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21 Jul, 2014 by Ann
Michelle went above and beyond what was required during the application/determination process of obtaining Medicaid for my parents. The determination took over a year and despite this long time frame, Michelle continued to be current with the case. She was professional, knowlegeable, and courteous during the whole process. She is a very genuine person and her confidence seems so natural -- a result of her excellent preparation and strong knowledge.
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02 Jun, 2014 by Jack
Michelle was extremely courteous, knowledgeable and helpful in the preparation of all the paperwork and communications with the Colorado Medicaid agencies involved with getting my wife admitted to a nursing home. I would highly recommend "Shupe and Associates" elder law firm and Ms. Smith in particular. Thank you.
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28 May, 2014 by Ted
I hired Michelle to clean up title issues on some properties and probate issues. She was fast and prompt in answering questions and getting the proper documents recorded.
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18 Apr, 2017 by Anonymous
Bradley Frigon is extremely knowledgeable about estate matters including Medicaid. He helped me immensely during a difficult time in my life. His billing practices are very fair and the money spent on probate was well spent. His staff is friendly and helpful, as well. I would highly recommend Mr Frigon and his firm.
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21 Jul, 2016 by Richard
My mother was diagnosed with Breast Cancer in early 2014. When she found out, she was quick to get her will in order with Bradley and his team. I was designated as her Power of Attorney and Executor of the will, and I had no idea what I was doing. In the initial meetings, Bradley explained everything very carefully, and took plenty of time to answer all of our questions. She passed in April of the following year, and everyone at the office was very helpful while I navigated the complicated process of selling her house, managing her finances, and ultimately settling the estate. They were able to communicate quickly and effectively when I needed it, and made the process much easier than it would have been doing it alone. I'm very grateful to Brad, Vicky, and the rest of the team.
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22 Apr, 2016 by Marcus
My mother's wish was to have my sister and I wait one year from her death to split the inheritance 50/50. As the year from her death approached I contacted my sister regarding splitting the inheritance, but she refused planning on keeping all of the money for herself and making her husband full beneficiary. My mother lived and passed away in Denver, Colorado and I live in Kansas City, Missouri. After doing an internet search, I found Mr. Frigon's site very professional, thus I contacted his office for a consultation. Although my mother made my sister personal representative and full beneficiary on the inheritance, Mr. Frigon was successful in demonstrating my mother's wishes prior to her death to my sister's attorney in the matter. The matter finally resolved in receiving 50% of my mother's inheritance and for each of my sons to receive money towards a down payment on a home. In conclusion, Mr. Frigon and his office demonstrated the highest level of professionalism and kept me apprised of all matters regarding this issue. The cost of resolving this issue was very fair.
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25 Nov, 2024 by Kim fahlstedt
Bob Hercher went above and beyond to help us out and it felt like we were working with family.
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18 Mar, 2018 by Kara hercher
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28 Feb, 2024 by Teresa coltrin
Working with Kim was such a blessing during one of the toughest times. I worked with Kim to help me close my mother’s estate after she passed away. It’s such a sensitive time and there are so many details and things needed to go through the process of closing an estate. Kim was so wonderful to work with and made the process feel achievable and I felt her support throughout the entire process. She was diligent with all paper and follow through and helped me understand the process and made sure we got everything done. Kim listens and is so respectful and supportive of her clients she truly has a great deal of knowledge and is wonderful to work with. I highly recommend working with Kim to help support you with any legacy planning and or estate processing. I look forward to having her help in the future as needed.
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31 Jan, 2024 by Erika smith
Kim was fantastic to work with! I was originally referred to another firm closer to where I live however I had a bad experience with them not answering my follow up questions via email and a voicemail until 3 months after the initial meeting. Skeptical to find another attorney to draft up an estate plan and marital agreement I was then referred to Legacy Planning & Probate. The process was easy and completed in a timely manner. Kim is very approachable and made me feel comfortable asking any questions I had. She also did a great job explaining all documents and legal language in thorough detail. I highly recommend using Legacy Planning & Probate!
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27 Jan, 2024 by Ana likman
Kim is a delight to work with! She is professional, approachable, and kind. She helped my parents develop their will, and although it is a difficult subject matter, she made the process easy. They felt at ease working with her. I wholeheartedly recommend Kim for all of your trust and estate needs.
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12 Jun, 2024 by Carl hohman
I typically don't write reviews but felt compelled to do so given the positive experience I had with Garske Mediation despite it being the most difficult time in my life going through a divorce. Leslie is a kind and compassionate sole that truly cares about each and every one of her clients. The education and support she provided during this difficult time was paramount in helping us navigate through the murky waters of a divorce and a financial separation while saving us time and money through the process. Thank you for everything you did for us Leslie. Bless you.
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23 Apr, 2024 by Lindsey lagrone
Kim went above and beyond for me. I was fired unjustly, and we received a settlement. Kim was compassionate and wanted to help me due to her ethical and empathetic nature. Kim took my case, knowing that she may not be commpensated at all. She let me know she wanted to at least stand up to them. If we hadn't reached a settlement outside of court, then she wasn't going to charge me anything. I really am grateful for Kim being there for me. As I was turned away by another lawyer who said I didn't have a case. I had just about given up. Thank you, Kim.
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10 Oct, 2023 by Shelly a. humphreys
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15 Mar, 2024 by Succubus
Dirt bags that steal your personal information and use it to generate bot farms so they don't have to work
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05 Sep, 2020 by Family first
Richard is an outstanding attorney who sincerely cares about his clients. Highly recommended
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20 Jun, 2018 by Maiah diel
They own a few properties in my town that they do not maintain at all. The are just weed lots that only get mowed once a year by the city. It is ridiculous! Just because we are a small town doesn’t mean we should be tossed to the waste side.
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What an Elder Law Lawyer Can Do for You

