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05 Dec, 2024 by April stamper
I had a few simple issues that needed a professional touch in my papers. Although I have very little contact with Jed, he was compassionate, understanding, and professional. His staff is amazing. Thank you Ty and Jed.
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03 Dec, 2024 by Michael hunter
They were excellent and very helpful
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28 Nov, 2024 by Jonathan grady
Ty is extremely helpful and knowledgeable!
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21 Oct, 2024 by Rebecca williams
They helped with my mom, then my sister, and now my husband and me. Legal stuff is not my thing, but they are so good to walk you through the Power of Attorney documents and wills, then probate. There are a lot of hard questions to answer but it is better now than later.
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16 Jun, 2024 by Staci blackburn
06 Jun, 2024 by Kristy ritch
Great group of professional individuals . I highly recommend them for your seniors planning.
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27 Sep, 2024 by Lauren stoll
Catherine, Amelia, and the whole team where extremely helpful, kind, and considerate in assisting with unfortunately a few times our family needed them. They are were able to streamline things for out of state family members as well and were always quick to respond to any questions or concerns. Thank you all again for you help!
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23 Sep, 2024 by Care around the block
Elder Law of East TN makes a great difference in the lives of seniors in our area. Their team is professional, organized, and thorough, providing invaluable assistance to our shared clients. We highly recommend their services for anyone in need of their expertise.
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30 Aug, 2024 by Frank combs
I have been using Elder Law of East Tennessee for over 10 years and would (and have) recommend them many times. They have always provided excellent assistance and information with legal, financial and other elder care issues. I started with estate planning for my mother, and for several years they helped with navigating financial and care benefits. In addition to their legal assistance, their team includes a valuable Care Coordinator. Then as next of kin, I was unexpectedly needing to care for an elderly cousin’s estate who died and left a mostly invalid
mother in a nursing home. Complicating the situation, all her ID's, health cards, SSA, etc., had been stolen with her son’s wallet. ELET was able to assist in establishing a POA for her and estate related documents from nothing, so we could care for my aunt in her final months while handling her affairs and estate. They were always knowledgeable and friendly, aiding in various forms with four elderly relatives and their deaths. We could not navigate these challenging processes without them walking us through each phase that was unfamiliar to us. Our family highly recommends this team for estate planning prior to needing it.
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09 Feb, 2023 by Anonymous
Julia was very knowledgeable and extremely helpful. She knew all the complex rules associated with Medicaid and helped me find the best course of action. She explained things clearly and simply. And, there were several issues which she highlighted that none of the people that I had spoken with (various agencies, TennCare reps, medical care, insurance agents, funeral home personnel, and social workers, etc) were aware of! We quickly developed a strategy which I believe is the best going forward. Thanks Julia.
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04 Aug, 2022 by Sam pittenger
Julia and her team were very responsive to my faimile's needs and understood the urgency of their living situation. They worked together in every facit to place my parents in a much better enviroment while offering all the services needed for thier estate a planning. I am truly grateful for their professional approach to imporove both of my parents quality of life.
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12 May, 2019 by Megan
We contacted Julia when we found out a member of our family who has special medical needs was losing her health insurance. Julia was extremely knowledgeable and took the time to explain the issues to us. We are so grateful for her assistance and I cannot recommend her highly enough. If we ever have another issue, we would go to Julia for sure!
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01 Jul, 2021 by Anonymous
Excellent lawyer! Mrs. Price successfully helped us deal with some issues with our homeowners' association. She was excellent at providing timely and effective communication. We could tell she truly cared about solving our issue and helping us. We highly recommend her.
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19 Mar, 2021 by Rachel
Nikki wrote a demand letter for me when I contacted her about a contract breach. She responded quickly to my initial inquiry and was extremely professional and thorough with my case. Her letter resulted in the contract being performed within the time frame she specified! I highly recommend hiring her for your legal needs!
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01 Feb, 2021 by Anonymous
My wife and I recommend Attorney Price for all of your legal matters. She developed and prepared a very detailed and thorough Will for my wife and myself. Once you have worked with her as a client, you will look no further. She responds in a timely fashion, knowledgeable and trustworthy.
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18 Jun, 2015 by Ryan
We are a financial firm in Knoxville. James has worked with us and he was great. We have also referred James to our clients and they reported back positive comments as well.
