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26 Jan, 2018 by Dennis
I used Mr Elliott on some personal documents that I needed for my will. He was quick and thorough. I would recommend and do recommend him to my friends and family
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22 Jul, 2013 by Jackie
I contacted Mr. Elliot for a matter that needed prompt handling- he was quick and responsive and helpful.
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09 Jan, 2022 by Mila
Ms. Stropp was very personable and very professional. My husband and felt confident that she knew how to put together a plan for our needs!
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24 Dec, 2021 by John and rosa
Cara was very professional and helpful in helping us make legal decisions. Her suggestions and advice were very thorough. We felt very comfortable and would recommend Cara to any of our friends.
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23 Jul, 2015 by Anonymous
Jeanette Hernandez-Suarez, is a great attorney in Kendall. She is extremely responsive and makes you feel comfortable from the moment you step into her office. You can clearly see that Ms.Suarez has a passion for what she does, and always keeps your best interest as her priority. I will definitely continue to use her, and will recommended her to all my friends and family.
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01 Aug, 2013 by Danielle
I was an actual client of Ms. Hernandez-Suarez and I was very impressed with both her services and her fees. She handled my real estate problem very quickly. Plus she is a very nice person. She made time for me in her busy schedule so that I could see her right away about my urgent matter.
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09 May, 2017 by Anonymous
I have very unusual circumstances having a multi-state, disabled adult sibling estate situation. Several lawyers I interviewed would not take my case. Sean not only took my case, but helped me through the tangled process. He is an extremely intelligent lawyer, and I highly recommend his services.
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07 Jun, 2014 by Susan
Office staff was very professional and accommodating I wasn't just a name they helped me with placement for my loved one and guided me through a very difficult process I knew nothing about
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10 Feb, 2012 by Bill
A COMPASSIONATE AND CARING MAN WHO HAS HELPED ME THROUGH A DIFFICULT TIME.
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26 Mar, 2010 by Mary
Mr. Slaymaker drafted our will and our autistic sons' special needs trust and we were VERY satified. We plan to use him to draft a guardianship as well.
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28 Jan, 2018 by Stuart
Thank you and your firm for the work you have done in providing my family with peace of mind and some financial protection by enrolling my Mother in Medicaid. Living in New York, I do not believe I could have managed the Florida Application myself and if I attempted, the process would most certainly have been frustrating and probably endless.
Tammy was terrific! She should be commended for her efficiency, knowledge, contacts and patience. She put up with my asking endless questions, always providing a cheerful response, succinct answers and acting as if it were the first time she had heard the question. She never failed to promptly return an email, text or phone call and always kept me apprised of the progress of the application.
Throughout the application process and after her passing, your staff was helpful, caring and sympathetic. The Law Firm Meeks and Ceely always made me feel comfortable and as if I were its most important client.
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05 Nov, 2017 by Andrew
We had an extraordinarily complicated medicaid case that also involved significant intra-family squabbling. Coren, along with the intrepid Tammy, was the fifth or sixth attorney involved, and they were the only ones who could -- and did -- get this job done.
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14 Oct, 2015 by Lisa
My parents consulted with Attorney Epstein when they moved to Florida about estate planning. Attorney Epstein came out to their home, which was very convenient for my parents, reviewed what documents they had, discussed their wishes, and advised them on what they needed. What was so refreshing was that she took her time with them and explained everything in simple layman’s terms so they could understand. She made my parents feel extremely comfortable with their decisions. I felt she was very knowledgeable, thorough, and compassionate. When she returned on a subsequent date with the final documents (wills, powers of attorney, living wills, and declarations of health care surrogate), she reviewed them with my parents and made sure they understood what they were signing. My parents were extremely pleased and found Attorney Epstein’s services very reasonably priced, especially considering the time and attention she paid to them. At a subsequent date, when my mother became ill, Attorney Epstein did Medicaid planning for her to protect her assets; and when both my parents passed away, because of the estate planning that Attorney Epstein had done, it was a seamless transition for my sisters and I to take possession of what was left to us.
