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08 Jan, 2025 by Franklin contreras
Muy confiable y rapido
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28 Dec, 2024 by Jerome palmer
We used the Weldon Law group for our immigration needs and were very happy with their professionalism. Ms. Iraida was our handler and she remained in communication throughout the entire process allow us to our daily norms without worry. Thank you Weldon Law.
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28 Dec, 2024 by Kayan dunkley
I highly recommend
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5.0
7 Reviews
4.9
195 Reviews
10 Dec, 2024 by Ashleigh clapper
Momentum has been a life changing brokerage for me and I can’t thank Jon and Brittany enough for everything they offer! I hear so many others saying the same and seeing other agents grow from the day they started to today, is so awesome! The opportunity and mentorship to grow your business is endless!
I love the small brokerage feel that we still have even after so much growth with new agents. I love meeting so much talent within our brokerage, it makes is easy to bounce ideas off of each other, help each other out, create a strong referral network and also friends who I don’t know what I do without.
I am not the typical agent, I am an investor who is also a realtor full time. Finding a brokerage that supported my business and also understood it has been stressful and difficult. Other brokerage made the documents so complicated and honestly sometimes they didn’t even understand what was needed. Not Momentum, they have been able to navigate through all transactions and even give advice!
The investment knowledge, virtual classes, meetings and gatherings to help grow are so beneficial!
Thankful for Momentum and everything they do!
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07 Nov, 2024 by E joe
Jason Terenzi is the man! Very knowledgeable and super helpful! I would highly recommend!
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23 Oct, 2024 by Валерия кадиева
I tried to rent a house from a realtor. After submitting an application, the owner of the house changed her mind about renting it out. Nickl didn't return the money for checking the history. I think it's unprofessional that I wasted my time and money. I think if you represent someone's interests, you should have a contract, and not just words. I wanted to say it, I said it, I didn't want to. People who don't value their clients don't need them!!
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26 Sep, 2024 by Jeff
Wesley Dickson did a fantastic job with the explanation of the trust. Using layman's terms and real life examples of each section. The trust is well thought out and covers every angle of the estate, past, present, and future. I highly recommend the Law Office David M. Goldman PLLC. You will not be disappointed.
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13 Aug, 2024 by Dan
As I am closing in on retirement - There are many questions about estate planning that I needed to get a better understanding of in order to find the best path for myself and my family.
David and his team responded very quickly, smoothly and efficiently, and he spent a lot of time helping me navigate a complex world and showed great knowledge and skill which I deeply appreciate.
I would highly recommend David and his team to assist you in your estate planning needs!
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04 Jul, 2024 by Douglas
David was very knowledgeable and took the time to make sure we understood the process. My wife and I have more peace of mind following our planning sessions. I would highly recommend him for estate planning.
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11 Nov, 2022 by Anonymous
I will be forever grateful that someone recommended the Berg Bryant Elder Law Group to me. They are the perfect trifecta: knowledgeable, kind, and effective. They guided me successfully through the overwhelming process of securing longterm care for my mother. They helped me to create the best outcome possible. I am more than satisfied; I am relieved. Cinse Bonino
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12 Jul, 2022 by Josephine
Seeing what happened to a relative needing a rehab facility made us realize we needed an elder law attorney's advice for our immediate family.
Mr. Bryant handled our trust with the utmost professionalism. He carefully listened to our concerns and shared various ideas on handling the trust. He guided us in making the right decisions based on our specific situation. Mr. Bryant never rushed us in our meetings with him. He reviewed all the aspects of the trust and made sure we understood.
We, also, want to commend his team from the receptionists to the paralegals. Their interactions with us were always courteous, respectful and professional.
We are grateful to Mr. Bryant for the way he handled the whole process and thereby giving us peace of mind.
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29 Mar, 2022 by Anonymous
We hired Kellen’s firm to apply for Medicaid for Mom to receive long term care in a nursing home. We were given “ homework “ before our first meeting, which helped us to begin collecting the necessary paperwork. For example, we had to go the courthouse to obtain certified legal documents.
When a loved one is slightly over the cap in income, qualifying for Medicaid can be daunting. Kellen’s firm saved us from completing the lengthy and tedious Medicaid form and from making costly mistakes in qualifying for this benefit.
The first consultation with Kellen was eye-opening. He busted many Medicaid myths! I also watched the pertinent videos on the website. We should have come to him a couple of years ago when Mom was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s.
