham and Jones, especially Valentina, your team Rocks!
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22 Aug, 2024 by Jessica cooper
I personally had a great experience with both Wes (representing me) and Vanessa’s (assistant) assistance throughout my court case. I don’t recall who I did the initial meeting with, but it was very professional and I couldn’t beat the price. I believe this was the most reasonable pricing for anything that I have needed legal service for in El Paso. I will say initially, I felt as though communication was “far and in between” and I am a person who prefers frequent communication. What helped with me was emailing them both and they would respond to me in a timely manner to my questions. Any questions I had they were both able to answer, and though at times I thought I may have known best Wes would come to me with great reasoning. In the end, it all worked out in my favor. Thank you.
I will add:: We do have to remember that the legal system goes at its own pace and as much as we want things to speed along, the ones who represent us can only do so much in that regard; they are also at the “mercy” of the courts.
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09 Aug, 2024 by Ale carreon
Best attorney, Cesar Lozano is an awesome attorney very helpful!!!
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30 Jul, 2024 by Joe lozada
10 May, 2024 by Gloria pohan
30 Apr, 2024 by Lorena nunez
He is very professional and friendly; I don't usually do reviews, but I would recommend his services and refer my clients to him. I know they will be well taken care of.
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26 Mar, 2019 by Sandy
In November of 2015, the Law Firm of Townsend Allala and Associates was referred to us, by a friend. From that day on, the rest is history. Jennifer Lynn Coulter has been there to assist us, in many difficult situations. Having both parents in a nursing facility and living out of state has been quite a challenge. There have been many times, in the past few years, that my husband and I have contacted Ms. Coulter, in an urgent panic, asking for her professional assistance and advice. Her response to our urgent calls for immediate help has always resulted in very timely and professional response which has allowed for the proper care for my parents. If you are in need of an Elder Law Attorney, there is no one better, in El Paso, than Jennifer Lynn Coulter, Esquire.
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04 Mar, 2016 by Jd
Overwhelmed by the possible financial burden of our mother going into nursing care in El Paso, we reached out to her firm for help. Once they figured out we needed assistance with Medicaid, they suggested we go right to their resident specialist on Medicaid. This is who you need to hire to safeguard your assets to the extent possible, and just as importantly, handle your Medicaid application for you. She submitted our application with extensive backup documentation, quoted all the Medicaid rules/codes with exhibits to support everything which could be scrutinized, and did her best to leave no questions unanswered by caseworkers reviewing the application. She also has relationships with many of the Medicaid attorneys, enabling her to cut through trickier red tape more quickly. I knew she was the right person to hire after the social worker at mom's nursing home realized we hired counsel to handle her Medicaid case and she said, "Ohhhh! You hired Jen Coulter???? No worries. You will get it approved!!!"
Jen provides very thorough explanations, and offers up alternate contingency plans so you know what could come up, and what plan B would be if that would happen.
She responds promptly, and her Legal Assistant Estella is extremely knowledgeable and prompt.
I don't know how we could have handled these stressful family matters without Jen's assistance.
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25 Feb, 2015 by Antonio
I would recommend anyone with Elder Law or Medicare/Medicaid family issues to seek the advice of Ms. Coulter and her associates. She is well versed on Elder Law and goes out of her way to help the family. She was able to obtain the best care and benefits possible for our mother who is handicapped. We could not have done it without her help.
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09 Apr, 2024 by B. hamara
Elvira is extremely helpful and easy to work with. Very professional and treat you with respect. I appreciate the staff along with Mr. Jimenez in bringing my husband from Africa 🌍 without any issues.
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12 Mar, 2024 by Dorcas gyedu
I met Mr. Jimenez through my work agency. He was responsive to all emails and responded to them in a timely fashion. He had a good understanding of what he was helping me with and provided in-depth explanation when I didn’t understand anything. He also explained why he needed particular documents to further help me with understanding the process. He gave me realistic timelines and ensured they were met. The process was easy with him and I would encourage whoever is still in doubt to book that consultation! Professionalism, Integrity and meeting time sensitive deadlines at its best!
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26 Feb, 2024 by Erika alonso
Great Attorney! Will definitely recommend! Thank you Mr. Jimenez!
