Lawyers map
>657
experienced lawyers
Filter by
06 Jun, 2021 by Steven goldberg
I have used Nicole personally throughout the years both for my personal planning needs and referred clients and friends to her. She is well liked, competent, thorough and makes strategies easy to understand.
Read more
03 Jun, 2021 by Joanne
Nicole recently updated wills, Trusts, POA, estate documents for us and my 2 sisters. Her knowledge is broad, her expertise in tailoring documents to our needs was precise, and her response to all requests was fast!
Read more
27 Jun, 2011 by Cathy, esquire
I am a licensed lawyer in Maryland and when I needed to update my will I immediately thought of the most professional person I could think of: Nicole Livingston. Four years after she modified my personal will I again will call upon Nicole to assist me. I refer her many of my long time friends and previous clients as well as my deeply rooted Maryland family members.
Read more
08 Mar, 2022 by Carmen
I highly recommend legal services for Estates and Will that the law office of Cheri P. Wendt-Taczak provide. Ms. Wendt-Taczak and her team were professional, knowledgeable and rendered exceptional services. Her attention to detail and willingness to accommodate my parent, whom are native Spanish-speakers was amazing. Ms. Melissa Smith, her paralegal, went above and beyond by continuously following-up and verifying that we received all documentation for review and approval. Ms. Wendt-Taczak and Ms. Smith were very friendly, understanding and truly care about their work.
Read more
19 Mar, 2019 by Anonymous
Cheri helped me with a complicated tax matter. She is thorough, very knowledgable, kind and efficient. I feel very fortunate to have made contact with her, and will not hesitate to use her services in the future if I need to. I will recommend her to friends and family.
Read more
10 Jan, 2019 by Al
I reached out to Cheri for two items I needed. A will and tax advice ! She went way beyond on both needs finding every important details and many I never thought of and gave me the very best professional help . She is a amazing researcher and very thorough in her profession . I feel she is the best in her field and highly recommend her. And plus a very nice person !!!
Read more
23 Sep, 2011 by Joe
As a result of the excellent legal advice, guidance, empathy and compassion I received from Kimberly Battaglia and her paralegal, Ricky, I was able to obtain the 24/7 nursing care my mother was in desperate need of within a few short months. This may sound "routine" but it certainly is not. Our family of numerous siblings had tried and failed for four years to provide needed care for Mom at home while trying to cut through the legal, financial & government red tape of Medicare & Medicaid on our own. Without adequate knowledge, this proved to be one of the most time consuming and frustrating experiences of our lives. The ongoing & overwhelming stress was destroying our family from within. From the outset, Kim & Ricky assured me they would help us obtain the quality care we were seeking for Mom and just as importantly, relieve our family of the huge financial burden, and yes fear, of what we faced without obtaining Medicaid approval. Kim successfully accomplished all she had promised. Without Kim's concern and expert legal guidance, my lifetime retirement savings would have been lost in order to pay for private nursing care for Mom. Do yourself and your family a favor by retaining Kim to lead you out of the legal elder care wilderness and into the sunshine of peace of mind, relief and happiness that comes with knowing your loved one is being properly cared for while also protecting you from certain financial disaster.
Read more
22 Sep, 2011 by Anonymous
With Ms. Battaglia's assistance I was able to successfully apply for Long Term Care Medical Assistance for my father back in February 2011. I was also able to allocate my father's income to my mother, which was truly the best part of the plan Ms. Battaglia laid out for me. Now my father is being taken care of at the care facility and my mother can still maintain her lifestyle at home. We also worked with a paralegal who helped coordinate the information Ms. Battaglia needed to process the application for benefits. They worked together as a team, which helped to keep the costs down. The entire process went very smoothly and the cost for all of the legal services were less than one month of paying the facility privately!
Read more
14 May, 2009 by Anonymous
very compassionate, knowledgeable and prompt
Read more
09 Aug, 2018 by Lisa
Working on a will can be stressful and upsetting, but Jason made it less so. He is professional, patient, and understands the nuances of the law. Highly suggest working with him for creating sensible and appropriate solutions to special needs estate planning.
Read more
28 Jul, 2018 by Sue
Jason Johnson is a very professional, kind and knowledgeable lawyer. He has a vast background with many different experiences; and he really understands elder care. The documents he prepared for me were very thorough and he helped walked me through the process with knowledge, understanding and compassion. He was very supportive and available for any questions I had. Jason is a trustworthy person whom I can't say enough positive things about, very highly recommended!