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01 May, 2015 by Joan
I found her prices to be fair rather inexpensive. At first I was concerned about using all her people when I had my own, but when she explained why and the benefits of using unbiased party and how it's more protection for the parties involved it made perfect sense. Protected all parties involved. Also saved me possibly loosing my house by making choices from the heart. I like that she comes to me at my conscience and when I'm done I'm clear on all issues I have questions with.
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24 Sep, 2017 by Tony
Anne Ricke has been the best. She has helped me with my elder father and his brother with estates, trusts, durable power of attorney, and summary of administration (handling estates with no will). If you need any of these complex legal services I expect Anne would be most helpful to you too.
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05 Oct, 2016 by Dori
Anne Ricke is wonderful at what she does. I was helping my client get on Medicaid and it was a grueling experience, to say the least. Anne helped me by explaining everything in laymans terms so I could understand. She is patient and I never felt rushed or brushed off.
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17 Jan, 2015 by Anonymous
Ms. Bodden went above and beyond to help us with out legal matter while being kind and caring but aggressive in court. We were very pleased and would seek her services again if needed in the future. Great lady!
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22 Oct, 2014 by Anonymous
I had a a very good experience at Bodden Law Firm. She mediated my case with great care and was thorough and prepared. She also has a great demeanor that puts you at ease.
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12 Apr, 2017 by Anonymous
Was excellent very experienced and did the best job in the shortest time to fix my legal problem would do again
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10 Feb, 2013 by Clement
Mr. Bender was hired to carry out the eviction of a tenant who had not paid rent for several months. He was able to consult with me the very next morning after I called his office, and he fully explained the procedures to be followed as well as the timetable. The amount of his fee was reasonable and he got started on the case right away. The case was handled just as he said it would be and there were no surprises. The tenant was evicted within the time frame that Mr. Bender told me it would take. I was very pleased with Mr. Bender's legal talents and his personality. I want to add that he told me that although he was very experienced (more than thirty years) he could not guarantee or promise the result i wanted since there are many factors and circumstances that must be dealt with in each case and each case might be different from the one before or the one after. He told me that he firmly believed he could help me and he was right! The tenant was evicted within the time frame that Mr. Bender told me. Mr. Bender also told me that while he did practice in many areas, he did not do everything but that if I ever need legal work done that he did not do himself he would probably be able to refer me to someone else who could help me. I would recommend him to anyone who needs an experienced attorney who explains beforehand what is going to happen, when it should happen, and the pros and cons of doing things one way compared to another.
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5.0
2 Reviews
31 Jul, 2017 by Jan
Irene de Jesus is assisting us with our estate planning and will. She is much more thorough than any of our previous attorneys. She carefully explains each aspect and keeps communication lines open. We are happy we've engaged her services and have complete trust and confidence in Irene.
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17 Jul, 2017 by Anonymous
I just want to share my experience with de Jesus Law Group... IF YOU ARE EVER LOOKING FOR AN ESTATE LAWYER OR BUSINESS LAWYER, GO WITH THEM!!! Here's why: Irene is NOT your average lawyer. Her law firm takes a really unique and personal approach. My husband and I went to her for business planning law, but then we signed up for the family planning. They offer a lot of "features" with their package... yup I said package (can't remember what she actually called them) because they don't do hourly billing which is such a relief for us. Plus, she checks-in and reviews our documents every three years free of charge! I am SO impressed, not only by her knowledge, but by her attention to detail. The whole process is INCREDIBLE!!! She did a LIFT program for my business, which was awesome. Currently we don't have kids, but they also offer some pretty important information and planning for them (keeping this in mind for future reference)... IF YOU HAVE KIDS, TALK TO IRENE BECAUSE THERE ARE SOME EXTREMELY IMPORTANT THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT!!! She does talks, seminars, and workshops. I'm not sure about the first two, but I do know that the Guardian Nomination workshop is FREE (all you need to do is get a group together, get a location - it can even be your living room - and schedule a date with her). Everything is personalized for us... plus she has a couple of surprises for her clients (I'll keep them a surprise and not share what they are) :) She is such a blessing!!!