Kellen and his paralegal specialist, Christian, made the process understandable with handouts and flowcharts. They were familiar with the staff of the nursing home we selected, and kept us apprised of the application status.
We highly recommend Kellen and his firm!
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5.0
20 Reviews
25 Feb, 2021 by Sd
WE WERE LUCKY WHEN HOLLYN FOSTER STARTED TO WORK FOR US AS AN ATTORNEY employed by the law firm handling the estate of a beloved family member. Hollyn J. Foster is an experienced, wise and effective advocate. Difficult as it was, we needed to follow the will and settle things as written.
Hollyn IS A PATIENT AND HUMBLE PERSON WHO LISTENS. She makes you feel at ease and confident in her abilities. She knows her job is to help her clients do what is necessary because She CARES ABOUT the PEOPLE involved in the case. For our family situation, Hollyn was impressive as an advocate and forthright as a legal advisor. From day one, Ms. Foster was friendly, efficient, patient, organized, and focused on taking the right actions at the right time.
Ms. Foster used her legal education along with years of paralegal expertise to keep all concerned moving forward on the right track so that we could reach our destination.
KEY ADVANTAGES OF HIRING HOLLYN FOSTER:
We worked with Hollyn Foster for nearly two years to distribute items and educate the heirs about the estate settlement process. About nine months after we met her, Global Pandemic spread across the U.S. Hollyn quickly adapted and handled the virtual courtroom and delayed hearings as if it were a natural ritual.
Hollyn’s MASTERY OF TECHNOLOGY enabled us to move forward with the case at hand. We were working full-time, managing quarantine issues and still grieving. She worked hard to address the challenges of a large family whose members live in three different time zones. She almost seemed to be some sort of procedural wizard. She considered the best course to take, discussed the strategy with her clients. If approved, she prepared documents, handled filings and garnered the respect of other attorneys involved in the case.
Hollyn HAS SKILLS AND WISDOM TO ASSESS CHANNGING SITUATIONS AND RESPOND AS NEEDED. She was a fearless guide for us and encouraged all concerned to proceed with decency. This may not seem important when you are involved with the legal system, but you definitely need THE RIGHT ADVOCATE WHEN YOU NEED LEGAL COUNSEL. When you are in the midst of the storm, you need an advocate who gained experience on the boat and then became a master at the wheel.
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24 Oct, 2020 by Cathy
I cannot recommend Hollyn and her paralegal, McKenzie, enough! The service was OUTSTANDING! Hollyn met with us in person initially, and made what could have been SUPER complicated situation, with transferring my deceased sister’s trust almost effortless. And I really appreciated that the very reasonable expense to help us with all of the filings and papers was done as a flat fee. There were no surprises or hidden costs! Because of this, I was not stressed about the MANY emails I sent asking for help and clarification on how to do things, as this was the first time I was the executor for a trust.
And there responses were so quick; I always got an answer immediately. I even called in a panic when I was at the bank (getting my Medallion Signature Guarantees) and they took my call and patiently talked me through everything. What amazing and caring client service to get in this day and age when other law firms bill for every ten minutes!
And Hollyn explained EVERYTHING in plain terms that I could understand. She is SO knowledgeable about all of the details of estates. I am thankful that my sister chose Hollyn before she died so that we would have a trusted firm to help us take care of this. And I am grateful that even with a pandemic we had all of Hollyn’s expert advice and experience to help us resolve this estate. Do not hesitate to use her and her team to help you!
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22 Jun, 2020 by Kathy
I am so grateful for Hollyn Foster. I went to Bowers and Associates, because my family had gotten help from them in 2015, when my Mom needed to admitted to a nursing home, and they provided excellent service to help set up a Qualified Income Trust. This past December (2019), I went to see Hollyn Foster for help with my sister-in-law's estate. Since that first meeting, and continuing now, she has provided me with advice and direction, solved problems, answered every email right away and kept me informed of the progress of the Estate. No matter what complicated matter arose, regarding the letters of administration, will, house, belongings, savings bonds, 401K, life insurance policy, unclaimed accounts, vehicle- she was able to help with it or direct me as to what my options were( Paralegal McKenzie Ford has also assisted on some of these issues).
I strongly recommend Hollyn Foster's services to everyone - she is so smart, passionate, and compassionate, and knows how to get results.