Read more
08 Jun, 2018 by Cassandra
Mr. Jason C. Johnson was very helpful in Drafting my Will and Testament and other documents, He is Knowledgeable and professional, explaining everything to me and answered all of my questions and kept in contact with me. I felt he had my best interest at heart, it was a pleasure to work with him.
Read more
28 Aug, 2014 by Liz
Helen M Whelan is so professional . She spent a lot of time with me doing estate planning for my elderly father . Helen even took the time to meet my father at his apartment because he was not well enough to come to her office . Helen is so kind and patient and most of all so compassionate when working with the elderly Helen is extremely knowledgable about all aspects of estate law , elder law and even accounting . I felt like I really made the right choice using her . She was very timely in everything she did for my father and making sure all the necessary paperwork was done and done right in a timely fashion I would highly recommend Helen .
Read more
28 Aug, 2014 by Daniel
"I worked with Helen Whelan on all of my estate planning needs from updating my will and medical directives to the establishment of my revocable trust. At each step in the process Helen explained to me all of my options and how best to protect myself and my estate. Helen’s attention to detail, professionalism and guidance were greatly appreciated. I will always recommend Helen to my friends and family."
Daniel S
Read more
13 Jul, 2017 by Ed
Jackie, has handled wills for me and friends. She is an excellent "Seniors" Specialist. She has the best reputation in the city, and I have confidently referred her and her firm for over 20 years. She is the best.
Read more
03 Jul, 2017 by Charlotte
Jackie Byrd has been my attorney for wills and trusts for about 10 years. Not only is she a first rate attorney but she also does a lot of community service, helping older adults understand elder law issues. And on top of that---she is a very nice person! I would highly recommend Jackie Byrd.
Read more
21 May, 2016 by Mark
My trust has been handled since 2007 by Erin Mahony's office. I have always found Erin to be reliable and pleasant to work with. She has always treated me with utmost respect, and has always asked for my input. She is very thorough and I would highly recommend her to anyone needing an attorney.
Read more
29 Aug, 2019 by Theresa
Scott handled my dad’s estate. He was responsive, attentive and professional. He listened and answered questions in a timely manner. His office staff was very pleasant to work with also.
Read more
13 Jul, 2016 by Anonymous
I first went to Ms. Slaughter a year ago with Social Security and estate issues. This year I went back with my new wife to review my documents and to introduce my wife to her so that my wife would know to whom to consult if something were to happen to me. My wife took to her right away, saying to me afterwards that Ms. Slaughter made her feel comfortable about going back to her, that she extremely knowledgable, and when she is not positive she quickly looks up citations. Her personality is great, her knowledge is superb, and she is thorough.
Read more
06 Dec, 2017 by Anonymous
I am a client and colleague of Mr. Krame, and have known him for almost 40 years. He is knowledgeable and presents himself in a very professional manner. My best interest has always been his priority. Without hesitation, I have referred clients to Mr. Krame, and will continue to do so.
Read more
16 Jun, 2016 by Karl
Amy is a fantastic lawyer, she helped me and my family at it's lowest point. If you have elder law problems, she's the one to visit. I can't recommend her highly enough...
Read more
22 Feb, 2011 by William
Amber Curtis was thoughtful and professional in listen to our desires and explaining our various options. She was very attentive to my Dad when dealing the intricacies of his Revocable Trust after the death of his wife.. Her advise and the legal documents were accurate and professional.
Read more
16 Mar, 2018 by Sharon
Mr. Stewart was very patient with me in explaining what all the paperwork meant and was good at breaking down the "legalise" in to plain language for a lay person to understand. He was also easy to work with regarding timelines and deadlines.
Read more
05 Jun, 2019 by Anonymous
I really liked the professional work efficient and especially the rapidity of lawyer Me Eshigo on my case because she asked us to provide all documents useful for advancement and credibility.I remember we worked a weekend on the file because she wanted to send the following Monday.Thanks to God, my family and work accomplished by the lawyer Me Eshigo depot of documents July 2018 and I received the residence card January 2019
Read more
10 May, 2016 by Michael
My family has engaged May-Lis Manley on several occasions over the past five years in support of disability services for our daughter, with estate planning and for Trust related advice. She is highly competent, responsive and frankly, a very nice person. My entire family has had the opportunity to work with May-Lis over these past years, and we all hold her in the highest regards.
Read more
5.0
17 Reviews
16 Apr, 2024 by Patrick mccormick
Franke Beckett (FB) is an outstanding law firm. My family and I have been clients since 2006. As a lawyer myself, and one who has led teams of lawyers in a Global 100 law firm and in the United States Government, I appreciate the expertise, practical wisdom, diligence, integrity and value that Fred and his team bring to their practice in an area of the law that is critically important to families and family life. In my judgment, FB is the preeminent frim in Maryland for all aspects of counsel and advocacy in the field of estates.