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17 Jun, 2019 by Anonymous
Anthony was the attorney who handled the sale and closing for my condo in Florida. He was recommended to me by my realtor. We closed last week and it was an out of State closing. He was responsive to all my questions in a timely manner which was critical for me as I was out of State, included me on all emails with the buyer's attorneys and the title company, and was generally professional and personable. I was pleased with his services.
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13 Jun, 2019 by Flori
Mr Velardi was the way I wish other lawyers were. Reachable, professional, on top of everything. Responds quick. I could not recommend him strongly enough. I am glad to see that there are some really decent lawyers out there and Mr Anthony A Velardi is one of them. Thank you thank you and thank you . A total asset for his firm .
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14 Feb, 2015 by Anonymous
Mr. Barry is the most knowledgeable real estate attorney in Jacksonville. His professionalism and kind manner have made him one of the most admired attorneys in Jacksonville.
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05 Aug, 2016 by Anonymous
Mr. Stabler is definitely one of the better attorneys I have worked with. His response time can't be beat. He was efficient in handling my matter. I found him to be responsive and sensitive to my concerns. Was very fair in his billing practices and did not spring surprises on me. Also, he was helpful and patient. He helped me accomplish my objective and offered additional insight to make my situation and transaction easier. He is an outstanding attorney!
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29 Dec, 2016 by Jane
Met with Tina several years ago when I had a complex trust matter where I was serving as a co-trustee. She was able to advise properly and obtain the result my client wanted. Have since referred many others to her and know she has always done excellent work.
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06 Sep, 2012 by Devin
My experience with Sean was brief but he was courteous and promptly responded to my inquiry. While this exchange with Sean was regarding a not-for-profit matter he still took the time to research the matter and explore options. I was very pleased and look forward to engaging his services in the future!
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06 May, 2021 by Ursula
The best lawyers are those who are recommended by their peers--other lawyers! Kris Lier is one of those excellent lawyers. She is experienced, professional, friendly, hard working and helped me in Estate Planning.
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13 Oct, 2013 by Ls
Sophia Lopez handled the estate and probate issues for our family. She was thorough with all the legal and tax prep paperwork, kept all of her promised appointments, and was more than fair in billing at the end.
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04 Nov, 2017 by Carl
My family has used Ms. Werner for our family estate planning, trust administration and probate. We continue to use her expertise knowing that whatever she has handled, it's been done correctly. Extra bonus is that she's very personable, easy to talk to and always accessible.
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13 Jul, 2015 by Tierneydl
I am a former client of Doug Rankin. He is very intelligent and knowledgable in all of his practice areas. I would not hesitate to recommend him. He is honest and trustworthy. He did a great job on all of our real estate matters.
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19 Dec, 2008 by Anonymous
Jill has represented me for the past nine years concerning the guardianship of my father. During this period she helped direct me through one of the most difficult periods of my families' life. She was on top of every issue and helped direct me through the many intricacies of being a guardian. Her office staff has always been extremely responsive and provided immediate answers to my many inquiries. This past summer Jill called me after normal business hours on a Friday to assure me of an issue that she knew would be weighing on my mind all weekend. This is very typical of Jill in that always kept me informed.
When I received an invoice, there was never sticker shock, or inflated hours. There never needed to be a discussion concerning an invoice, to my Father or me, they were always correct and equitable.
I consider myself very fortunate to have Jill as my attor
One of the things thatShe has always been
I consider myself extremely fortunate to have Jill as my attorney.
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30 Sep, 2010 by Anonymous
We used Ms. Buxton this last year to guide us through Medicaid planning strategies for our parents. She offered options that would allow us to protect as many assets as possible while qualifying for the closest possible date for benefits to begin. We found her to be very knowledgable, resourceful, responsive and sensitive to our needs.
