Lawyers map
>31
experienced lawyers
Filter by
11 Oct, 2022 by John
Without question the best professional experience I’ve ever had with any type of firm.
Mr Jacoby was as thorough as one could be and exceptionally knowledgeable in his field. He took a surprising amount of time both listening to our circumstances and explaining how best to proceed. Most importantly, it’s very clear his excellence stems from a true care of people.
In addition, his staff is no less attentive and caring. I worked with Lisa Waltrip, who was wonderful. We navigated through a tedious Medicaid process with relative ease, with Lisa carefully explaining each step and simplifying everything.
On top of it all, one day Lisa sent an email-she’d stopped and met my mother. In a world where personal attention and care seems to be greatly diminishing, this floored me. What a truly exceptional group of people.
I cannot, nor doubt I ever could, recommend anyone any more than I can this firm.
Thank you very much,
John
Read more
07 Feb, 2022 by Veronica
Where do I begin? Compassion, Grit, Tenacity, Work- ethic, professional, are only a few of the words I would begin to describe Attorney Jacoby and his team, more specifically in my case Ms. Marcano. Any questions, concerns, were always responded to quickly and with full detail by Mr. Jacoby or his team. I have an extremely difficult and challenging situation, but Attorney Jacoby has always been patient and will do whatever is needed to help. They really do care and do their best to assist as if it was their own personal case. I cannot say enough how highly I recommend them; I would tell you if you are considering using them or not- do not waiver- you won't regret it! I am extremely grateful for their grace and the blessing they are for my child and myself. Five stars all the way if I could give them more I would!!
Read more
31 Jan, 2022 by David
Excellent attorney! Handled my issues promptly, and he communicated timely, and the work was done expeditiously. I’m an attorney as well, and I have recommend him to others!
Read more
07 Jun, 2024 by Nicole
Attorney David Slonim is a remarkable advocate for special needs clients. Against many odds, he successfully navigated our case with exceptional skill and determination. His deep understanding of special needs law, coupled with his compassion and persistence, led to an incredibly positive outcome that would likely not have been successful otherwise. We are immensely grateful for his dedication and highly recommend his services to anyone in need of special needs or estate planning as well. His entire team is top-notch.
Read more
18 Jul, 2022 by Mel
Smooth and easy process with our estate planning. Everything was ready and accurate when we arrived for signing. Highly recommend Slonim Law!!
Read more
29 Apr, 2022 by Timothy
Slonim Law firm helped my wife and I with estate planning. The entire team was very professional, knowledgeable, respectful, patient, and friendly. It was a pleasure working with David and his associates, and I highly recommend them.
Read more
13 Dec, 2023 by Deborah
Attorney Krista Rush managed my daughter’s SSI appeal. We could not be more grateful to her for winning her case. She is experienced, professional, compassionate and went out of her way to take care of us during this lengthy, difficult process. We are so thankful to her and would highly recommend her services.
Read more
22 Apr, 2021 by Joseph
I first called Krista L. Rush PA because I was applying for disability and I felt that Krista's previous experience in the medical field would greatly enhance her understanding of my health conditions and would be of great assistance in preparing my application for disability benefits.
The reason I chose to hire Krista L. Rush PA was her medical background and her glowing reviews as a disability lawyer. I felt that Krista's medical background would benefit my application for disability greatly as she would understand both the medical and the legal issues regarding my application. I feel that I made a very wise choice in having Krista Rush represent me in this matter and I highly recommend her to anyone needing assistance.
I enjoyed working with Krista L. Rush PA because I liked the personal attention that I received. Krista held my hand and walked me through the process. I always felt that I was in good hands throughout the entire process. I do not think that I could have made a better choice to represent me then Krista Rush PA.
As a result of all of Krista’s hard work, my case was approved much quicker than I expected. I feel this was due to Krista's detailed preparation of my application for benefits and her in depth knowledge of both the medical issues involved and the disability legal process. If you are looking for a disability lawyer you will find none better then Krista Rush PA.