Read more
21 Mar, 2023 by Chuck finn
25 Feb, 2023 by Ethan harvey
28 Oct, 2022 by Marie terrell
Excellent Attorney..
Read more
12 Aug, 2021 by Felicia davis
My father ( James H. Craig) referred me (Felicia Davis) and my husband ( DeWayne Davis, Sr.) to Morgan Fisher and he took care of all are needs. His Team was awesome. I would recommend Mr. Morgan to all of my family and friends.
Read more
16 Mar, 2018 by Rob ellis
Morgan Fisher provided timely and professional advice on a complex bankruptcy issue I was facing. After speaking with him, I had a clear understanding of the situation, and knew the specific steps I needed to take to remedy my issue. Not only that, but both he and his support staff were a pleasure to interact with. I would highly recommend him!
Read more
21 Jun, 2022 by Charles blatchley
After my wife got into a accident I looked around for a lawyer and I'm glad I found D'Amore they made the whole process for us easy and got my wife the help she needed.
Read more
03 Jul, 2021 by Ana espinoza
I had a great experience, i am very satisfied with how they handled my case. I would definitely recommend them.
Read more
10 Jun, 2021 by Ileana
This firm was highly recommended by a coworker. Rus and Jill were above and beyond handling both of my cases. I always felt like I was their number one customer because of their attention and prompt response. I had a case that I was dealing with for almost 2 years and when I passed the case to them it was like taking so much pressure off my shoulders. I even recommended it to my husband for a injury that he had at super store and they took the case and fought for him. We are truly thankful for their amazing work.
Read more
04 Nov, 2024 by Victoria beckner
I was very nervous about this bankruptcy, but after talking to Mr. Ealley he set my mind at ease. He is very professional and honest.
I would highly recommend him to anyone.
Victoria
Read more
22 Oct, 2024 by Debra newman
Bankruptcy can be a scary experience when you don’t know what to expect. I found an amazing lawyer James D. Ealley Law Firm. From our initial conversation till the final discharge of my case he let me know no matter what questions I had or wasn’t sure of the process he answer every question I had and explained everything I wasn’t sure of. I highly recommend James D. Ealley Law Firm.
Read more
12 Sep, 2024 by Robert moore
james is a great guy he always followed up and was able to answer any question i had
Read more
11 Aug, 2017 by Anonymous
Stacey, I/we really want to thank you so very much for the work and time you put into our case.
Mr. Bullock really helped a great deal with the very difficult issues at first, and you have been outstanding in dealing with the issues since then. You have both been amazing, and I am very grateful. The death of a relative is a difficult time in the best of circumstances, and when some family members, or one in particular, fall apart and act poorly, it is even harder. I know you probably deal with this more than one would like to think, but it hit us with a great shock, and you have been very helpful in steering us through these murky waters.
My brother and I, and our families thank you very, very much and are very grateful.
Read more
14 Jul, 2015 by Mr. mitchell
I have been a lawyer for nearly 21 years. I have litigated and represented clients in the District of Columbia and in the Federal Courts of D.C. and Maryland against some of the largest and top rated law firms in the world, such as Venable, Reed Smith, Steptoe & Johnson, and White & Case, always producing results for my clients. From 2007 to 2015 I was a Court Appointed Counsel in the Probate Court for the Superior Court of the District of Columbia, and I have litigated against some of the top lawyers in the metropolitan area. One of my more recent cases in the D.C. Probate Court involved attorney Stacie Simon. I must say, I was quite impressed with Stacie. She demonstrated a maturity and professionalism beyond her years. I was most impressed with how she handled herself in court before Judge Erik Christian. If you need a smart, zealous lawyer, to handle a Guardianship and/or Conservatorship matter, I would recommend Stacie Simon of The Elder & Disability Law Center.
Read more
07 Jul, 2015 by Valree'
I met Stacie Simon through the Elder Care Law Center when my family had personal issues concerning my mother's health. Stacie is efficient and effective. She is always well prepared and knowledgeable. Stacie is personable and thoughtful. She made my life easier by making sure that all documentation was completed and submitted on time. My family and I continue to work with her when necessary. Stacie is kind and patient. We love her and her assistance. Thank-you Stacie. We are glad that we met you.
