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14 Nov, 2024 by Repentant sinner
I had a consultation with Richard Shapiro in which he explained, nit why he thought, but why I was wrong about how I chose to leave my estate to my beneficiaries. Lawyers overall I’ve found as most of us have to be extremely dishonest greedy and not looking out for their client but their wallet. When with the years of trust, estate and probate experience, to the point that on occasions I wrote our errata’s to pending petitions, guided me as to what I know is best for my beneficiaries, Mr Shapiro disagreed however was unable to provide a valid argument as to why his thought on how I should distribute my estate was wrong and even made the ludacris assumption I should put monies for adults in their 40s 50s and 60s into a trust that would not be immediately distributed at the time of my death. My decision is to have my beneficiaries be saved from dealing with greedy corrupt lawyers, power crazed trustees and executors and very wisely instead leave monies to beneficiaries of accounts which they would then immediately without lawyers or other corrupt interference , get their money. Okay, so Mr Shapiro said you’re not protected legally then and a wife could then somehow get that money . Instead his brilliant idea appears to be to treat adults like under age children and have them subject to trustees , trustee fees and the power crazed people giving them money like an allowance. I’m apparently unable to make the decision it appears he thinks to allow my beneficiaries, all who are adults, to have use and enjoy the money I leave them without being subject in their 40s and 50s and 60s to being lorded over by a trustee..of course which gets a nice fee, plus a trust company also taking more money in fees. Be wise and find someone ..speak to several lawyers when planning your estate and remember your decisions will affect your beneficiaries. They can be subject to years of litigation to even get their portion If the trustee fails their fiduciary duties and without spending months or years and endless amounts of lawyer fees. Theres nothing they can do about it. I think Richard was not concerned about me, my beneficiaries, what’s best for us and the money and assets but it seems to me in my humble opinion he’s more interested in making the estate pay the most possible , and continue making it pay year after years in a trust for successful adults, including 2 attorneys, one pediatric surgeon, as well as other mature adults, who do not need babysitters and to have to go to strangers to get their money in dribbles from a stranger. Honestly it’s so disheartening time after time to see how corrupt people are when money is involved. Do your research, leaving bank or brokerage accounts to beneficiaries is easiest quickest and the way to avoid any greedy or disturbed lawyers or executors or trustees to harm your loved ones.
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04 Nov, 2024 by Roy rysinger
I've worked with Susie Sohn for many years on various business, personal, and real estate legal matters. Susie and her team have always been excellent and are a true pleasure to work with!
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23 Oct, 2024 by Dustin leibowitz
I am happy to share my experience working with Susie Sohn, an exceptional attorney who has become my go-to recommendation for my clients over the past couple of years. From the moment I was referred to her by a colleague, it was clear that I had found a true professional in the field. Susie’s hard work and dedication are evident in every interaction. She approaches each case with an impressive level of experience and expertise, ensuring that my clients receive the best possible guidance. Her ability to communicate effectively and transparently sets her apart, making the legal process much smoother for everyone involved. Working with her is always a pleasure; her friendly demeanor and professionalism create a welcoming environment. I wholeheartedly recommend Susie Sohn to anyone in need of an attorney. Her commitment to her clients and her exceptional skills make her an invaluable asset in the industry. Thanks Susie!
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14 Jun, 2021 by Anthony delgado
impeccable service kept me up to date thruout the entire process very good people not just out there for a payday. i highly recommend
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17 May, 2021 by Nathan
First and foremost, the Magnell Office is a cut above the rest. They were not only cordial and attentive but displayed a strong sense of trust, integrity, and reliability when taking on my case. Back in 2020, I got a speeding ticket for driving a 53 in a 30. As an out-of-state driver, I was unaware of New York's point system. Not to mention the fact that this was my first-time offense. Long story short, I would have gotten 6 pts; however, the Magnell Office brought it down to 0 pts and a fine for littering on the highway. I highly recommend this law firm. If I could, I would give them a 6 out of 5.
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10 Feb, 2021 by Megan
Glenn Magnell and his team were great to work with! During these crazy times with covid, Glenn gave me peace of mind knowing I didn't have to worry about my case. They kept me up to date and helped me with my speeding ticket. Would highly recommend!!! Great group of hard working people! Thank you!