An elder law lawyer specializes in legal issues that affect older adults, their families, and caregivers. These lawyers handle a broad range of topics, including estate planning, Medicaid and Medicare, long-term care planning, guardianship, elder abuse, and retirement planning. The goal of an elder law lawyer is to protect the rights, finances, and well-being of elderly individuals and to help them plan for future healthcare and financial security.

If you or a loved one is aging and facing challenges related to healthcare, finances, or legal matters, an elder law lawyer can provide essential guidance to protect your rights and interests as you age.

When Should I Hire an Elder Law Lawyer?

Hiring an elder law lawyer can be beneficial in many situations where older adults need help with legal, financial, or healthcare-related decisions. Common reasons to hire an elder law lawyer include:

  • Estate planning: If you want to create or update a will, set up trusts, or ensure that your assets are distributed according to your wishes, an elder law lawyer can help with comprehensive estate planning.
  • Medicaid and Medicare planning: If you need help qualifying for Medicaid to cover long-term care or need advice on navigating Medicare benefits, a lawyer can guide you through the application process and protect your assets.
  • Long-term care planning: If you’re concerned about paying for nursing home care or assisted living, a lawyer can help you create a financial plan and explore options for government assistance.
  • Guardianship or conservatorship: If a family member is unable to make decisions due to age-related cognitive issues, an elder law lawyer can assist in setting up legal guardianship or conservatorship to ensure their care.
  • Elder abuse and exploitation: If you or a loved one is experiencing physical, emotional, or financial abuse, an elder law lawyer can help you take legal action to stop the abuse and recover damages.
  • Retirement planning: Elder law lawyers can assist with planning for retirement, including managing pensions, Social Security, and other retirement income.
  • Special needs planning: If you have a disabled family member who requires special care, an elder law lawyer can help create trusts or other legal arrangements to ensure their long-term financial and healthcare needs are met.

What Does an Elder Law Lawyer Do?

An elder law lawyer provides a wide range of legal services to help older adults and their families navigate the complexities of aging, healthcare, and estate planning. Their responsibilities often include:

  • Drafting wills and trusts: Creating legal documents that outline how an individual’s assets will be distributed after death, ensuring that their wishes are honored.
  • Medicaid and Medicare planning: Helping clients protect their assets while qualifying for government benefits to cover healthcare and long-term care costs.
  • Establishing guardianships: Assisting families in setting up guardianship or conservatorship for loved ones who are unable to make decisions due to mental or physical incapacity.
  • Protecting against elder abuse: Investigating claims of elder abuse or financial exploitation and representing the victim in legal actions to stop the abuse and seek compensation.
  • Planning for long-term care: Developing strategies to cover the costs of nursing homes, assisted living, and other long-term care options without exhausting the elder’s financial resources.
  • Managing probate and estate administration: Guiding families through the probate process to ensure that the decedent’s assets are distributed according to the law and their wishes.
  • Setting up advance directives: Helping clients establish healthcare directives and powers of attorney to ensure their medical and financial decisions are carried out if they become incapacitated.

How Are Elder Law Lawyers Paid?