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11 Jun, 2015 by Alfred
If you are looking for an honest attorney look no further. James Lawrence help straighten out all my mother's affairs and gave us peace of mind. I also used Mr Lawrence to look over a franchise contract he did a great job. I highly recommend him.
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08 Aug, 2024 by Cd
Bailey has been a wonderful resource for our family. She is patient and always answers all of our questions (which are often quite a lot). She is very knowledgeable and easy to talk to. She helped us establish a Special Needs Trust for our daughter, and we felt very comfortable throughout the entire process with Bailey and her Team on our side.
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28 Oct, 2019 by Sheri
If your feeling overwhelmed with the process involved in handling your loved ones elder care issues, I highly recommend you contact these experienced professionals. In my first meeting with Bailey, she reassured me that I wasn’t in this alone. Along with her wonderful
staff including Hailey and Cindy, they guided me thru the process, handled issues with the nursing home, held my hand during the difficult times and even provided a class for caregivers which was extremely valuable. I highly recommend this group of very talented caring people.
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16 Jan, 2015 by Jonathan
I hired Heidi for a modification seeking joint custody of my 4 year old daughter. The mother of my daughter and I were never married. This made my situation bad as far as any given rights by the state. Heidi had my case settled in a timely manner and fought the court system to keep my daughter for moving 400 miles away wifh her vindictive mother. She helped mme expand my rights to a joint custody agreement and did an awesome job keeping me up to date prepared and ready for anything that could be thrown at me by the mother, which was alot! I could not have done it without her. Her prices are competitive but we'll worth what you papat for. I will never hesitate to do business with her again.
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02 Mar, 2016 by Galina
We have worked with the lawyer Brooke Givens to establish trusts and organize the estate planning of my disabled son.
She was very professional, competent and client- oriented in our complicated case. It was pleasant to communicate with her
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29 Jul, 2016 by Anonymous
Mr Hodge handled my auto claim. He was very professional and I received more money than I expected.
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20 Mar, 2016 by Charles moore
Having my own business, I have had worked with many attorney's, even in Federal court. Jessica is handling my case, and I will tell you I have never had such an advocate who is so knowledgeable, and knows how to apply that knowledge very specifically for the optimal legal result. I researched her and can absolutely understand why she was awarded the University of Tennessee award for Excellence in Civil Advocacy. She is as tenacious as anyone I have worked with, and not only stands her ground for you, but has the legal acumen to back her adversaries down. Her knowledge surpasses any of the top rated attorney's I have used. I only wish she would move to Charlotte, so she could handle all my legal matters!
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16 Mar, 2020 by Anonymous
Mr. Crowder was the most knowledgable lawyer I have ever worked with on the subject matter. He even provides courses and teaches others in seminars. He was very caring as well. Also writes articles in law magazines. I highly recommend this Ivy League graduate.
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04 May, 2024 by Allen mcgill
Have referred two people to Mr. Crouse, one for a Special Needs Trust and another for a Will, Powers of Attorney and a Living Will. Mr Crouse is very knowledgeable and well versed in his profession, and takes the time to explain things in detail and answer any questions. Both clients were well pleased with his work product. Would highly recommend Mr Crouse to anyone needing estate planning. He is a credit to his profession and to Elder Law
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13 Mar, 2024 by Rebecca
Dustin was extremely helpful and caring in assisting me in dealing with my rights in terms of my parent’s end of life issues. It was a complicated situation and he helped me immensely.
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22 Jan, 2024 by Staci holt
My elderly father and I met with Mr. Crouse to discuss asset protection. We found out early in our consultation that Mr. Crouse would not be able to help us going forward, because my father lives out of state, and he would need an attorney from his state to draw up the trust.
However, Mr. Crouse still spent over an hour with us, educating us about our options. He explained everything in a way that we could comprehend. He answered all of our questions and really made sure we understood. He could have easily sent us home, but didn’t!
I highly recommend Mr. Crouse. He’s extremely knowledgeable and you can absolutely tell he is passionate about his calling.
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19 Sep, 2024 by Jennifer patterson
Justin Bell represented me in a case where I was charged with felony possession. I was offered a felony plea, but Mr. Bell held a preliminary hearing and fought very hard for me because he knew I was not guilty of what I was charged with. After the hearing, the Class-B Felony charge was reduced to a misdemeanor. I've never seen another attorney get that done. If you are over-charged with a crime you are not guilty of, I would definitely recommend having Mr. Bell represent you because he gets results.