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03 Aug, 2017 by Lee
Marcella is one of the most caring, compassionate, honest attorneys I have ever dealt with. After having a horrible experience with a probate attorney 11 years ago, I met Marcella to complete my own will and legal documents. She was a breath of fresh air and made me realize just how dishonest the other attorney had been with my family at the time of my parents deaths. Thank God for honest attorneys like Marcella. I recommend her all the time and would never use anyone else for my estate planning.
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19 Jul, 2017 by Freddie
I 'm from out of state residing temporarily in corporate apartments and was in need of a Power of Attorney. Thank goodness there was a neighborhood lawyer less than a mile away that provided the service that I needed, Mrs./Miss Marcella was that lawyer. She even answered by e-mail on Sunday afternoon concerning my POA.. The next day after work my POA was ready and my wife was very happy when she received the POA the next following day. Also a UPS Store was in the neighborhood. Now how convenient is that. Two birds with one stone. If you live around the Town Square Market at River city in Jacksonville you are very lucky to have this Lawyers service at your door step. By all means please stop in and give her a visit.
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15 Feb, 2016 by Amanda
There are always two sides to every story, as indicated by the reviews and responses. I can only give you my perception and outcome from my dealings with Mrs. Taylor. First, I called to schedule an appointment with a "lawyer for people with limited income" and the fee was $295 per hour, now let me assure you I have never paid that amount of money in any of my appointments with Mrs. Taylor. Now, I'm sure someone will say, "you get what you pay for", in this case, I would say, "Board certified". In my opinion, Mrs. Taylor simplifies everything by telling you the bottom line. I would recommend Mrs. Taylor and if she isn't able to return your call right away, call again or better yet pay $300 or more per hour for the same law advice. In addition, I have in the past called for legal advice in which I will not mention names and I still have not heard back. In conclusion, Mrs. Taylor is, in my opinion, an honest and caring person with years of attorney experience. She is the first lawyer you should call if she can't help you she will tell you.
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02 Jul, 2018 by Douglas
Jennifer Singh Esq and Jeanette Saville
of the Legacy Planning Law Group
handled the estate of my father, i was completely satisfied with their work, i live in washington dc, so all the form that were possible to be done digitally, on my iPad saved a lot of running around and time,
have a good understanding of the flanger county probate system
there time estimate for the process were accurate
i also highly recommend them
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24 Nov, 2017 by Lou and phyllis
Upon retirement my wife and I realized that we needed to update our will. We met with William O'Leary and he carefully listened to our requirements. He then educated us on the probate process, and recommended that we consider a living trust along with the will. It became clear to us that his advice was justified. The will and living trust were done quickly and accurately. I would also add that Mr. O'Leary handled this sensitive process with warranted compassion.
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04 Nov, 2017 by Kathy and don
We worked with Bill and his team recently to do our estate planning. We found everyone at his office to be professional, patient, efficient, and extremely knowledgeable. This is generally a high stress process, but they made it painless for us to put our affairs in order, with great sensitivity.
Bill helped us think about things that would not necessarily have been on our radar, for which we are so appreciative. His advice about creating a revokable trust trust was invaluable for us, for tax purposes.
We are so relieved to have completed this process. One less thing to worry about.
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24 Jun, 2021 by Debbie
Carla provided an excellent consultation for our family regarding elder guardianship proceedings and all it entails. This was our first experience with an attorney, and she provided instant action items we could take on our own without having to retain legal services. I never expected an attorney to actively encourage the least litigious course of action possible, but Carla’s heart is to truly honor elders by finding the best possible outcome for both their care and the family’s peace of mind. Carla helped our family navigate a potential crisis in the least intrusive manner possible. I cannot explain the immediate lifting of what was becoming an incredible weight on our shoulders. In one consultation, she gave us renewed hope. We are forever grateful, and would not hesitate to retain Carla if there is a need.
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11 Dec, 2020 by Kristina
We were seeking an attorney to assist us with the unexpected task of Guardianship for our daughter nearing eighteen. A rare genetic disorder resulted in some mild intellectual disabilities for our daughter and forced us to seek protection for us in her affairs. We were clueless on the impacts and requirements not to mention quite emotional about the process. Carla kindly guided us through our options and made recommendations to fit our situation. She took into account our needs, financial concerns and was courteous in keeping our daughter as the priority. Carla and her team kept the process moving smoothly and quickly. When it was time for Carla to meet our daughter she made her feel comfortable and even followed up with a staff birthday card for her. The experience was not one we anticipated but were thankful to have Carla lead us through to completion. We would recommend her services and will seek her counsel again in the future.
