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12 Aug, 2021 by Mathew
Brianna was very thorough when reviewing our estate plan with us. She also answered any question we had clearly. She seemed very knowledgeable about all aspects of our estate plan.
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29 Jul, 2021 by Karen
Brianna was wonderful to work with. She explained things well and gave us plenty of opportunities to ask questions. She is thorough and clear with instructions and expectations of what we needed to do to complete our trust. Brianna also helped us to feel comfortable with the decisions we were making and encouraged us to consider different aspects of our decisions. This helped us to make the decisions we are very happy with.
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16 Jul, 2021 by Kathy
I highly recommend Brianna. She explains everything, answers all questions and is very helpful.
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29 Jul, 2024 by Anonymous
I would like to thank you for your time and help as a lawyer and, undoubtedly, a kind and responsive person. Very grateful.
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24 Jun, 2024 by Anonymous
He gave a great answer to a difficult situation, I appreciate the help very much!
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06 Aug, 2020 by Lynn
David a great job suggesting the PACE/Care Resources program that fit our family perfectly. We would never have stumbled across the program on our own. It changed the course of our lives. Attorney Gregg helped us with out family's Will and Trust. We liked his easy going personality and his succinct legal advice. Alex is my shinning star who helped us navigate the complexity of Medicaid. She replied to my emails and phone calls with record speed. I was never left hanging and wondering what to do next. They were all three worth every dollar. I can sleep at night knowing that we have everything in place.
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08 Mar, 2024 by Jenna rietveld
When you’re divorcing a serial cheater with a secret bank account & a gambling addiction, you need Kim Large on your side! She is so meticulous, detailed, and extremely dialed in to protect you from the antics of conniving people! 10/10 recommend!
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01 Feb, 2024 by Randy katerberg
Kim has been an unbelievable help to a few people I referred to her with custody issues. For family law you need to look no further.
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01 Feb, 2024 by Michael steinebach
Kim is phenomenal. Kim will fight for you, she is extremely knowledgeable, and is an attorney you can trust.
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05 Sep, 2024 by Emily
James took on my case and was amazing. I am not a easy person to deal with as I'm stubborn but he handled it well. Showed up early in court sat and talked to us as people not anything less. In court he was professional and firm.
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02 Sep, 2021 by Andrea
My case was a change of domicile. I received a great career offer that I didn’t want to turn down but unfortunately my child’s father was not on board with my decision. So I called 7 different attorneys even attorneys that I used in the past. Every lawyer I spoke to asked for a retainer fee upfront without even hearing my case out. But not James we talked on the phone for one hour he never even mentioned a retainer fee I had to ask that question. I explained to him that with me moving out of state and affording a lawyer was very difficult. James came up with 3 payment options that I could choose from I was really shocked and grateful especially from my experience with the previous lawyer’s. Regarding my case James was available anytime I called he would get back with me within an hour time frame email or telephone during business hours. If he was busy his team accommodated me and helped with any questions I had. We won the case and I had a short time span because I had already accepted the job so I had one month to get everything done and I was really amazed at how fast James accomplished everything in a timely manner. He won’t let you down! I’m very grateful for this law firm you guys changed me and my family’s life! Thank you
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01 Sep, 2021 by Anonymous
Went above and beyond. Five out of five would definitely recommend! Just a great human being over all! The best part is the cost to hire, most definitely worth the price.
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02 Sep, 2018 by Prod and deluxe (prodanddeluxe)
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29 Dec, 2015 by Cathy
I met with Mr. Alles to discuss setting up an estate plan for myself. During our meeting, he recommended plans also be setup for my adult, unmarried children--which I did. Unfortunately, my son died soon after his trust was setup. But, having a trust in place, has made managing his home, IRA's, and other assets much easier without going through probate. I definitely recommend Mr. Alles to anyone needing estate planning.
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26 Jul, 2013 by Jennifer
Tim took my husband and I through every single step of setting up our wills and trust. We had lots of questions, concerns, and worries about what we could/couldn't do. Tim was very patient and took us step by step through what we wanted, what he could do for us, and how he could bring everything together to get us what we were looking for. He was very informative and knew what we were looking for before we figured it out. I have suggested Tim to family and friends since our experience was wonderful. He is even doing our son's will for him since he is currently a Marine heading to Okinawa and has no idea what he will get into in the next couple of years. Highly recommend Tim to anyone looking for a down to earth honest attorney.