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23 Jul, 2014 by Juana
My sister and I used Collett for estate planning and elder care advise regarding my recently widowed mom. Collett was simply sensational: warm, knowledgable, professional and meticulously detailed. She listened attentively to our needs and our concerns about protecting the small amount of income that my mom is receiving, and then presented different options, and their implications. I loved how she was focused on my mom, her needs and wishes. It was also immediately apparent that she was incredibly knowledgable about all aspects of elder care law, and different legal implications for a range of related service (power of attorney, health directive, Medicaid eligibility requirements, trusts, guardianships, etc). I liked that she is specifically certified as an elder care legal specialist. Her fees were clearly laid out and very reasonable, I appreciated that she had a flat fee, so we knew exactly what we were paying for and what to expect. Unlike a lot of lawyers, we had to pay for our initial consultation which gets deducted from the fee if you contract her. In retrospect, it was totally worth it. In that time she reviewed a range of documents, a long intake form she sent to us prior, listened carefully and laid out different alternatives for us to consider (whether or not we hired her to execute them). Both the initial consult and the cost for services are flat fees, not hourly. Even though it was a flat fee, I loved that at no point did we feel rushed, quite the contrary, she gave us her complete undivided attention for a pretty long visit and made it clear that we could call on her for any additional questions that might come up. She didn't try to sell us anything we didn't need (we already had an older will for example, which she reviewed and found that it was still valid, and still reflected my mom's wishes) and didn't rush us to make any decisions.
We walked into her office anxious and worried, and left breathing a sigh of relief, not only because she took care of what we needed in a timely manner, but because we felt this was someone we could trust. As an added plus, she has a Spanish speaking assistant a few days a week, but she understands quite a bit of Spanish. The office is not that centrally located, but that probably also helps to keep her cost under control.
Highly recommended!
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08 May, 2015 by Anonymous
Mike Fowler was a personal acquaintance that was there for me when I needed him. My aunt became ill and caught up in the 'elder care system' last year and was in and out of rehab facilities and nursing care. I reached out to him and his daughter for some much needed advice on how to navigate a very poorly run system. I am very thankful to have had them both at such a trying time in our family's hour of need.
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12 Aug, 2012 by Allen
I have worked with Cary and her firm on several issues over the past 5 years on behalf of my parents and my wife's parents. She and her staff provided excellent advice, thorough documentation through the Medicaid application process on behalf of my parents and provided proper instruments to allow cost-effective settlement of their estates.
My recommendation is proven by the fact that my wife and I have selected her to prepare our estate planning and last wishes documents for us.
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24 Jun, 2010 by Marty
After the death of my wife, I was beset with probate and real estate issues that I could not handle. Mr. Merriam's expertise and manner put me at ease. I feel that these matters are now being handled in the best way possible and I feel fortunate to have found Mr. Merriam on Avvo.com. I highly recommend Mr. Merriam.
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19 Apr, 2017 by Anonymous
A premier full service estate planning firm that made it very easy for my family to complete our documents and plan for the future. Ed was very knowledgeable about creating trusts, sorting out tax information, and establishing my family's unconventional beneficiary designations. I highly recommend this firm!
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08 Oct, 2017 by Karen
Jo-anne Jeffreys got me through a terrible situation with a positive outcome. Jo-anne was always patient with me despite my emotional distress and repeated questions. She always got back to me within a week of any email. Jo-anne seems to have an excellent grasp of elder law and steered me in the correct direction. Gratefully - Jo-anne tried to keep my costs down. Thank you Jo-anne!
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12 Jun, 2013 by Terese
We just moved from California and needed to establish guardianship in Florida for our grandson.
Establishing guardianship in California was complex, long and expensive for many reasons. Carrie reassured us; she knew exactly what paperwork we needed to provide for our first meeting, was professional, yet sympathetic, and advised us of possible pitfalls. The process was quick, painless, without any of the frustrating delays or unreasonable expense we had experienced in California. Her staff was courteous, patient and helpful. I would not hesitate to go back to Carrie.
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04 Sep, 2018 by Dr. alec b.