Read more
26 Jun, 2020 by James
My son suffered medical problems that resulted in him loosing his job and all income. We asked Krista to help us secure Social Security Disability for him. She was extremely knowledgable of the whole government process and forms. She guided us and helped us through each step. We expected to be turned down and have to submit an appeal. However because of her thoroughness in guiding our initial submission, we received immediate approval. It was blessing.
Read more
18 May, 2020 by Shirley
Rudy is very Professional, Sincere, He spends the time to make sure you understand lawyer lingo :-) and he is on top of it and gets things done and corresponds and keeps you updated...I have used him a few times and always have positive outcomes ....Office staff are very friendly and Positive atmosphere!!!!
Read more
29 Oct, 2018 by Doug rolsing.
Mr Trader handle our case with experience and provided my family with the answers on this case.
Read more
26 Oct, 2018 by Don
My wife and I hired Rudi for our will on a recommendation from our neighbor. It was quick, painless, and right on schedule with the timeline he stated. He gave us exactly what we needed! I then hired him as a consultant for advice with my late brother's estate. He is very knowledgeable and has a lot of experience with probate cases so there was no guesswork. He came up with a plan from the information I provided him and I feel extremely confident moving forward!
Read more
25 Jun, 2024 by Christiann
I hired Mr Prentice to handle a probate case that also concerned real estate in New York.
Yikes!. Tough case , but he guided me to its positive conclusion!. Thank you Alec for a job well done.
Read more
18 Dec, 2021 by Dean
If you need Estate Planning assistance, ATTORNEY ALEC PRENTICE is outstanding! We have used three estate attorneys over the years, and Alec Prentice was the first one we have been completely satisfied with. He is very pleasant to deal with, asks the right questions, and is responsive and meticulous in his work. We are so grateful that we now have all the Trust and Will documents we need and are confident that all are properly prepared according to our wishes.
Read more
04 Jun, 2018 by Anonymous
Our family hired Mr. Prentice to protect my mother’s assets from the 10k per month bill she was receiving from her nursing facility. Mr. Prentice swiftly stopped this bill from continuing and saved her hard earned savings. Our family paid Mr. Prentice quite a bit, but it was 100% worth it! Mr. Prentice and his staff were very professional and pleasant to work with. I would recommend Mr. Prentice to any family that is going through the expense of having a loved one in a nursing home.
Read more
01 Feb, 2021 by Stacy
My husband and I had very out of date wills and other documents. This law office works as a great team to help you understand the documents and get them signed in a timely fashion. The price was reasonable and the process easy. Will definitely use again!
Read more
24 Mar, 2017 by Linda
I became a client of The Slonim Law Firm, Melbourne, after considering several firms. It was time to update my will and estate documents. My attorney was Paul Lemieux. He helped answer difficult questions pertaining to my individual situation. His was not a cookie cutter approach! I really did not have a clear idea of what to do going into our first meeting and it only took 2 meetings to complete the tasks. Paul answered all of my questions and I am genuinely proud of and satisfied with the result.
Read more
16 Jan, 2015 by Anonymous
I met Mr. Lemieux a short time ago. He is associated with an Elder Law Attorney, that I used , when I found myself in need of one.
Mr. Lemieux has shown me that he is knowledgeable about Florida Elder Law and is a person who cares about his clients.
I recommend Mr. Lemieux, without reservation.
Read more
09 Jun, 2014 by Vanessa
Amy was a huge help to me when it came to legally handling my father's affairs. Being an only child who is disabled herself as well as my father's only living relative, she helped me to quickly take care of matters so that I can legally and properly make decisions for my father's well being. She explained to me the legalities of dealing with these situations, recommended a reliable place where I could prepay funeral arrangements and even helped me find a trustworthy and dependable private assisted living facility close to my home where I could place my father. Not only is he now well taken care of, he is also located less than 5 minutes to my home. Thank you Amy for all the wonderful work you do!
Read more
06 Nov, 2012 by Anonymous
Ms. Jackson was very helpful in my family's time of need. Informative, understanding and compassionate are just a few words to describe her and her friendly staff.
Read more
24 Jul, 2019 by Anonymous
Kim Torres came highly recommended to me. She is well respected in the legal community for good reason. Not only did she make efficient use of our time, she also offered realistic, no-nonsense guidance. She handled our case with compassion and professionalism. No negotiated outcome is ideal, but mediator Kim Torres is probably your best chance of settling out of court and getting on with your life.