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28 Oct, 2023 by Katie m
Was standing out in the rain and a very kind woman gave me a Clark Hill umbrella - if I’m ever in need of legal services I know where I’m going
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11 Jul, 2023 by Heidi wilbourn
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01 Jul, 2019 by Mike bassett
Thank you to the staff at Clark Hill PLC for your professional, unbiased and thorough investigation into Title IX employment violations involving the Pathfinder Elementary Principal at Fremont Public Schools. This individual has finally been held accountble for her actions! Employees should feel safe at work and not be subjected to harassment, bullying and intimidation. We support survivors! #MeToo #TimesUp
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17 Oct, 2019 by Cindy
We have been working with Gregory Hodge for 3 years now. My mother is on Medicaid and in a nursing home. Whenever I have questions, he responds quickly. Every year he completes the required government forms that are so cumbersome! All I have to do is collect the information and provide it to him Gregory spells out exactly what is needed. We couldn't be happier!
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05 May, 2019 by Tammy
Greg Hodge was our lawyer for a family case we had going on. We had a lot on the line when we found Greg and way more on our plate then we would have been able to handle on our own. With Greg on our side we was able to resolve our case with a positive outcome. He believes in what is just and right. High integrity and honest. Our family sincerly thanks Greg from our hearts. Highly recommend
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02 Jun, 2016 by Nick
Greg was able to access my situation and reccomend a solution for my specific request. He did a great fully explaining the pros and cons to ensure the greatest gameplan and approach for my situation
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07 Feb, 2014 by Greg
I wanted to commend attorney Brian Plachta for his help with my complicated legal matter. I consulted a different lawyer on recommendation before coming to Brian and that lawyer made me feel very uneasy about my situation. Brian made things very clear for me and I appreciated the time he took in explaining and sometimes re-explaining until I was contentedly "in the know" of what was going on. His legal advice and counseling towards my legal matter made me more comfortable that my situation would be effectively handled. From my experience with lawyers, Plachta Murphy is different. The staff and attorneys were at my level and made me feel comfortable. That may seem like a small thing, but as a client who would rather not be dealing with a lawyer in the first place it really is a huge deal. Any attorney’s office can offer legal advice; the difference is how you folks do it. I look forward to working with you in the future, and will always mention my positive experience given the opportunity. Greg President DDS Integration
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27 Jan, 2014 by Shari
Plachta, Murphy & Associates has been my legal counsel in personal and business matters. Brian Plachta walked me through the process to incorporate my small business and assisted our condo association in acquiring land for green-space. While I have always been impressed with Brian Plachta's legal services from a business perspective, it was my meeting with him about Elder Care Law and Estate Planning that made me fully aware of why I call Attorney Plachta. While dealing with my mother’s dementia was overwhelming, Brian’s patience in explaining the financial implications of my mother's dementia and his compassion while we discussed the sensitive matter of taking over my family’s decision making was wonderful. In addition to helping me care for my parents, Brian helped me create a Will that protected my assets and my children’s best interests. I trust Brian to help me make sure my children and parents receive the very best care, my LLC is legally sound, and my neighborhood business is in order and you can too!
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08 Sep, 2009 by Anonymous
My family was having a hard time with decisions coming up with my aging father. There were so many questions and I had no clue where to start. My friend recommended an attorney that she had used before and I gave him a call. They were extremely courteous, friendly, knowledgeable, and professional. They discovered that my father was eligible for monthly payments through his military service to help with his cost of living expenses. It was money desperately needed. I would recommend Brian, or anyone at Plachta, Murphy law firm, to represent them.
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29 Dec, 2018 by Terri
We were referred to Kreis, Enderle, Hudgins & Borsos by a colleague when we moved to Kalamazoo. Lucky for us we were paired with Bobbi Hines. She was a wealth of knowledge, so organized and a great listener. We left with full confidence our future plans are set and she followed up and made sure we had everything set up. We'd tell anyone to work with her and will definitely use her in the future.
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12 May, 2014 by Scott
Bobbi helped my wife and I with our estate planning needs. She also helped with a few legal documents for our children as both will be leaving for college in the fall.
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29 Mar, 2014 by Kendra
I would highly recommend Bobbi (and have recommended her many times!). She is very responsive and very knowledgeable. She is an excellent resource!
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26 May, 2018 by Patrick
Christine represented me in a property lawsuit. She did a fantastic job and I would recommend her to anyone.