Elder law lawyers typically charge for their services based on the complexity of the case and the type of legal work involved. Common payment structures include:

  • Hourly rate: Many elder law lawyers charge by the hour, especially for tasks such as drafting documents, handling legal disputes, or providing ongoing legal advice. Hourly rates typically range from $150 to $500 or more, depending on the lawyer’s experience and location.
  • Flat fee: For specific tasks, such as drafting a will or setting up a trust, some lawyers charge a flat fee. This can range from $500 to $5,000 or more, depending on the complexity of the estate plan.
  • Retainer: For long-term legal representation, such as managing a trust or handling guardianship matters, a lawyer may charge a retainer, which is an upfront payment that covers future legal work.
  • Contingency fee: In some elder abuse or financial exploitation cases, a lawyer may work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if they recover compensation for the client. This fee is typically a percentage of the settlement or damages awarded.

Be sure to discuss fees with your lawyer during the initial consultation to understand how you will be billed and what the total cost of services might be.

How Much Does an Elder Law Lawyer Cost?

The cost of hiring an elder law lawyer varies depending on the complexity of the case, the lawyer’s experience, and the fee structure. General cost estimates include:

  • Simple estate planning: Drafting basic documents, such as a will or power of attorney, may cost between $500 and $2,000, depending on the complexity of the client’s assets and wishes.
  • Complex estate planning: Setting up more advanced estate plans, such as revocable or irrevocable trusts, Medicaid planning, or special needs trusts, can range from $2,000 to $10,000 or more.
  • Guardianship or conservatorship: Legal fees for setting up guardianship or conservatorship often range from $2,000 to $5,000 or more, depending on the complexity of the case and whether disputes arise.
  • Medicaid planning: Legal fees for Medicaid planning can range from $1,500 to $10,000, depending on the level of asset protection needed and the complexity of the individual’s financial situation.

Always ask for an estimate of fees during your initial consultation to ensure you understand how much the legal services will cost.

Top Questions to Ask an Elder Law Lawyer

Before hiring an elder law lawyer, it’s important to ask the right questions to ensure they have the experience and expertise needed to handle your case. Key questions to ask include:

  1. What experience do you have with elder law cases?
    Make sure the lawyer has experience handling cases similar to yours, whether it's estate planning, Medicaid applications, or elder abuse claims.
  2. How do you charge for your services?
    Clarify whether the lawyer charges by the hour, a flat fee, or a retainer, and ask for a detailed estimate of the total cost.
  3. What is the best approach for my case?
    Ask for an honest assessment of your situation and what legal strategies the lawyer recommends.
  4. How long will the process take?
    Whether it’s drafting an estate plan or setting up a guardianship, ask the lawyer how long they expect the process to take.
  5. Will you handle my case personally?
    In larger firms, junior attorneys or paralegals may handle parts of the case. Make sure you know who will be working on your case directly.
  6. What documents should I bring to the consultation?
    Ask the lawyer what documentation or information you should prepare for your consultation, such as medical records, financial statements, or prior legal documents.

How to Check the Credibility of an Elder Law Lawyer

To ensure you are hiring a reputable elder law lawyer, follow these steps to verify their credentials and experience:

  • Check their bar status: Verify with your state bar association that the lawyer is licensed to practice and has no history of disciplinary actions.
  • Look for elder law experience: Review the lawyer’s website or professional profile to ensure they specialize in elder law and have experience with cases similar to yours.
  • Read client reviews and testimonials: Look for client reviews on platforms like Avvo, Martindale-Hubbell, or Google to see what previous clients have said about the lawyer’s professionalism and success rate.
  • Ask for references: A credible lawyer should be able to provide references from past clients who have worked with them on elder law issues.
  • Check for certifications: Look for certifications or affiliations with organizations such as the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA), which can indicate the lawyer’s dedication to elder law.

What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?

To get the most out of your first consultation with an elder law lawyer, it’s important to come prepared with relevant documents and information. Here’s what you should bring:

  • Existing estate planning documents: If you have a will, trust, or power of attorney in place, bring copies for the lawyer to review.
  • Financial records: Provide details of your assets, including bank accounts, investments, real estate, and retirement accounts, as well as any debts.
  • Medical information: If the case involves guardianship or Medicaid planning, bring relevant medical records that detail the individual's health condition and care needs.
  • Insurance policies: Bring information about health insurance, long-term care insurance, and any other relevant policies.
  • Questions for the lawyer: Write down any questions you have about your legal needs, the process, and the lawyer’s fees.
  • List of family members or beneficiaries: Prepare a list of the individuals you want to include in your estate plan or who will be affected by the legal process.

By preparing thoroughly for your consultation, you can help the lawyer assess your situation more effectively and receive the best legal advice tailored to your needs.

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