Read more
08 Apr, 2009 by Anonymous
Kim was very knowledgeable and put me at ease with my process of the whole divorce. Her responsive time is excellent especially through email since I work all the time. I would definately recommend her and use her services again.
Read more
01 Aug, 2024 by Monique merrow
01 Jul, 2024 by Alfred sweeting
When Mrs.Travis was a public defender, we went to trial on 6 felony charges and she won trial. Experiencing legal difficulties, give Mrs. Travis a try. Had I got found guilty I would still be gone. Thanks Mrs. Travis Alfred Sweeting
Read more
01 Feb, 2024 by Frank romero
the absolute best in Brevard!!
Read more
21 Aug, 2024 by Larry hoel
This firm keep at it until the insurance company agreed to settle the case.
Read more
21 Aug, 2024 by Michele madden
The firm of Lacey Lyons and Rezanka just helped us settle a year-long case against our insurance company with a successful resolution. Attorney Ethan Babb gave us excellent counsel, and was very professional and cool under pressure. Thank you attorney Babb and Paralegal Schofield for your assistance and guidance. You can trust this firm!
Read more
19 Aug, 2024 by Leonel enriquez
Great experience. Felt like home.
Read more
01 Aug, 2024 by Vijay kohli
Mr. Eric Morgan is the best Bk attorney. I have ever worked with.
From our first meeting, he explained everything to me in terms I could easily understand and was always very responsive when I had questions outside of our meeting. If anyone is looking for a knowledgeable Attorney at a great price go to Mr. Eric Morgan.
Read more
08 Nov, 2021 by Ava boud
Personally, I thought Attorney Eric Morgan was very helpful and made the process very smooth for me. No issues or problems and got everything figured out very quickly.
Read more
08 Nov, 2021 by George watson
Eric, was very professional and helped me get my license back after almost losing it for 5 years, he handled everything for me and I didn’t have to do almost anything very friendly aswell!
Read more
23 Aug, 2024 by Brenda finnegan
17 Aug, 2024 by Scott singlevich
Cheryl is very knowledgeable and easy to work with. She did my Will and trust and have always been available when I need any legal matters addressed. Highly recommend.
Read more
17 Aug, 2024 by Robert bark
excellent legal advice, recommend her to anyone who needs legal help at a fair price, helped me without any stress getting guardianship for my mother. great service for legal issues
Read more
15 Sep, 2024 by Rf
To start, navigating the aging of a loved one, especially one that needs around the clock care, including assistance affording it, is a very stressful and emotional experience.
I recently went through the experience of both of my parents needing to enter long term care within 4 months of one another, with both needing Medicaid financial assistance to afford the care that they needed.
This is why I highly recommend hiring an elder law firm to assist, notably the Law Offices of Amy B Van Fossen.
Ms. Van Fossen’s office, notably attorney Katie Stolz and Public Benefits Specialist Kathy Smeltz, guided, advised, and supported me and my family through the entire end-to-end process of transitioning my parents from independent living to long term care. This included full, detailed leadership through the Medicaid application and approval process - a process that is both incredibly complex and incredibly difficult to navigate.
Both Katie and Kathy are subject matter experts who broke that process down into bite-sized pieces, clearly explaining what was happening, why it was happening, what was needed at various times (documentation; patience!), and exactly what was needed from me as the family member to ensure a successful outcome for my parents.
Both Katie and Kathy were available at seemingly all times to answer any and all questions, no matter how large or small, providing education and, again, support as we proceeded.
The end result was the blessing of my parents being able to receive the care that they need in the twilight years of their lives.
I would not have been able to navigate this process on my own and am grateful for people like Katie and Kathy who work tirelessly to assist others through these transitions. I highly recommend them, and the entire team I encountered at Amy B Van Fossen’s office, for elder care advice and support.
Thank you!!!
Read more
13 Sep, 2024 by Bruce dvorachek
Amend our trust; Very efficient and easy
Read more
13 Sep, 2024 by Lisa mcgee
Excellent in helping plan my mother's estate. Amy and her staff are professional and the best for their services.
