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11 Nov, 2014 by Anonymous
I had the horrible pleasure of coming in contact with Mr. Edmond O'suji through a referral. In all my years I never seen such fraud, deceit and misrepresentation so much before in my life. This attorney has been deemed negligent, he failed to allow or advise me on proper process or ethical process of my case, he accepted a plea without my knowledge, he entered into a financial arrangement regarding my case without communicating anything to me. As a result my integrity and my case has been compromised. Future word of advice to any future prospects that are considering retaining this gentleman. Please do yourself a favor and save yourself the headache of dealing with dishonest attorney that will make provisions and accept pleas without your knowledge. He does not care about the consumer and has been known to misinform clients for his own gain.
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11 Sep, 2017 by Anonymous
For more than 60 days, I called and called the office, asking to speak with the legal assistant, Leslie Berry, handling my elderly mother's medicaid case. I emailed and emailed, no response regarding my mother's case. Finally, I call again on September 8, after hurricane Harvey and demand from an off-site receptionist, what is the status of my mother's medicaid case. She tells me that she will have Ms. Berry call me. RED FLAG - Leslie Berry is a man. Finally, Legal Assistant, Jennifer Gordon, calls, leaving a message because I'm on the phone with the hospital where my mother is now in ICU from becoming ill after being evacuated from her previous nursing home. In addition, Jennifer sends me 2 emails requesting information I had already sent in JULY to Mr. Berry AND CC'd HER ON! She had the information all the time. She could have forwarded it to the NEW assistants handling the medicaid cases. Mr. Bond needs to do a better job of managing his law firm. My family is up a creek without a $6000 paddle.
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23 Feb, 2015 by Anonymous
July 2013 we started this divorce. No fighting , simple non contestant . It's February 2015 and our case was done in January, I still don't have a copy of the decree. She rescheduled , and forgot many things, Got a lot of information wrong. I'm scared to get the final paper back because I have feeling it is wrong. During the process of us being told our court date 1 business day in advance , and
that's because I called or she would have forgot . Her receptionist is not professional at all, and very rude even considering all the mistakes. I still don't have answers to all our questions like the attorney general I was told " they will call you". No it shouldn't work that way. I'm very unnerved and would NEVER recommend her for anything!!!
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26 Jan, 2015 by Anonymous
This lady reschedule my court date with out even telling me. I had court Monday morning at 8 am and she called monday at 8:45 am bearly giving me a notice that she had rescheduled. She also never called me to ask any question about my case i had never even met her i only met her receptionist. The day of the other court day she did nothing for me I had to pay a court fee, had to take deffensive driving and will be on probation for 4 months.
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15 Aug, 2019 by Kevin
Does not cross all her T’s and dot all her I’s before filing damaging paperwork, jumps to conclusions and does not look into a case first. Horrible service with this lawyer.
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17 Feb, 2011 by Lannie
I had this attorney for a bankruptcy that filed my bankruptcy and would not provide any answers nor explain anything to you. The bankruptcy was filed but did not provide information to the court. Therefore, it almost had the case dismissed before completing. I call her several times but it would be 3-4 days later before she call you back..She
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09 Feb, 2022 by Anonymous
The experience I had with attorney Lauren Hurst was one of the most disappointing experience I’ve ever had. Lauren’s communication was bare to none. In the beginning of my case Lauren portrayed to be an knowledgeable attorney asking questions and coming up with solutions. The more difficult my case became, the more difficult Lauren became. At one point she started that it might be a better idea to get a different lawyer due to a disagreement we had doing the case. During my frustration with my case, I vented to her what can I do, and she took my frustrations personally and put me on a long hold so she can gather herself as is she was the one going through these difficult times. Lastly, when she called to discuss options on which direction I should go she didn’t provide any helpful information, she stated “I don’t know what you can do at this point”. I would not recommend Laure Hurst due to her lack of knowledge, and professionalism.
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14 Jan, 2019 by Marie
1. I had assault charges pending, filed by my ex shortly after I filed divorce on him.
2. He was always the aggressor but each time the police would come, all he needed to tell them was that I was a foreigner and things, at that point, just did not seem to follow proper protocol.
3. In short, he had me arrested one night claiming I tried to assault him with a weapon and immediately, filed for an order of protection preventing me from returning to my home.
4. No questions about who I was in the family structure. I was the breadwinner fed up of being overwork and disrespected by a man who grew comfortable having me provide for the family. I had all my evidence and I knew the charges would be dropped once brought up before a judge.
5. In the meanwhile I interview with Ms. Smith, who told me we still could have him kicked out of the house even before the criminal charges were dropped. We proceeded with the signing of the contract, she got her retainer and 2 days before the hearing date she informed me that I would be put on the 5th because the criminal charges were still pending.
6. In court, I could not speak, the opposing counsel had their field day in court and got everything they wanted in temporary order. We took a beating which could have been avoided.
7. About 1 month after those temporary orders were made by the judge, keeping me out of my house including having to pay child support to my ex, the charges were rejected by the DA after all evidence were provided by my defense attorney. He was always the aggressor and all I needed was an opportunity to prove it and shared some of those files with Ms. Smith so she knew.
8. Now that the charges were dropped, I asked Ms. Smith to request a hearing to have the temporary order changed now that I can speak and submit my evidence against him, she wouldn't, she told me "the judge was not going to change the temporary order just because my charges were dropped". She literally told me it was her way or the high way and since as a client, I am very much aware of my right of autonomy with i chose to exercise by reminding her the direction I wanted us to go with the case. She got upset, reminded me that she was the attorney and decided to withdraw from my case. Leaving me hanging with $5000 of my money in her pocket with just 1 court appearance. I was left to find another attorney and another retainer since she did not think that she should at least return at least some of my retainer money back to me.
Then she sent another bill claiming I owe her $1,300 which did not add up and each time she is questioned, she throws threats around, get on high horses with a clear intend to intimidate.
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28 Oct, 2014 by Anonymous
She never picked up the phone to call me. I had to call her after several days had passed because my court date was coming up and I hadn't heard from her. My attorney tried several times to get in touch with her unsuccessfully. When it was time for my home visit, she let me speak for about two minutes as she spent her time interrupting me to talk to my two toddlers who were not part of the custody case. She said the reason she went to my home was so the judge wouldn't say she didn't even do anything. She didn't talk to me to get my side of the story. She took what my daughters and their father told her to be the gospel truth without letting me speak. When our court date came, again all she wanted was her money. She said she would not sign off on any papers until she got her money from me. She didn't make my ex pay her anything. She completely made up her mind that my girls were better off with their dad based off the information my daughters and their dad gave her. She did not care to invest any time in the case because she had not received any payment and those were her words. We hadn't paid her because we couldn't even get a hold of her. She seemed to not care about anything but collecting her check which she didn't earn, except for showing up. I do not recommend Ms. Soliz if you want someone who will investigate both sides in order to place the child in the home and parent that will be in the best interest of the child.
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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.