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10 Sep, 2024 by Kenna martin
He answered the phone being very rude. He was very unprofessional I would never recommend him
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17 May, 2024 by Rebecca cook
I was the victim of a domestic assault and was physically injured as a result. however, I was falsely accused and charge with a class D felony for as legally providing a false report to the investigator officer. But Mr. Bell believed in me and fought for me and my rights and having a hearing general sessions court. After question the officer on the stand, Mr. Bell was able to establish that any information given to the officer claimed was not true, had nothing to do with whether or not the assault occurred. So the judge dismissed the case right on the spot. If you want a good lawyer, one that really kind, intelligent and Works fast Mr. Bell is your man!
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27 Feb, 2024 by Jay smith
The closing of an estate in TN while living quite a distance away and having no experience with the process made me very fearful. Went to the internet for help and selected “Family Law Practice of David A. Montgomery”. Glad I did. I was panicking on the first phone call to David but his kind calm manner and patience put me at ease right away. Plus, I only had to travel 2 times throughout the year of closing. The second trip would not have been needed but there was a difficult bank. David’s guidance made my job as executor easy and stress free. He was very quick to answer emails. I also appreciated that he kept information and directions short and pointed. I highly recommend David A. Montgomery and would gladly have him as my attorney again.
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04 Jan, 2024 by Kay king
When my husband and I needed some estate planning and probate work done, we searched the internet and came up with David Montgomery. We went to our first meeting with high hopes of finding the right person who would understand our needs, address our concerns, and protect our interests all while charging a fair price. David has not only fulfilled our hopes, but exceeded our expectations. My husband has worked with more than 20 attorneys over the years and his biggest complaint has always been the responsiveness he has gotten. That is not the case with David. He might not have the answer right away, but he gets back to you in an expected amount of time and keeps you informed of his findings. That is huge to us! Our estate planning was not easy, but David dug deep with his research and, after every stone was turned, offered us the options he thought were best and we could not have agreed more. During probate, he exhibited professional and knowledgeable experience and knew how to interact effectively with the judge and other attorneys to get the best possible outcome for everyone involved, not just us.
We feel that David's high morals and strong Christian beliefs are lived out in his daily practice and makes him our first choice for an attorney. Because of our confidence in David, even though our estate and probate work is done, we have decided to keep him on as our general counsel for our personal business matters and would highly recommend him to anyone.
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11 Dec, 2023 by Leo
David was great. I hired him to write our prenup and am really happy with that decision. The prenuptial agreement was well written, thorough, and accurately reflected my intent. The price was very reasonable for a top notch attorney
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19 Nov, 2024 by Lu ann ballew
As a former Child Support Magistrate, I had the opportunity to observe John Sholly in the courtroom for many years, as he practiced regularly in Child Support Court. He was consistently punctual, professional, and respectful. He conducted himself as a gentleman and represented his clients effectively.
As an attorney, I refer people to him because I trust that he will advise and represent them well.
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26 Sep, 2024 by Jerry ewalt
I would highly recommend Robert. I used him to set up my business and review / advise on negotiating an agreement. He was thorough and really looked out for my best interests. He was reasonably priced, and kept me updated along the way so I didn’t feel like he was over charging me for his time.
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19 Jul, 2024 by Adriana soto
Robert and Alysha are great and accomplished what a lot of people told me was almost impossible. I sold a car a few years ago and the person never registered the car and had an accident while it was still registered under me. Almost a year later I find of that my license was revoked. I didn't have proof that I had sold the car. I had over ten thousand dollars in damages that i would have to pay before getting my license back. They got everything cleaned up and I was able to get my license back. Thank you so much!!!!
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04 Nov, 2024 by Greg
Shannon Holland went out of her way to help me on a matter just outside her expertise and then referred a firm better suited to my needs. At all times she was personable and cheerful, not common traits now a days. Recommend!
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15 Aug, 2024 by Kelly
I had to retain Ms. Holland's counsel in 2016 for help with a child custody dispute. I was blown away by her kindness, her extensive knowledge of the law, and the reassurance she provided me during a pretty scary period in my life as a mother. She is a beautiful human being inside & out. She treated me with tremendous respect, was efficient & professional. I was proud to be represented by her during a meeting with my daughter's father & his attorney. Since 2016, I've had to consult her on a couple other occasions and she's remained genuinely empathetic & dedicated to my daughter's best interests. She's an inspiration & a fierce litigator & I wholeheartedly recommend Ms. Holland to anyone in need of legal counsel.