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25 Sep, 2020 by Ozzie
After putting off the many tough decisions for so many years, I am glad that when I finally bit the bullet, Carla was there. At the ready, willing and able to get us through what we thought would be overwhelming. Instead, she and the Berg-Bryant staff, broke it down, answering our questions, providing solutions for all of our concerns. Carla turned my trepidations into a memorable experience...in spite of a Pandemic!
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11 Oct, 2013 by Olha
Patye is an excellent choice when looking for a lawyer to do all the personal things that need doing in regards go Wills, Power of Attorney or home ownership issues. (Title changes etc.). Follows up on issues above and beyond.
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07 Oct, 2013 by Robert
Patty guided me through the process of handling my mothers affairs concerning my becoming her guardian. She went out of her way to explain the process and ensured I knew what I was doing. Patty was helpful, easy going and responsive to my needs. I would definitely work with her again in the future.
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12 Sep, 2013 by Anonymous
Helped us with estate planning documents. Did everything quickly, thoroughly and with high quality. We will certainly use her again and highly recommend her!
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27 Dec, 2024 by Linda barnes
I appreciate everything that century Law firm is doing for me. I spoke with Noah P on the phone today and he has helped to ease my mind. Thank you for all you are doing.
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26 Dec, 2024 by Harlan wheeler
Excellent company...Incredible customer service from Donna White...kind, compassionate, and understanding.
Thankful for this company and their people!
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24 Dec, 2024 by Jeremy mendoza
Great customer service, Chosen went above and beyond.
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11 Nov, 2013 by Jodi
I am an attorney and referred several clients to Ailish over the years. Every single one was extremely pleased. One was an emergency matter and that person still thanks me for the referral, to this day! Its been at least 7-8 yrs! Because of Ailish's fantastic work for my clients, my husband and I chose to have her draft several very important documents for us. We are very pleased w/ her work. I have continued to refer friends and family members to her over the years. She is super! Compassionate, knowledgeable, and responsive.
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26 Oct, 2009 by Chris
We have been in need of legal advice and services in the elder care area several times, and have found Ailish OConner to be compassionate, knowledgable and available. She is held in high regard by many in the Eldercare Advocacy field and the Assisted Living and Skilled Nursing Facility communities. We can recommend her highly.
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28 May, 2013 by Elizabeth
As a client for sixteen years, I have found Mr. Iseley and his staff to be extremely knowledgeable, professional, approachable and extremely ethical.
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22 Sep, 2020 by Eric
Rob met my wife and I at my office and went over the details of our complicated Estate Plan, including provisions for our three children. He then raised various issues we did not think of prior to his consulation. Then he quickly prepared our documents and met with us to finalize. We were comforted to know that a plan is in place. Rob has also helped my family with various planning issues. He knows what he is doing.
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24 Feb, 2016 by Steve
Mike has done work for myself, my mother, my aunt and uncle, cousin, brother and stepmother. All with excellent results. He has performed work in regard to elder care to establish live-in facilities, created estates and trusts, corrected deeds and helped with IRS issues.
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31 Mar, 2021 by Anonymous
Allen was thorough, comprehensive and empathetic while preparing our family trust. The support staff is also highly capable and very likable. Although a small practice, the end results are large. I (my wife and I) strongly recommend for Trust formation and evaluation.
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12 Dec, 2024 by Melissa moulton
The Legal Department was instrumental in the formation of my business. I am incredibly grateful to them for paying such attention to detail. Even though my work with them is complete for now, they still email me monthly newsletters with important dates and things to know to keep my business in good standing. Thank you Legal Department!!!
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15 Oct, 2024 by Clarke mazza
Absolutley the best experience I've had with an attorney! Laurie Lee is personable, prompt, professional, and prescient!! Highly recommended!!!
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16 Sep, 2024 by Julie cohen
The awesome team at The Legal Department is incredible! They helped us navigate the ins and outs of our commercial lease, and we learned so much along the way! So grateful to have Laurie & Jena in our corner!
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27 Dec, 2024 by Linda barnes
I appreciate everything that century Law firm is doing for me. I spoke with Noah P on the phone today and he has helped to ease my mind. Thank you for all you are doing.
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26 Dec, 2024 by Harlan wheeler
Excellent company...Incredible customer service from Donna White...kind, compassionate, and understanding.
Thankful for this company and their people!
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24 Dec, 2024 by Jeremy mendoza
Great customer service, Chosen went above and beyond.