Read more
15 Sep, 2024 by Rf
To start, navigating the aging of a loved one, especially one that needs around the clock care, including assistance affording it, is a very stressful and emotional experience.
I recently went through the experience of both of my parents needing to enter long term care within 4 months of one another, with both needing Medicaid financial assistance to afford the care that they needed.
This is why I highly recommend hiring an elder law firm to assist, notably the Law Offices of Amy B Van Fossen.
Ms. Van Fossen’s office, notably attorney Katie Stolz and Public Benefits Specialist Kathy Smeltz, guided, advised, and supported me and my family through the entire end-to-end process of transitioning my parents from independent living to long term care. This included full, detailed leadership through the Medicaid application and approval process - a process that is both incredibly complex and incredibly difficult to navigate.
Both Katie and Kathy are subject matter experts who broke that process down into bite-sized pieces, clearly explaining what was happening, why it was happening, what was needed at various times (documentation; patience!), and exactly what was needed from me as the family member to ensure a successful outcome for my parents.
Both Katie and Kathy were available at seemingly all times to answer any and all questions, no matter how large or small, providing education and, again, support as we proceeded.
The end result was the blessing of my parents being able to receive the care that they need in the twilight years of their lives.
I would not have been able to navigate this process on my own and am grateful for people like Katie and Kathy who work tirelessly to assist others through these transitions. I highly recommend them, and the entire team I encountered at Amy B Van Fossen’s office, for elder care advice and support.
Thank you!!!
Read more
13 Sep, 2024 by Bruce dvorachek
Amend our trust; Very efficient and easy
Read more
13 Sep, 2024 by Lisa mcgee
Excellent in helping plan my mother's estate. Amy and her staff are professional and the best for their services.
Read more
28 Aug, 2024 by Peter lewis
My wife and I had been putting off getting a will for many years. We envisioned stuffy formal offices manned with gruff, cigar comping, self important lawyers in Italian suits and Rolexes!
We were also worried if we could afford it. My wife read about an Elder Law office in our town and was impressed with their commitment to family legal matters. We decided to make an appointment. From the minute we walked into Estate Planning & Elder Law Center of Brevard we felt welcome.The surroundings were cozy and professional. We were immediately greeted
and offered coffee and water. Our initial consultation was informative, thorough, and congenial. The attorneys Robin and Roger are exemplary executives, and along with Erica, Jennifer, and Danielle, Elder Law Center is in excellent, capable hands. We now have a gorgeous binder complete with our will, living trust, and all the trimmings. In many ways we feel this is one of the best investments we've ever made.We extend our praise and deep thanks to Elder Law Center of Brevard. Highly Recommended!
Peter & Emily Lewis
Melbourne Beach, Florida
Read more
22 Aug, 2024 by Lisa ortiz
My mother went in to make a few amendments to the existing documents Elder Law Center had drawn up a few years ago. Robin Petersen Esq. was efficient and detail oriented. My mom was supposed to come back a few weeks later to sign the documents. Two days later the office informed her that her documents were ready for review. The office staff was able to make time for her to come in immediately to sign. This was a huge relief to have everything done so quickly. Erica and the rest of the office staff were so incredibly sweet to my mother. Erica made sure to go over everything carefully so that my mother understood everything. Erica even spoke to my mother in Spanish to make the process even easier for her to understand. I would 100% recommend their services to anyone in need of estate planning.
Read more
17 Aug, 2024 by Kathleen malloy
05 Jun, 2024 by Anonymous
I wanted to give Jackie kudos for her help in helping me with my mom’s Medicaid questions.
She was very instrumental in guiding me through the issues.
Both herself and staff are very intuitive to peoples needs.
Thank you so much!!
Read more
19 Jan, 2024 by Bruce
After years of multiple hip surgeries it was a stroke in April 2023 that ended up putting my wife Tyra into long term care. She did come home from Sea Pines afterwards but it was clear that I could not provide the care she now needed. I made calls and toured several assisted living, rehab, and long term care facilities. The more I investigated, the more confused I got. A social worker from one of the in home PT providers suggested I may need an attorney. I checked many lawyer reviews from all over Central Florida before I called Rhodes Law.