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01 Nov, 2023 by Anonymous
Shannon was very knowledgeable and answered all of my questions. She guided me through the process and provided sound advice.
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10 Jan, 2025 by Paula frater
14 Dec, 2024 by Steven
Wonderfully happy with my representation from Burks and Ogle. Beyond being an incredibly knowledgeable lawyer, Mr. Ogle is a respectful and relatable person that will work with you to get the best outcome that he can deliver.
I was incredibly nervous walking into his office the first time, but his calm demeanor and knowledge of the law made me feel much more comfortable, all while conveying the seriousness of the situation and outlying all of the possibilities of the case and the path that laid before me. We ended up reaching a very favorable outcome in my case, and I am thrilled with the representation I received.
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04 Dec, 2024 by Zach schu
Nate is extremely professional and available. Best lawyer in Knoxville!
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23 Jul, 2017 by Todd
Nicole handled a complex closing for me and knew more than any attorney I have ever dealt with. WhenI received the bill at closing, it was reasonable and almost exactly what she told me to expect. Definitely recommend her.
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23 Jan, 2013 by Jeff
Nicole was very down to earth and easy to deal with. She did not talk down to me and explained to me what to expect and why. It was nice to have a good lawyer and not some pompass lawyer to handle my case as has happened in the past.
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20 Apr, 2023 by Annette
My husband and I contacted Nicole Uribe after we married to complete an adoption case. It was simple enough to get a consultation, comparable price, and she explained each step in the case. Any additional fee that came up was explained. Nicole is personable and she made sure we knew where we were in our case with time to plan ahead to attend court. Today we finalized our adoption and we could not be happier with whom we chose to champion our case. Thanks Nicole Uribe.
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16 Sep, 2011 by Anonymous
When things looked dim for our family dealing with all the issues in retaining custody of a beautiful baby boy Ms. Boyd's knowledge of law and her ability to function in the court room against the hostility of opposing counsel and DCS won us the case and our child. Thank God for an attorney who truly stands for what is right and fights to the end.
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23 Dec, 2024 by Alex harness
After getting myself into serious enough trouble that it could have derailed my life, I couldn't be happier or more relieved after Mr. Grady Smith handled my case. After speaking with Mr. Morrell about my case, he recommended Mr. Smith as he was the most familiar with my local law enforcement and it certainly worked in my favor. Mr. Smith was very polite, knowledgeable, and explained everything in a way I could easily understand. I can't stress enough that the outcome was much better than I, or my family and friends, could have ever expected. I'll be recommending this law firm to anyone who asks for as long as I'm around.
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21 Dec, 2024 by Lisa schwarz
Timothy Baldridge and Tiffany Engel was great..they took car of my car accident..was always there to answer questions when i needed...always returned calls the same day..I would recommend them over and over
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20 Dec, 2024 by Hugh cansler
I have to say Andrew did his best and was very good at what he did. Managed to get my charges reduced.
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19 Nov, 2024 by Lu ann ballew
As a former Child Support Magistrate, I had the opportunity to observe John Sholly in the courtroom for many years, as he practiced regularly in Child Support Court. He was consistently punctual, professional, and respectful. He conducted himself as a gentleman and represented his clients effectively.
As an attorney, I refer people to him because I trust that he will advise and represent them well.
Read more
26 Sep, 2024 by Jerry ewalt
I would highly recommend Robert. I used him to set up my business and review / advise on negotiating an agreement. He was thorough and really looked out for my best interests. He was reasonably priced, and kept me updated along the way so I didn’t feel like he was over charging me for his time.
Read more
19 Jul, 2024 by Adriana soto
Robert and Alysha are great and accomplished what a lot of people told me was almost impossible. I sold a car a few years ago and the person never registered the car and had an accident while it was still registered under me. Almost a year later I find of that my license was revoked. I didn't have proof that I had sold the car. I had over ten thousand dollars in damages that i would have to pay before getting my license back. They got everything cleaned up and I was able to get my license back. Thank you so much!!!!
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21 Oct, 2024 by Rebecca williams
They helped with my mom, then my sister, and now my husband and me. Legal stuff is not my thing, but they are so good to walk you through the Power of Attorney documents and wills, then probate. There are a lot of hard questions to answer but it is better now than later.
Read more
16 Jun, 2024 by Staci blackburn
06 Jun, 2024 by Kristy ritch
Great group of professional individuals . I highly recommend them for your seniors planning.