I can’t express how grateful I am to have found Aislynn. Changing jobs is a daunting process and being “legally naive” makes it nerve racking. Aislynn was an irreplaceable asset to negotiate my new work contract. Her knowledge of business coupled with her ability to listen and quickly implement my needs proved invaluable. Aislynn took the time to truly understand the case, paid attention to every detail and was effective in every interaction with my new employer. Her legal advice delivered the exact result I wanted to achieve! Best of all - she was supportive and encouraging throughout the entire process.
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FAQs
Questions? We have answers
What an Elder Law Lawyer Can Do for You
An elder law lawyer specializes in legal issues that affect older adults, their families, and caregivers. These lawyers handle a broad range of topics, including estate planning, Medicaid and Medicare, long-term care planning, guardianship, elder abuse, and retirement planning. The goal of an elder law lawyer is to protect the rights, finances, and well-being of elderly individuals and to help them plan for future healthcare and financial security.
If you or a loved one is aging and facing challenges related to healthcare, finances, or legal matters, an elder law lawyer can provide essential guidance to protect your rights and interests as you age.
When Should I Hire an Elder Law Lawyer?
Hiring an elder law lawyer can be beneficial in many situations where older adults need help with legal, financial, or healthcare-related decisions. Common reasons to hire an elder law lawyer include:
- Estate planning: If you want to create or update a will, set up trusts, or ensure that your assets are distributed according to your wishes, an elder law lawyer can help with comprehensive estate planning.
- Medicaid and Medicare planning: If you need help qualifying for Medicaid to cover long-term care or need advice on navigating Medicare benefits, a lawyer can guide you through the application process and protect your assets.
- Long-term care planning: If you’re concerned about paying for nursing home care or assisted living, a lawyer can help you create a financial plan and explore options for government assistance.
- Guardianship or conservatorship: If a family member is unable to make decisions due to age-related cognitive issues, an elder law lawyer can assist in setting up legal guardianship or conservatorship to ensure their care.
- Elder abuse and exploitation: If you or a loved one is experiencing physical, emotional, or financial abuse, an elder law lawyer can help you take legal action to stop the abuse and recover damages.
- Retirement planning: Elder law lawyers can assist with planning for retirement, including managing pensions, Social Security, and other retirement income.
- Special needs planning: If you have a disabled family member who requires special care, an elder law lawyer can help create trusts or other legal arrangements to ensure their long-term financial and healthcare needs are met.
What Does an Elder Law Lawyer Do?
An elder law lawyer provides a wide range of legal services to help older adults and their families navigate the complexities of aging, healthcare, and estate planning. Their responsibilities often include:
- Drafting wills and trusts: Creating legal documents that outline how an individual’s assets will be distributed after death, ensuring that their wishes are honored.
- Medicaid and Medicare planning: Helping clients protect their assets while qualifying for government benefits to cover healthcare and long-term care costs.
- Establishing guardianships: Assisting families in setting up guardianship or conservatorship for loved ones who are unable to make decisions due to mental or physical incapacity.
- Protecting against elder abuse: Investigating claims of elder abuse or financial exploitation and representing the victim in legal actions to stop the abuse and seek compensation.
- Planning for long-term care: Developing strategies to cover the costs of nursing homes, assisted living, and other long-term care options without exhausting the elder’s financial resources.
- Managing probate and estate administration: Guiding families through the probate process to ensure that the decedent’s assets are distributed according to the law and their wishes.
- Setting up advance directives: Helping clients establish healthcare directives and powers of attorney to ensure their medical and financial decisions are carried out if they become incapacitated.
How Are Elder Law Lawyers Paid?
Elder law lawyers typically charge for their services based on the complexity of the case and the type of legal work involved. Common payment structures include:
- Hourly rate: Many elder law lawyers charge by the hour, especially for tasks such as drafting documents, handling legal disputes, or providing ongoing legal advice. Hourly rates typically range from $150 to $500 or more, depending on the lawyer’s experience and location.
- Flat fee: For specific tasks, such as drafting a will or setting up a trust, some lawyers charge a flat fee. This can range from $500 to $5,000 or more, depending on the complexity of the estate plan.
- Retainer: For long-term legal representation, such as managing a trust or handling guardianship matters, a lawyer may charge a retainer, which is an upfront payment that covers future legal work.