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01 Nov, 2023 by Mik sky
Choosing G. Barone as your attorney will be the BEST decision you can make. He is knowledgeable, ethical, transparent and honest. As your attorney, he is in constant communication with you. I feel he went above and beyond anything I could have ever expected. Dealing with legal situations can be very strenuous. Knowing that I had Gardiner as my lawyer offered me a lot of peace. I highly recommend his services!!!!
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30 Oct, 2019 by Giulia preziuso
Very welcoming and professional staff created an immediate secure environment. The consultation with Mr. Barone was thorough, honest and fair. He's a master of his craft, you're in the best hands.
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02 Dec, 2021 by Dennis clark
I have used Chris in many real estate transactions and have always been very happy with his work. He is responsive, professional and will clearly explain real estate law to you in a way that allows you to make the best decisions. I would highly recommend him.
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28 Sep, 2021 by Carlos rivera
Not only did Chis help me close on my house, but he helped me with a ticket from Westchester County. Thanks Chris.
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30 Jun, 2021 by Melissa schueler
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14 Nov, 2024 by Repentant sinner
I had a consultation with Richard Shapiro in which he explained, nit why he thought, but why I was wrong about how I chose to leave my estate to my beneficiaries. Lawyers overall I’ve found as most of us have to be extremely dishonest greedy and not looking out for their client but their wallet. When with the years of trust, estate and probate experience, to the point that on occasions I wrote our errata’s to pending petitions, guided me as to what I know is best for my beneficiaries, Mr Shapiro disagreed however was unable to provide a valid argument as to why his thought on how I should distribute my estate was wrong and even made the ludacris assumption I should put monies for adults in their 40s 50s and 60s into a trust that would not be immediately distributed at the time of my death. My decision is to have my beneficiaries be saved from dealing with greedy corrupt lawyers, power crazed trustees and executors and very wisely instead leave monies to beneficiaries of accounts which they would then immediately without lawyers or other corrupt interference , get their money. Okay, so Mr Shapiro said you’re not protected legally then and a wife could then somehow get that money . Instead his brilliant idea appears to be to treat adults like under age children and have them subject to trustees , trustee fees and the power crazed people giving them money like an allowance. I’m apparently unable to make the decision it appears he thinks to allow my beneficiaries, all who are adults, to have use and enjoy the money I leave them without being subject in their 40s and 50s and 60s to being lorded over by a trustee..of course which gets a nice fee, plus a trust company also taking more money in fees. Be wise and find someone ..speak to several lawyers when planning your estate and remember your decisions will affect your beneficiaries. They can be subject to years of litigation to even get their portion If the trustee fails their fiduciary duties and without spending months or years and endless amounts of lawyer fees. Theres nothing they can do about it. I think Richard was not concerned about me, my beneficiaries, what’s best for us and the money and assets but it seems to me in my humble opinion he’s more interested in making the estate pay the most possible , and continue making it pay year after years in a trust for successful adults, including 2 attorneys, one pediatric surgeon, as well as other mature adults, who do not need babysitters and to have to go to strangers to get their money in dribbles from a stranger. Honestly it’s so disheartening time after time to see how corrupt people are when money is involved. Do your research, leaving bank or brokerage accounts to beneficiaries is easiest quickest and the way to avoid any greedy or disturbed lawyers or executors or trustees to harm your loved ones.
Read more Google Maps
star star star star star
04 Nov, 2024 by Roy rysinger
I've worked with Susie Sohn for many years on various business, personal, and real estate legal matters. Susie and her team have always been excellent and are a true pleasure to work with!
Read more Google Maps
star star star star star
23 Oct, 2024 by Dustin leibowitz
I am happy to share my experience working with Susie Sohn, an exceptional attorney who has become my go-to recommendation for my clients over the past couple of years. From the moment I was referred to her by a colleague, it was clear that I had found a true professional in the field. Susie’s hard work and dedication are evident in every interaction. She approaches each case with an impressive level of experience and expertise, ensuring that my clients receive the best possible guidance. Her ability to communicate effectively and transparently sets her apart, making the legal process much smoother for everyone involved. Working with her is always a pleasure; her friendly demeanor and professionalism create a welcoming environment. I wholeheartedly recommend Susie Sohn to anyone in need of an attorney. Her commitment to her clients and her exceptional skills make her an invaluable asset in the industry. Thanks Susie!