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10 Jan, 2025 by Paula frater
14 Dec, 2024 by Steven
Wonderfully happy with my representation from Burks and Ogle. Beyond being an incredibly knowledgeable lawyer, Mr. Ogle is a respectful and relatable person that will work with you to get the best outcome that he can deliver.
I was incredibly nervous walking into his office the first time, but his calm demeanor and knowledge of the law made me feel much more comfortable, all while conveying the seriousness of the situation and outlying all of the possibilities of the case and the path that laid before me. We ended up reaching a very favorable outcome in my case, and I am thrilled with the representation I received.
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04 Dec, 2024 by Zach schu
Nate is extremely professional and available. Best lawyer in Knoxville!
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10 Jan, 2025 by Paula frater
14 Dec, 2024 by Steven
Wonderfully happy with my representation from Burks and Ogle. Beyond being an incredibly knowledgeable lawyer, Mr. Ogle is a respectful and relatable person that will work with you to get the best outcome that he can deliver.
I was incredibly nervous walking into his office the first time, but his calm demeanor and knowledge of the law made me feel much more comfortable, all while conveying the seriousness of the situation and outlying all of the possibilities of the case and the path that laid before me. We ended up reaching a very favorable outcome in my case, and I am thrilled with the representation I received.
Read more
04 Dec, 2024 by Zach schu
Nate is extremely professional and available. Best lawyer in Knoxville!
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08 Oct, 2024 by Alecia beeler
There are no words to express how grateful I am for this wonderful group of people!!! From the first answer of the phone (Michelle) to this minute these people have gone above and beyond to help me understand the process. I have received return calls, texts, and emails after hours simply to make sure I was ok. I’m a grandparent with this issue being my first ever legal case. I haven’t been an easy client but nobody has ever made me feel like my lack of experience was a burden to them!!!! I highly recommend LaFevor and Slaughter!!! They have all been a huge blessing to me and my family!!!!
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20 Sep, 2024 by Ellie bales
Clay is an amazing family law attorney who cares and fights for his clients. Can not recommend him more!
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18 Sep, 2024 by Robert chesser jr.
Josh Leach is an incredibly dedicated and knowledgeable attorney who does an amazing job for his clients. I highly recommend Josh and LaFevor and Slaughter.
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08 Oct, 2024 by Alecia beeler
There are no words to express how grateful I am for this wonderful group of people!!! From the first answer of the phone (Michelle) to this minute these people have gone above and beyond to help me understand the process. I have received return calls, texts, and emails after hours simply to make sure I was ok. I’m a grandparent with this issue being my first ever legal case. I haven’t been an easy client but nobody has ever made me feel like my lack of experience was a burden to them!!!! I highly recommend LaFevor and Slaughter!!! They have all been a huge blessing to me and my family!!!!
Read more
20 Sep, 2024 by Ellie bales
Clay is an amazing family law attorney who cares and fights for his clients. Can not recommend him more!
Read more
18 Sep, 2024 by Robert chesser jr.
Josh Leach is an incredibly dedicated and knowledgeable attorney who does an amazing job for his clients. I highly recommend Josh and LaFevor and Slaughter.
Read more
10 Jan, 2025 by Paula frater
15 Oct, 2024 by Matthew williams
Shelley breeding is awesome! So helpful and supportive and professional. Thank you Shelley your the best!!!
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15 Oct, 2024 by Bethany heins
Did not look out for her clients best interest and extremely unprofessional. Put us in the worst situation, had to hire a new lawyer.
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08 Oct, 2024 by Alecia beeler
There are no words to express how grateful I am for this wonderful group of people!!! From the first answer of the phone (Michelle) to this minute these people have gone above and beyond to help me understand the process. I have received return calls, texts, and emails after hours simply to make sure I was ok. I’m a grandparent with this issue being my first ever legal case. I haven’t been an easy client but nobody has ever made me feel like my lack of experience was a burden to them!!!! I highly recommend LaFevor and Slaughter!!! They have all been a huge blessing to me and my family!!!!
Read more
20 Sep, 2024 by Ellie bales
Clay is an amazing family law attorney who cares and fights for his clients. Can not recommend him more!
Read more
18 Sep, 2024 by Robert chesser jr.
Josh Leach is an incredibly dedicated and knowledgeable attorney who does an amazing job for his clients. I highly recommend Josh and LaFevor and Slaughter.
Read more
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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.