Read more
19 Jul, 2017 by Anonymous
Mary Jo helped my mom and dad finally put into place legal papers that had been put off for years. She was very thorough in her work, and yet also was very friendly and won the confidence of my parents. As a result, our whole family feels very much at peace about our future, and are grateful for the hard work that Mary Jo did on our behalf.
Read more
17 Jul, 2017 by Jeremy
My mother and I, retained Mary Jo Broussard Speier to help us establish a relatively complicated trust fund. The service and counsel we received from Ms. Speier was exceptional. She looked into all aspects of our situation, and requirements, and determined the best course of action. In doing this she identified potential problems and went about taking steps to address them proactively.
The work we had done was relatively complicated (at least I thought so) and could have been both confusing, and stressful, to my mother and myself. To her credit, Ms. Speiers made sure she explained the process in advance, as well as provided us with detailed updates along the way. Further, whenever we had a question, she came back with the answer in less that 24 hours, in most instances within just one or two hours.
When the trust was completed she took the time to sit down with us and explain it in detail before it was signed. Then, a week or so later when I had few follow-up questions, she addressed them right away.
In sum we were very pleased with Ms. Speier's professionalism and responsiveness throughout the project. We would
certainly recommend her to friends and family.
Read more
07 Jul, 2017 by Carol
I found a recommendation for Mary Jo Broussard Speier on our neighborhood listerv. My husband and I needed a revocable trust, a will, and a power of attorney. I'm not sure how complicated our situation was, but, nonetheless, it was fraught with familial issues that we wanted handled delicately but expediously. Mary Jo was beyond patient with our hesitations, our lack of experience, and our overall wishes to cover as many, if not all, contingencies. We were accorded the kind of respect and understanding I'd want from any professional. She set the bar much higher than any other lawyer I've dealt with. I trust her skill and legal wherewithall and absolutely appreciate her gentle interactive style.
Read more
24 May, 2022 by Anonymous
Laura Henninger prepared my estate documents. She was efficient and answered all of my questions. She made many very helpful suggestions for my will and other documents. The office staff is also very helpful.
Read more
02 Dec, 2021 by Brett
Laura reviewed and update our wills, healthcare directives and POAs. She provided excellent insight and fantastic recommendations in structuring our wills. She challenged us to really think through options and see different viewpoints to help us to understand our decisions.
She was extremely detailed and a pleasure to work with. We were impressed with the staff's professionalism and warm greetings.
We highly recommend Laura and trust her with our planning.
Read more
07 Jan, 2021 by Jon k
From very first day, we agreed that choosing Henninger & Henninger firm was a very good choice.
Our needs were carefully examined and presented in well structured proposal.
It was a well executed process.
From now on, we will retain the firm for our legal needs.
Read more
31 Jan, 2025 by Aaron miller jr (cookie)
28 Jan, 2025 by Fred dickens
Inna was great help for me and my family. She was very informative and patient. She made this experience very pleasant.
Read more
28 Jan, 2025 by Ja’miyah
The service was really great! I really appreciate the help I was provided with by Inna.
Read more
05 Dec, 2024 by Lorrie delpizzo
Rob Sullivan was great to work with. Very efficient. I highly recommend Stouffer Legal.
Read more
25 Nov, 2024 by Michael andrews
Estate Planning. Kelsey is extremely knowledgeable and accommodating.
Read more
29 Oct, 2024 by Dawn white
So far, my experience with Stouffer Legal has been great. The team is extremely friendly, kind, and patient. I had no clue on how to manage the death of my husband and his estate planning with the help of the Stouffer Legal team. I am on the right path to finding out everything that needs to be done.
If you are looking for a legal team that is kind, compassionate, understanding, patient, and listens to your concerns, this is the estate legal firm you need.
Read more
01 Aug, 2024 by Malcolm jones
Mr. Adams is very professional and has handled my case exceptionally well. Works to find a way for you even when you don't see it yourself. Great law firm highly recommended
Read more
21 Jul, 2024 by Barbara sears
22 Feb, 2024 by Terrance howard
Great staff and a man of his word.
Read more
20 Dec, 2024 by Bryan palmer
We found the firm’s staff to be extremely personable and professional which made our estate planning process smooth and comfortable.
Read more
20 Dec, 2024 by Randi cannon
The services were done efficiently and perfectly.