Read more Google Maps
See more
star star star star star
14 Nov, 2024 by Repentant sinner
I had a consultation with Richard Shapiro in which he explained, nit why he thought, but why I was wrong about how I chose to leave my estate to my beneficiaries. Lawyers overall I’ve found as most of us have to be extremely dishonest greedy and not looking out for their client but their wallet. When with the years of trust, estate and probate experience, to the point that on occasions I wrote our errata’s to pending petitions, guided me as to what I know is best for my beneficiaries, Mr Shapiro disagreed however was unable to provide a valid argument as to why his thought on how I should distribute my estate was wrong and even made the ludacris assumption I should put monies for adults in their 40s 50s and 60s into a trust that would not be immediately distributed at the time of my death. My decision is to have my beneficiaries be saved from dealing with greedy corrupt lawyers, power crazed trustees and executors and very wisely instead leave monies to beneficiaries of accounts which they would then immediately without lawyers or other corrupt interference , get their money. Okay, so Mr Shapiro said you’re not protected legally then and a wife could then somehow get that money . Instead his brilliant idea appears to be to treat adults like under age children and have them subject to trustees , trustee fees and the power crazed people giving them money like an allowance. I’m apparently unable to make the decision it appears he thinks to allow my beneficiaries, all who are adults, to have use and enjoy the money I leave them without being subject in their 40s and 50s and 60s to being lorded over by a trustee..of course which gets a nice fee, plus a trust company also taking more money in fees. Be wise and find someone ..speak to several lawyers when planning your estate and remember your decisions will affect your beneficiaries. They can be subject to years of litigation to even get their portion If the trustee fails their fiduciary duties and without spending months or years and endless amounts of lawyer fees. Theres nothing they can do about it. I think Richard was not concerned about me, my beneficiaries, what’s best for us and the money and assets but it seems to me in my humble opinion he’s more interested in making the estate pay the most possible , and continue making it pay year after years in a trust for successful adults, including 2 attorneys, one pediatric surgeon, as well as other mature adults, who do not need babysitters and to have to go to strangers to get their money in dribbles from a stranger. Honestly it’s so disheartening time after time to see how corrupt people are when money is involved. Do your research, leaving bank or brokerage accounts to beneficiaries is easiest quickest and the way to avoid any greedy or disturbed lawyers or executors or trustees to harm your loved ones.
Read more Google Maps
star star star star star
04 Nov, 2024 by Roy rysinger
I've worked with Susie Sohn for many years on various business, personal, and real estate legal matters. Susie and her team have always been excellent and are a true pleasure to work with!
Read more Google Maps
star star star star star
23 Oct, 2024 by Dustin leibowitz
I am happy to share my experience working with Susie Sohn, an exceptional attorney who has become my go-to recommendation for my clients over the past couple of years. From the moment I was referred to her by a colleague, it was clear that I had found a true professional in the field. Susie’s hard work and dedication are evident in every interaction. She approaches each case with an impressive level of experience and expertise, ensuring that my clients receive the best possible guidance. Her ability to communicate effectively and transparently sets her apart, making the legal process much smoother for everyone involved. Working with her is always a pleasure; her friendly demeanor and professionalism create a welcoming environment. I wholeheartedly recommend Susie Sohn to anyone in need of an attorney. Her commitment to her clients and her exceptional skills make her an invaluable asset in the industry. Thanks Susie!
Read more Google Maps
See more
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23 Apr, 2022 by Mika vrad
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18 Mar, 2022 by John darcy
Google Maps
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17 Mar, 2022 by John darcy
No one picks up the phone and then when you leave a message no one returns the phone call you email them and no one returns your email. Honestly I'm not sure this place is even open considering they don't have any business hours posted anywhere.
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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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. What is the best approach for my case?
    Ask for an honest assessment of your situation and what legal strategies the lawyer recommends.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.

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