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09 Apr, 2024 by B. hamara
Elvira is extremely helpful and easy to work with. Very professional and treat you with respect. I appreciate the staff along with Mr. Jimenez in bringing my husband from Africa 🌍 without any issues.
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12 Mar, 2024 by Dorcas gyedu
I met Mr. Jimenez through my work agency. He was responsive to all emails and responded to them in a timely fashion. He had a good understanding of what he was helping me with and provided in-depth explanation when I didn’t understand anything. He also explained why he needed particular documents to further help me with understanding the process. He gave me realistic timelines and ensured they were met. The process was easy with him and I would encourage whoever is still in doubt to book that consultation! Professionalism, Integrity and meeting time sensitive deadlines at its best!
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26 Feb, 2024 by Erika alonso
Great Attorney! Will definitely recommend! Thank you Mr. Jimenez!
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30 Jul, 2024 by Georgina acosta
Attorney Villasenor made this process smooth and quickly! Always communicating and keeping you updated. Definitely would recommend her .
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08 Jul, 2024 by Isabel barrios
Best!
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19 Jun, 2024 by Summer waters
Celia Villaseñor won my case when i didn’t think possible. She was honestly heaven sent and I thank God for her, her determination, work ethics and that she cared so much to make sure my family got put back together again. None of it would have been possible without her!! If you want to win a case she is the attorney to go with!
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12 May, 2016 by Diana marin
I was extremely pleased with the outcome of the case. Mrs. Carrion was knowledgable and agressive, when she needed to be. She fought hard to get me a fair settlement. I would highly recommend her.
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24 Apr, 2013 by Anonymous
Overall I was pleased with her representation. I must admit I do appreciate the honesty and reality check that I was given going into this case. I was able to be more realistic with my expectations as she did a good job explaining what the law requires as opposed to what I wanted to hear. I was able to call the office and ask whatever questions I had, if her staff did not know the answer off hand, I was able to get an answer usually by the next day. I felt she did care about my case and was able to relate to my situation. She did an excellent job in court and was ready to fire back when it was needed. She maintained her professionalism throughout the case, was well prepared, and really fought for my best interests. I was pleased with the outcome and would highly recommend her and seek out her services again. As far as charges were concerned I was told at the beginning that this would be a costly battle and planned accordingly.
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21 Feb, 2013 by Anonymous
As a referenced attorney, I thought it was going to be a top notch representation and have a great impact on winning the case. However, don't get me wrong she is a very knowledgeable attorney but limited on her communication. Eventually, I presented all necessary documentation, sent helpful information electronically, in person, or over the phone to her paralegal to communicate with Mrs. Carreon about my case. The paralegal would let me know that that type of information was not going to be brought up or looked at in court or anything prior to the incident. It turns out the information I did state to her paralegal was eventually brought up and questions were asked prior the incident. I knew off the bat that the information I stated was important and lost the case. Knowing that this was a lost cause and the unjust judge's ruling, it was a bit discouraging and upsetting. In the rate, when it came to the fees, Mrs. Carreon asked for a lump sum up front and you would think that that x amount was going to be the cost for everything. Nope, not at all, I was slammed with fees left and right totaling an outrages amount. Why can't they be up front with you before you deposit that lump sum they request? I know this is a lawyer's scam tactic where they request an x amount and blind side you with further fees. If I would of known the amount I was totally charged, I would of looked as where for a top notch service. Overall, I am upset on the outcome of the case and this will be the first and last time I recruit her as my attorney.
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30 Apr, 2024 by Sue z
Efficient, knowledgeable, confidential. Easy to work with and understanding. Highly recommend Mr. Paul Kubinsky and legal assistant Mario Saenz.
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15 Mar, 2024 by Laura amato
26 Feb, 2024 by Joseph wucik
Great Service. Imelda was remarkable every step of the way.
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09 May, 2024 by Bertha martinez
I have given a review in the past already but we as a family don’t have enough words to thank Jon Sipes he is hands down the best and we are more than happy that we found him he fought for my husband so much like no one has done before
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02 May, 2024 by Elideth ortiz
I highly recommend Mr. Ortega, he is very knowledgeable and pleasant to work with. My parents planning needs are finally taken care and it gives them peace of mind. Everything was explained in Spanish with detail.