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29 Mar, 2023 by Karen
David is a rock and unperturbable legal advisor. I highly recommend him if you appreciate a calm voice of reason who remains focused on the goal at hand.
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15 Oct, 2020 by Matthew
Very knowledgeable and effective. Helped me quickly resolve my legal matter. Highly recommended.
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07 Jan, 2014 by Charles frost
Chris Hunter makes the business of advanced directives and wills easy to do. He works hard to find what you really want and then makes it happens. To him, each person is an individual with individual wants and needs which should be honored. He was great to work with. I highly recommend him!
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05 Jul, 2024 by Vee rod
Such great help & guidance with filing my bankruptcy. I would definitely recommend this place, they made it painless & easy during an otherwise difficult time in my life & helped with any questions I had during the process.
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28 Jun, 2024 by Ramon ayala
Very organized and the experience was great ...
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26 Jun, 2024 by Hugo sandoval
"I was impressed by this lawyer's expertise. He handled my case with professionalism and achieved an outstanding result". "My lawyer was always available to answer my questions and concerns. He put me at ease throughout the legal process". I would definitely recommend Russell, Tighe & Nowland, P.C.
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05 Jul, 2024 by Vee rod
Such great help & guidance with filing my bankruptcy. I would definitely recommend this place, they made it painless & easy during an otherwise difficult time in my life & helped with any questions I had during the process.
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28 Jun, 2024 by Ramon ayala
Very organized and the experience was great ...
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26 Jun, 2024 by Hugo sandoval
"I was impressed by this lawyer's expertise. He handled my case with professionalism and achieved an outstanding result". "My lawyer was always available to answer my questions and concerns. He put me at ease throughout the legal process". I would definitely recommend Russell, Tighe & Nowland, P.C.
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20 Aug, 2023 by Tammi merritt
Very knowledable friendly staff. John Conroy is a master in the courtroom. Thank You!
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29 Sep, 2022 by Colleen atchison
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01 Mar, 2021 by Matt oomen
John Conroy will go the extra mile to defend you. He has been an excellent attorney for my son.
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15 Apr, 2024 by Elias gutierrez
Phil helped me with my business acquisition. Everything went very smoothly and he is very organized. I would recommend him to anyone!
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05 Apr, 2024 by Mike t
Knowledgable and attentive. I have used Slot Law for corporate, employment, and transaction needs and will continue to do so.
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26 Sep, 2023 by Pg rated
Slot Law provides professional, knowledgeable, and prompt service. FYI in case Google Maps did not update, their office moved from downtown GR to 977 Ada Place Dr. in September 2023 and has a free parking lot.
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06 Jun, 2024 by Shirra whitefur
Quite simply, the best. She helped us through an intensely bad time, emotionally and financially, helped untangle a mess of outdated insurances, and even got a stubborn employer to release the death benefits that they'd been trying to dodge taking care of. In addition, her billing of hours is immaculate in it's notetaking, so you never wonder what you're paying for. I cannot recommend her highly enough!
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19 Oct, 2018 by Kendra pfaff
Very knowledgeable! She gets down to business. She knows and understands ever little corner of her profession.
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15 Apr, 2017 by Beukamonster
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02 Sep, 2018 by Prod and deluxe (prodanddeluxe)
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12 Sep, 2024 by Abeni jones
Nathalia was very patient and informative of my needs. She gave great explanation of the terms of my bankruptcy.
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12 Sep, 2024 by Lauren vanderelzen
Danny has been very easy to work with! Always stayed in contact so I knew what was going on and helped me find all my documents!
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12 Sep, 2024 by Israa h
Nathalie was great and made the process very easy and informative!
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24 Jul, 2023 by John
I enjoyed meeting Bill and working with him. He made the entire estate plan process very simple. Bill takes the time to explain everything fully. He and his staff are great and I highly recommend him.
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16 Sep, 2020 by Karl
My wife and I were blessed by his professional yet personal attention to our need to update our will and testament. We are grateful and highly recommend Bill Westerbeke.
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05 Nov, 2018 by Don
I’m extremely pleased with the services of Bill Westerbeke and his office staff. He’s a person you can genuinely trust to take care of your family’s legal needs. An excellent listener; with amazing attention to detail when considering all the issues of preparing a my will, trusts and special needs trusts for unusual situations. The explanation of the decision process was not rushed, fully understandable and at a very reasonable and competitive cost. I’m now confident my family is well protected after using the services of Bill Westerbeke.
