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31 Aug, 2023 by Alex
We had a few questions on using a trust in a slightly unconventional manner. Maurice listened to our use-case, went over our trust declaration, identified the weak points and made actionable suggestions. He answered all our questions and was super friendly . We will definitely come back to hire him when the need arises.
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12 Jul, 2023 by Sandra
My family retained Maurice Giro about 2 years ago regarding a family matter. The case was just settled. It was a long road but we did it. It was a pleasure working with Maurice and Yohana. They were very attentive and took their time explaining everything to us during the entire process. You can definitely tell they actually care about their clients. I highly recommend Giro & Associates.
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09 May, 2023 by Damian
What can I say…
Maurice and I had a small bump on the road. Overcoming obstacles, Mr. Giro was able to get me out of a very difficult situation against a malicious attorney who practices law with threats. Maurice was able to navigate through the situation and handle the matter professionally, ethically and gave me the reassurance that justice will prevail despite frightening allegations against me. Now, with facts and evidence, the perpetrators are now starting to reveal themselves to the justice system. I’m confident that Maurice can resolve complicated issues. Maurice knowledge of the law stemming from a great school, former prosecutor and public defender, has my confidence that we can take on any task before him.
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27 Oct, 2020 by Marlene
Melanie went out of her way to assist us in obtaining guardianship of a sick family member. She took extra time out of her busy schedule to carefully explain everything to us and she was very strategic and organized. We are forever grateful to her and would highly recommend her to anyone with Guardianship or Estate matters.
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10 Jun, 2019 by Nick p.
Melanie Costantino assisted my family as we tried to get my father approved for Medicaid. We could not have done it without her assistance. Dealing with the bureaucracy at the Union County Medicaid office was beyond our ability. Melanie pushed the case forward and finally Union County approved in my father’s favor. Melanie kept us informed of the situation at all times and was always quick to respond to our questions and concerns. She is an excellent lawyer and we would highly recommend her services.
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26 Oct, 2017 by Karen
Melanie Constantino was an amazing lawyer throughout the entire LONG process of getting Medicaid approval for my mother. I cannot speak highly enough of her. If you are looking for a responsive, very detailed, caring attorney she's it !! You're a gem Melanie... I'm so happy I hired you. Thank you !
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27 Sep, 2022 by Anonymous
Peggy gave us excellent advice regarding my Mom’s situation that was practical and easy to understand. Her no nonsense approach is refreshing and she does not try to overly complicate issues and concentrates on practical, cost effective solutions. I highly recommend her! We will hire her for probate!!
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13 Sep, 2017 by Rev. peter j. palmisano
I came to know Peggy 10 years ago. She helped and continues to help my family to deal with all property/estate planning. Peggy is extremely efficient in her field of expertise. She sees every situation to completion for the greatest good of her clients. Every person and s ituation is managed with integrity, dignity and respect. I highly regard Peggy as a woman of great intelligence and wisdom who also has at heart the greatest good for all people and especially family values. I highly recommend her and her firm.
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22 Aug, 2017 by Paul
Peggy Knee has provided our family with excellent legal family advice and services. She is thorough, timely and helps you to understand your living wills, wills , power of attorney and trusts.
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13 Nov, 2015 by Anonymous
Mr. Cevasco is professional, honest, and detailed with the information he provides. I am extremely happy with his services and grateful that I met someone of his caliber.
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13 Sep, 2017 by John and cindy
A family member was the executor of my Mom's will and we felt there were some dishonest things going on. Another attorney recommended Robert Knee. We found Robert to have great experience in dealing with our issues and gave us a lot of confidence throughout the process. We had to go to trial and were satisfied with the result.
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21 Dec, 2024 by Vijay singh
Joel was very helpful in analyzing my legal problem. It was not worth the legal expense, but he gave me some good tips. I filed the appeal with the insurance company denial myself and voila - got a full payment just a week later. Will definitely use them if I have a disability problem.
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07 Dec, 2024 by James farrell
I was denied in my long term disability claim by an insurance company. I was recommended another law firm with who I was familiar with. The lawyer listened to our explanation and told us it didn’t sound promising, but to send the supporting documentation. A few days later I received an email from the lawyer stating I had NO appeal left.
I felt I needed a second opinion. Not having another recommendation, I searched the internet and came across Michael
Quiat. Mike had a wealth of experience and seemed like a seasoned professional. We spoke to him on the phone and he was very sympathetic to our plight and seemed very enthusiastic about our chances on appeal. He was very thorough and knowledgeable throughout the entire process and documented and supported all the facts that the insurance company had to accept the claim. I highly recommend Mike!