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14 Feb, 2015 by Anonymous
Mr. Barry is the most knowledgeable real estate attorney in Jacksonville. His professionalism and kind manner have made him one of the most admired attorneys in Jacksonville.
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24 Jan, 2025 by Melissa velasquez
Harrell & Harrell was recommender to my by a friend who had also used them in the past. While they are located in Jacksonville and I'm a couple of hours away, working with Adam and the team was a breeze! They were always available to answer my questions ans willing to accommodate the fact that I wasn't local to them. Great team, willing to do what they can to help you out.
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21 Jan, 2025 by Ty ousley
Love it 😀
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21 Jan, 2025 by Mikayla williams
Made me feel like I really matter thank you Harrell and Harrell
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12 Dec, 2024 by Melissa moulton
The Legal Department was instrumental in the formation of my business. I am incredibly grateful to them for paying such attention to detail. Even though my work with them is complete for now, they still email me monthly newsletters with important dates and things to know to keep my business in good standing. Thank you Legal Department!!!
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15 Oct, 2024 by Clarke mazza
Absolutley the best experience I've had with an attorney! Laurie Lee is personable, prompt, professional, and prescient!! Highly recommended!!!
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16 Sep, 2024 by Julie cohen
The awesome team at The Legal Department is incredible! They helped us navigate the ins and outs of our commercial lease, and we learned so much along the way! So grateful to have Laurie & Jena in our corner!
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4.4
14 Reviews
17 May, 2023 by Justin
Literally told stories the whole consultation. Constantly interrupted me. Never got any of my questions answered. Completely wasted my time and money. I left with no info or help. Do not use her. She will take your money and not help you in any way.
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25 Jul, 2018 by Anonymous
After my spouse past away, Kathryn Robbie was extremely helpful in making sure I wasn't held responsible for my spouses house mortgage. The house was not in my name and didn't want to take ownership. She had contacted the banks lawyer and had to appear in court on my behalf numerous times until the matter was settled. I would highly recommend her. She is thorough and follows thru until resolution.
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15 Jun, 2017 by Kc
Kathryn was very sympathetic on the onset. She wanted to know my story from the beginning, so that she could truly understand how she could help me, unlike my last attorney. She obtained a settlement that was a fair compromise which took so much stress off of me that I truly felt hopeful about my situation. She is dependable and thorough and I am so blessed to have her as my attorney .
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03 Dec, 2024 by Thomas w
You will regret hiring this firm.
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17 Oct, 2024 by Tim
I highly recommend Alexandria Mederos. Divorce is a horrible matter. I knew during my free consultation with Alexandria, she would be the right one to help me navigate through this process. She helped me stay focused when the emotions where high. Her attention to detail was remarkable, and she was never apprehensive or panic-stricken. Again, divorce is horrible and you need someone strong like Alexandria to represent you.
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12 Sep, 2024 by David sr
Attorney Presley is the BEST FAMILY ATTORNEY in Florida. Trusted her with my life and she delivered.
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26 Jul, 2022 by Anonymous
Vicki Bowers is all about money. She has no genuine interest in her clients and doesn't follow up on anything she says she will do. I would never recommend her to anyone! Stay away!
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14 Jan, 2019 by Ann
Vicki Bowers has been my elder law attorney since 2012 I am satisfied with her and her staff.
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31 Mar, 2017 by Anonymous
Hired 7 years ago, did nothing for that time, however was always wanted payment for any call made or time "she took time talk to us about the case". She does not seem to really know Elder Law as well as she should, knew nothing about things that is helpful to the family. NO COMPASSION at all. STAY AWAY or lose your mind with her stupidity.
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10 Jul, 2016 by Anonymous
Court appointed lawyer to my DCF case. He had me sign a consent to dependency, which was basically admitting to be a child abuser, neglect, and/or abandonment, or the potential for being one. I had not idea I was signing that, he presented that to me a few minutes before pre-trial and told me he negotiated with DCF to get my kids back, and that it would make the case close out and I would be with my kids again, and long as I signed I would be the best father I could possibly be, and when I tried to read the rest, he pulled the paper from me after I signed it, and would not let me catch the most important part. He did mention answer yes to all the judges questions, which was the final nail in the coffin of me admitting to being something I never was.
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18 Oct, 2023 by Antony
Just waiting to collect, and he doesn't know to defend, he doesn't know anything about new regulations, in the courts, he will only defend himself by saying, the client is to blame, not recommendable.
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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.