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31 Jul, 2024 by Oleksandr
Wonderful service to the community! Thank you so much for what you do!
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19 Jul, 2024 by Lorinda lehner
Great source for legal assistance or referrals of needed
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02 Jul, 2024 by Alisha mckie
Staff was very helpful, even the nice lady that told me it was her first day. Everyone was so kind and patient. :) Helped me make sure I had the correct re notice form and scheduled a new court date for me.
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24 Apr, 2024 by B kass
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29 Mar, 2024 by Margaret gaston
Great lawyer in elder law. I would definitely recommend him
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28 Mar, 2024 by Ingrid kellaghan
Knowledgeable. Competent. Thorough. Trusted. I would recommend Nicholas Ryan to anyone needing estate planning.
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24 Apr, 2024 by B kass
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29 Mar, 2024 by Margaret gaston
Great lawyer in elder law. I would definitely recommend him
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28 Mar, 2024 by Ingrid kellaghan
Knowledgeable. Competent. Thorough. Trusted. I would recommend Nicholas Ryan to anyone needing estate planning.
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13 Aug, 2024 by Sonja sirie waters
Very slow need more people
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26 Jul, 2024 by Rick the ricker
No help or even reply.. Good luck.
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22 Jul, 2024 by Taniesha sanford
Lawyer was very careless she basically sided with who i was going to court against i lost both my cases while she laughed and giggled with the person taking me to court i was harrased after court she never respo ded to messages until 3 days later she was very careless about my situation we came to a agrrement in court and my landlord added fees that was not in my agreement and she did not say anything about it she was not for me she was more for getting paid for nothing worse lawyers ever
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26 Apr, 2024 by Anonymous
During one free consultation, Mr Cox convince me to hire him. He gave me so much confidence that my case is a win in front of the judge without any doubt. I wished I had done more research on selecting a divorce attorney. My divorce was in 2022-2023 out of state where divorce was filed. Examples: 1. Mr. Cox was booked in two hearings, in the middle of the court zoom, he left the meeting, another attorney came and said, Mr Cox had to leave for another hearing he was scheduled. My hearing ended. 2. Poor employees retention. Within 4-5 months, I worked with three paralegals and each time I had to resend my documents to them all over. 3. Scheduling a meeting with Mr. Cox specifically before a hearing was challenging. He was late to our meeting and unprepared. Each time, I had to explain my divorce case to him once again. He was always on rushed to his next meeting. 4. In several incidents, the paralegal made an error on my documents. I contacted the paralegal to correct the error. However, I was charged once for the documents sent to me, second time for receiving corrected documents. Bill statement indicated “document corrected-resent”. It didn’t specify, paralegal made the error. 5. In spite of my repetitive requests, my ex wife’s bank subpoena never arrived by the divorce mediation hearing. There was plenty of time to receive it on time. It had impact on my financial commitments to my ex wife. My mediation hearing was a failure. 6. I learned more about divorce mediation online than my lawyer. 7. In one hearing that he told me he represents me without my presence the day before, I received a call at 6:30 AM-PT while driving to work. Mr Cox on the phone asking me where are you? why don’t you join the hearing? Nervously, I pulled over to join the zoom hearing while having issues with WiFi connection. Best wishes!
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01 Mar, 2023 by Anonymous
Sean seems nice and accommodating till he gets his down payment. He then started his lying, started changing his, our strategy , he over charged multiple times, bullying, indecisive, terrible experience. Do yourself a favor Don't hire a liar!! especially if it's your future counsel.
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07 Oct, 2020 by Anonymous
4 mos of billing excessively with 0 results . When questioned has a temper tantrum showing what a fat dumb asswipe he really is . Challenges me to a fight actually not realizing I hold a world ranking in Korean Tae Kwan Do . What an idiot
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05 Jun, 2024 by Randy pringle
Next to 0 communication even after repeat attempts. Called me the day before court to tell me he's dismissing my witness and after further discussion (after agreeing to pay another $1000 or he wouldn't continue) he decided he's going to file to move the date and withdraw as my attorney. Asked for an invoice of billable hours and the return of the remainder of my retainer and never got one. SAVE YOUR MONEY
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05 May, 2021 by Kaysie glerum
I had reached out to get some legal advice and it took 3 weeks of me continuing to reach out without any response. Would not recommend if your in any type of a time frame.
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12 Jan, 2019 by Erin penny
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FAQs
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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.