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03 Dec, 2024 by Nikesh dadlani
I chose this firm to represent me in a disability appeal with Prudential and was very relieved to get my claim approved upon the 2nd level review of the appeals process. Joel Zelkowitz was very helpful and professional along the way and would highly recommend his firm
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18 Dec, 2024 by Marina shikhman
I would never recommend either Francesca or Carlye, as my experience with them was that of ineffectiveness, procrastination and extreme inefficiency resulting in high bills and no accomplishments on my behalf, accompanied by poor attitude. I contacted Francesca in late Sep 2023 to help me and my son gain control of my son’s college fund and get my ex to pay child support. Francesca was optimistic, stated that they will get to work on it “right away”, and suggested that she bring on Carlye as it would be “more efficient”. What I was not told is that I will be billed thousands of dollars for Francesca and Carlye talking to each other (conferences they called it, and that is very lucrative for the two of them, but definitely not efficient). I was also not told that it meant that Francesca will dump my case on an inexperienced junior attorney –something I would have never agreed to. Not knowing any better I took her advice. By the end of November, still with no court date or even a motion in sight, my ex hired a lawyer, who, according to Francesca, was going to give us a counter-offer. Francesca suggested we wait to see it, before going to court. I waited for somebody to reach out to me until mid-January, for nearly 2 months, when my ex sent my son’s tuition payment to himself instead of to college. When I texted her, Francesca finally called my ex’s lawyer and discovered that he fired her. I am not sure when Francesca or Carlye were planning to follow-up on the situation if I didn’t text them. At that point, Francesca reassured me that we will be doing to court “very soon” (previously suggesting that in such a situation we can have an emergency court hearing within days). However, neither she nor Carlye pursued an emergency hearing, and did nothing to remediate the situation, leaving myself and my son to fight my ex for the tuition money, but I was billed thousands of dollars for communicating with them about the situation. It took until March to get a motion produced, with the court date eventually scheduled for mid-April. At that point my ex lawyered up again, asking to postpone the court date so they can file counter-motion. While it only took his lawyer a total of only 11 days from when he was hired until he completed the motion and submitted it to court, my lawyers missed court communications, and with all the other delays on part of Francesca and Carlye we did not get to court until early June, more than 8 months from when I hired them, and at the cost of 4-5 times what my ex paid his lawyer to get to that point. Once we got to court, Carlye proved to be just as ineffective and inefficient in convincing the judge of anything of benefit to me. The summer was spent by her in an unbroken streak of failures to get any results on my behalf or to move the process toward resolution through multiple court appearances, while billing me thousands of dollars. I was left to fight with my ex by myself outside of court to try to get to any kind of an agreement about the college fund and child support, while continuing to pay legal fees for "representation" but no results. My ex and I finally came to an agreement, outside of court, with no input from my lawyers. The agreement was written up by my ex’s attorney, who was much more responsive and efficient through that process. I really should have fired Francesca and Carlye at that point and finalized it myself, but I thought that I may as well benefit from having access to legal representation. Another mistake. They dragged it out for another 2 months, with the final agreement being identical to the original + changes by my ex that he sent over the day after his lawyer circulated the agreement, but I was charged additional ~ 4500 for their “work”. They did nothing but dragged the process out for over a year, left me to fight with my ex by myself and “efficiently” billed me tens of thousands of dollars. When I brought my concerns to Francesca, she accused me of trying to shake her down and get out of paying my bills. So – definitely don’t recommend.
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14 Nov, 2024 by Chanda johnson
I am so thankful for Thomas and his help with my divorce. I recommend him at every opportunity. His knowledge and approach kept my divorce civil and moving. When things escalated he was there for me, looking out for my best interest, while helping me set reasonable expectations. He doesnt get sucksd into the drama and isn't going to milk unfortunate situations to bump his bottom line.
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22 Oct, 2024 by Ihor mulyk
The O’Cathian Law Group was introduced to me by a close friend who himself had gone through a very difficult transition in his life. Best advice I got. From my very first meeting with Francesca and Thomas, it was very clear to me that I had made the right choice. Thomas rolled up his sleeves and worked his tail off for me. He is very knowledgeable, competent, caring, compassionate, thoughtful and always treats me with respect. Thomas guided me through the most difficult 14 month period of my life. Though I never wanted to walk into their office I am very happy with my result and will be forever grateful that I did. I highly recommend them.
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02 May, 2016 by Anonymous
Have used her for house closing (which she doesn't do anymore) and she was fully prepared for closing (checks were even pre-witten and accurate).
Used for will which was thorough. Beginning to speak to her about estate planning and was impressed with her knowledge. Would highly recommend her.
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08 Feb, 2024 by Edward
Michael Willis is a true professional and a great attorney. The paralegals there are all extremely knowledgeable, helpful, and they listen to all of your concerns. The most important thing is that they get results, the results you’re looking for… and that, is what matters most!
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26 May, 2023 by Paul
Mr. Willis helped me write my will and assisted me when I wanted to revise it. He is efficient, concise, highly knowledgeable. He understood my situation very and very effectively guided me.
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07 Sep, 2021 by Anonymous
He wasted the time for the paid consultation without giving us any information that could help us. It was wasting of time and money.
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25 Jun, 2024 by Y kornblau
Kevin Bremer is a powerhouse of an attorney. You should never need a lawyer, but IF you need one make sure to have someone who has the agility, skill, knowledge and aptitude to get you to the finish line. Kevin is all the above and more and is the lawyer who can and will get it done.
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23 Jun, 2024 by Al fenelle
"I unfortunately had Alexandra Coglianese appointed as our parent coordinator. She exhibited bias and manipulated facts to fit her own narrative. Her dishonesty led to false statements, some of which she corrected when confronted. She even presented inaccurate information to the judge, some of which she later amended in an email sent at 7 PM the night before the hearing. Whether this was deliberate or due to incompetence, she failed to prioritize my daughter’s best interests by presenting misleading narratives to the court and making false statements and unsolicited recommendations.
If you’re seeking someone who is fair, honest, and genuinely looks out for the child’s well-being, I recommend avoiding Alexandra Coglianese.”
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18 Mar, 2024 by Tony esposito
I have been working with Alex for almost 15 years and she has helped me with two matrimonial cases. From day one, Alex dove deep into the facts of my case, was able to decipher through years of court documents and was absolutely tenacious in advancing and winning my cases. Not only is Alex a highly skilled professional and an excellent attorney, she took a personal interest in me and my children and left no stone unturned. Even when my second case was transferred out of state to North Carolina, Alex recommended an excellent local attorney and stayed involved throughout the whole process.
I can’t thank Alex enough for her efforts, results, passion and dedication. I have dealt with many law firms/attorneys, both professionally (in my 35 year career) and personally and Alex is second to none and at the top of my list. I highly recommend Alex! AAA+++
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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.