- Contingency fee: In some elder abuse or financial exploitation cases, a lawyer may work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if they recover compensation for the client. This fee is typically a percentage of the settlement or damages awarded.
Be sure to discuss fees with your lawyer during the initial consultation to understand how you will be billed and what the total cost of services might be.
How Much Does an Elder Law Lawyer Cost?
The cost of hiring an elder law lawyer varies depending on the complexity of the case, the lawyer’s experience, and the fee structure. General cost estimates include:
- Simple estate planning: Drafting basic documents, such as a will or power of attorney, may cost between $500 and $2,000, depending on the complexity of the client’s assets and wishes.
- Complex estate planning: Setting up more advanced estate plans, such as revocable or irrevocable trusts, Medicaid planning, or special needs trusts, can range from $2,000 to $10,000 or more.
- Guardianship or conservatorship: Legal fees for setting up guardianship or conservatorship often range from $2,000 to $5,000 or more, depending on the complexity of the case and whether disputes arise.
- Medicaid planning: Legal fees for Medicaid planning can range from $1,500 to $10,000, depending on the level of asset protection needed and the complexity of the individual’s financial situation.
Always ask for an estimate of fees during your initial consultation to ensure you understand how much the legal services will cost.
Top Questions to Ask an Elder Law Lawyer
Before hiring an elder law lawyer, it’s important to ask the right questions to ensure they have the experience and expertise needed to handle your case. Key questions to ask include:
-
What experience do you have with elder law cases?
Make sure the lawyer has experience handling cases similar to yours, whether it's estate planning, Medicaid applications, or elder abuse claims. -
How do you charge for your services?
Clarify whether the lawyer charges by the hour, a flat fee, or a retainer, and ask for a detailed estimate of the total cost. -
What is the best approach for my case?
Ask for an honest assessment of your situation and what legal strategies the lawyer recommends. -
How long will the process take?
Whether it’s drafting an estate plan or setting up a guardianship, ask the lawyer how long they expect the process to take. -
Will you handle my case personally?
In larger firms, junior attorneys or paralegals may handle parts of the case. Make sure you know who will be working on your case directly. -
What documents should I bring to the consultation?
Ask the lawyer what documentation or information you should prepare for your consultation, such as medical records, financial statements, or prior legal documents.
How to Check the Credibility of an Elder Law Lawyer
To ensure you are hiring a reputable elder law lawyer, follow these steps to verify their credentials and experience:
- Check their bar status: Verify with your state bar association that the lawyer is licensed to practice and has no history of disciplinary actions.
- Look for elder law experience: Review the lawyer’s website or professional profile to ensure they specialize in elder law and have experience with cases similar to yours.
- Read client reviews and testimonials: Look for client reviews on platforms like Avvo, Martindale-Hubbell, or Google to see what previous clients have said about the lawyer’s professionalism and success rate.
- Ask for references: A credible lawyer should be able to provide references from past clients who have worked with them on elder law issues.
- Check for certifications: Look for certifications or affiliations with organizations such as the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA), which can indicate the lawyer’s dedication to elder law.
What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?
To get the most out of your first consultation with an elder law lawyer, it’s important to come prepared with relevant documents and information. Here’s what you should bring:
- Existing estate planning documents: If you have a will, trust, or power of attorney in place, bring copies for the lawyer to review.
- Financial records: Provide details of your assets, including bank accounts, investments, real estate, and retirement accounts, as well as any debts.
- Medical information: If the case involves guardianship or Medicaid planning, bring relevant medical records that detail the individual's health condition and care needs.
- Insurance policies: Bring information about health insurance, long-term care insurance, and any other relevant policies.
- Questions for the lawyer: Write down any questions you have about your legal needs, the process, and the lawyer’s fees.
- List of family members or beneficiaries: Prepare a list of the individuals you want to include in your estate plan or who will be affected by the legal process.
By preparing thoroughly for your consultation, you can help the lawyer assess your situation more effectively and receive the best legal advice tailored to your needs.