His staff, from the moment you walk in until the time you leave is superb!
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28 Apr, 2024 by Richard carabajal
05 Dec, 2016 by Anonymous
MR. MORALES WAS AN OUTSTANDING CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEY, WE DO NOT LIVE IN EL PASO BUT HE MADE EXTREMELY EASY FOR US AND FOUGHT HARD TO HAVE OUR CASE DISMISSED HIGHLY RECOMMEND FAST FRIENDLY PROFESSIONAL
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27 Jun, 2014 by Anonymous
Mr. Morales was a court appointed attorney for me. When I requested a bench trial, I revealed to him that I have mental disabilities and at high risk for suicide. He told me not to tell him about it, but to seek professional help. I was arrested for a minor offense that has destroyed my ability to work in my chosen profession. He failed to link what my mental disability was like at the time of the charged conduct, and how this limited my reasoning and judgment. He didn't stress to the judge the certainty and severity of my impairment at the time of the incident, in an effort to pursuade the judge to acquit, dismiss or reduce the charge, so that I didn't lose my ability to support myself and retire from my career.
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15 Apr, 2013 by Crystal
Ruben morales was a great attorney he's been representing my family and I for the past 10 years and in all our cases he has been fully in to the case and kept us completely informed of our cases he settled my cases very well and really helped me in a time of frustration! If you want good representation I highly recommend him !! He did not promise anything and kept my whole case confidential! The only thing he promised is to fully be on my case and give me any possible options and advised me of what was best for my case.
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01 May, 2024 by Liz chavira
16 Jan, 2024 by Melissa harcrow
The front desk clerk isn’t very friendly. I asked what I needed in preparation for my appointment and was told nothing. Took time off of work to go to the appointment and was asked a question requiring me to have had prior communication with my mortgage company. This would have been helpful to have known before wasting mine and my husband’s time.
Luckily she didn’t charge for the 5 minutes we sat in her office. She basically sent us on our way while I was on the phone with the mortgage company.
Turns out, I didn’t need approval from my mortgage company.
I made an appointment elsewhere and have received far more help from this assistant.
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26 Jun, 2023 by Richard zavala
10 Jun, 2011 by Anonymous
Patricia Chew handled my husband's immigration case. She said his case was no problem and she knew exactly what to do. We paid her and she filed the papers for him. 18 months later all the immigration applications she filed for him were denied. She said that immigration agents in Chicago (which is where we filed) just didn't know what they were doing and she said her attorney friend Donald Kempster in Chicago would take over our case. She sent my husbands file to Attorney Kempster. We met with Attorney Kempster and he said that he couldn't believe Chew had done this and that there was no other outcome other than my husband would be deported. Patricia Chew wouldn't accept my calls after that. My husband was picked up by agents a few months later and deported. I never got any money back from Patricia Chew. And guess what... now she's a JUDGE in El Paso TX.
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19 Feb, 2011 by Anonymous
Excellent attorney. Very knowledgeable in the law and obtained my visa in a timely manner and within the projected timelines for immigration and the consulate.
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08 Dec, 2010 by Anonymous
My case was an application for an H1B visa (temporary work and residence). In our first meeting, Ms. Chew seemed very self-confident and assured everything would be very easy and fast. She was paid for the whole process in advance. Seven months later I still did not have my visa. She did nothing about it for three months and when she finally did it, my application was full of mistakes. Because of those mistakes, I had to leave the country twice and I still can not work. Finally we changed to a new lawyer.
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30 Mar, 2017 by Anonymous
I understand that she is using her mother's coat tail to establish her clients, but I was very disappointed that I could not get thru past the receptionist. I paid the consultation fee, only to find out what I already knew. Fees are extremely expensive. Comparing this to a really good pair of leather shoes. You know they are good, and will last a long time, but then you see the same pair with a label and you end up paying five times more. If you have the money upfront they will talk to you, but you might be stuck with a pair of over priced leather shoes that pinch more than just your pocket. I was ready to hire the team, but I could not talk to anybody without money. I wanted to pay another $1000, and even then I couldn't speak to anybody. I knew that I wasn't going to be guaranteed a win win case, but I needed answers to some of my painful needs. My desperate actions led me to a different attorney who did answer all my questions. I lost my $250.00 consulting fee.
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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.