Read more
20 Dec, 2024 by Dottie engle
I wanted to quickly update my powers of attorney for medical and financial matters. This office very efficiently and quickly got my papers in order so I can rest easy. Dottie Engle
Read more
27 Nov, 2024 by Sherri necessary
Mr. Muncy was a pleasure to work with and an incredibly supportive advocate during one of the most challenging times of my life. After I experienced a traumatic attack that left me with a loss of eyesight, Mr. Muncy took on my case with compassion, dedication, and a commitment to justice. He handled every step with professionalism, keeping me informed and reassured throughout the process. Thanks to his expertise, we won the case, bringing a sense of closure that I truly needed. I’m grateful for his hard work, including that of his staff, and I highly recommend him to anyone in need of an exceptional attorney.
Read more
27 Nov, 2024 by Pedro lopez
Excelente servicio y representación. Está firma aceptó tomar mi caso cuando otros abogados se negaron a llevar mi caso. Consiguieron que mi caso fuese aceptado con el seguro. Estoy muy agradecido. Recomiendo sus servicios.
Read more
24 Oct, 2024 by Jesus tapia
Thank you Bruce. Very helpful and had a lot of patience when explaining to me various question I had regarding a accident my son was involved in. Can't thank you enough for putting my wife and I mind at ease.
Read more
17 Dec, 2024 by Mike zitzmann
03 Dec, 2024 by Ken kaiser
02 Dec, 2024 by Mike skowron
17 Dec, 2024 by Mike zitzmann
03 Dec, 2024 by Ken kaiser
02 Dec, 2024 by Mike skowron
17 Dec, 2024 by Mike zitzmann
03 Dec, 2024 by Ken kaiser
02 Dec, 2024 by Mike skowron
Browse lawyers
Cities in Maryland - Find a Lawyer Near Me
-
Baltimore
-
Rockville
-
Bethesda
-
Silver Spring
-
Annapolis
-
Towson
-
Columbia
-
Potomac
-
Gaithersburg
-
Chevy Chase
-
Frederick
-
Upper Marlboro
-
Ellicott City
-
Greenbelt
-
Owings Mills
-
Bowie
-
Bel Air
-
Glen Burnie
-
Laurel
-
Salisbury
-
Lutherville
-
Kensington
-
Hunt Valley
-
Hagerstown
-
Westminster
-
Timonium
-
Catonsville
-
Largo
-
Hyattsville
-
Hanover
-
Easton
-
Takoma Park
-
Severna Park
-
Pikesville
-
Waldorf
-
Germantown
-
Prince Frederick
-
Cumberland
-
Elkton
-
Reisterstown
-
Camp Springs
-
Lanham
-
Crofton
-
College Park
-
La Plata
-
Ocean City
-
Fulton
-
Cockeysville
-
Fort Washington
-
Olney
-
Pasadena
-
Beltsville
-
Odenton
-
North Bethesda
-
Riverdale
-
Jb Andrews
-
North Potomac
-
Edgewater
-
Clarksville
-
Leonardtown
-
Arnold
-
Landover
-
Chestertown
-
Linthicum
-
Mount Airy
-
Millersville
-
Elkridge
-
Wheaton
-
Oxon Hill
-
Cambridge
-
Lexington Park
-
Mitchellville
-
Severn
-
Centreville
-
Phoenix
-
Sykesville
-
Clinton
-
Derwood
-
Burtonsville
-
Clarksburg
-
Lutherville Timonium
-
Sparks
-
Montgomery Village
-
Fort Meade
-
N Bethesda
-
Crownsville
-
Davidsonville
-
Gambrills
Browse lawyers
Practice Areas in Maryland
-
Business
-
Litigation
-
Real Estate
-
Personal Injury
-
Criminal Defense
-
Family Law
-
Estate Planning
-
Government
-
Trusts
-
Tax
-
Insurance
-
Intellectual Property
-
Medical Malpractice
-
Immigration
-
Elder Law
-
Appeals
-
Workers Compensation
-
Consumer Protection
-
Probate
-
Mediation
-
Car Accident
-
Civil Rights
-
Child Custody
-
Lawsuit / Dispute
-
Juvenile Law
-
Social Security & Disability
-
Child Support
-
Domestic Violence
-
Bankruptcy
-
Debt Collection
-
Wrongful Death
-
Entertainment
-
Financial Markets And Services
-
Divorce
-
Adoption
-
Class Action
-
Foreclosure
-
DUI / DWI
-
Discrimination
-
Employment / Labor
-
Wrongful Termination
-
Federal Crime
-
Sexual Harassment
-
Sex Crime
-
Debt Settlement
-
Copyright Application
-
Landlord & Tenant
-
Cannabis Law
-
Construction
-
Credit Repair
-
Drug Crime
-
Education Law
-
Life Insurance
Discover the ideal lawyer
You can search a lawyer by practice area, lawyer name, city, state, or ZIP code
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.