My first contact with Rhodes Law was by phone with Jackie McManus. I told her what was going on and she made me an appointment to see her right away. Tyra had to be admitted to Viera Del Mar within 30 days of being discharged from Sea Pines for Medicare coverage reasons. Talking to their admissions office left me with unanswered questions. With me in her office Jackie called Viera Del Mar. Jackie knew the people in admissions on a first name basis. Tyra was admitted on June 9th within a few days of the Medicare deadline.
Next Jackie explained what was needed to protect Tyra's care and our estate if anything happened to either one of us. She laid out a timeline and a list of documents for Rhodes Law to do both of our Wills, Powers of Attorney, Living Wills, Healthcare Surrogate and Hippa Release Authorizations, Declarations for Naming Pre-Need Guardians, and a Revocable Trust! Jackie kept me up to speed on what she still might need from me with the looming August 31st, papers, assets and bank accounts sorted, deadline approaching. On September 1st everything was in place so Tyra's care was covered and everything that we had worked for was protected.
This review turned out to be a lot longer than I expected it would be. It shows how unprepared my wife and I were. We had POAs and Wills from a "state specific" legal forms website. For years I had been her caregiver. Before retiring Tyra had had her full charge bookkeeping business. We thought that we knew what we were doing. We figured we were in good shape in case anything were to happen. The work that Rhodes Law provided showed how unprepared we had been. Tyra passed peacefully on October 6th surrounded by 7 of her 8 children, 7 of her 10 grand kids, and her great granddaughter.
A month or so after Tyra's death Jackie got in touch to let me know paperwork Rhodes Law prepared to reapply for our homestead exemption was ready to be picked up. It had to be done before a March 2024 deadline or we would lose the exemption for the year. I had no clue this was necessary. Thank God I called Rhodes Law in May 2023.
Read more
18 Mar, 2022 by Erika
My case was extremely complicated. The family dynamics were difficult at best. My family wanted to take away my mothers decision to have me be her POA.
I felt ambushed by the family and previous illegal/unethical activities that had taken place prior to my arrival at Rhodes Law Firm. I was trying my best to take care of my elderly mother who has recently passed.
Upon retaining Rhodes Law Firm the team, led by Attorney Rhodes, the firm quickly dismantled and corrected errors in accusations by family and helped right the wrongs done to my elderly mother.
We even had to go to trial twice for false allegations and one was an emergency hearing. Attorney Rhodes helped me win both cases and
genuinely cared about the welfare of my mother and myself
I always felt that Attorney Rhodes took a personal interest in my case. She worked long hours over holidays to prepare for trial. She literally worked the entire weekend of the New Year. She has tirelessly worked weekends to make sure that everything was kept in the order that my mother would have liked.
No matter what situation arises I know that I can reach out to Attorney Rhodes and her Law Firm for guidance and direction in a timely manner. Although she is usually three steps ahead of me and sees actions that need addressing before myself, including interfacing with other types of attorneys to protect my mother’s estate. Her guidance here has been invaluable.
I often reached out to attorney Rhodes after hours and usually received an immediate response back. She was not just an attorney for me, she became a confidant, a friend, and advisor. I trusted her with my mothers welfare and she did not fail me.
I can’t thank her and her staff enough nor imagine having to go through what I went through without the support of Attorney Rhodes and her firm.
Many many thanks to all of you.
Read more
30 Oct, 2024 by Vanessa johnson
The absolute best law firm in town!
Read more
16 Jul, 2024 by Lazara heyman
Amanda Smith, Esq. at the White Bird law firm help my husband and I set up our Trust and other documents. She is friendly, kind professional. Amanda explained everything to us in detail. We had a wonderful experience. I recommend White Bird to my family and friends
Read more
20 Jun, 2024 by Heidi engel
White Bird Law is effective, efficient, and understands the laws in depth. Their communication is honest, open and up front. No nonsense and reliable.
My case was a mess due to my own avoidant strategies and an initial legal team from another firm that did not support, educate, inform or provide the needed services. White Bird helped me clean up all my estate issues perfectly.
Look no further, they are the law firm you need for fair, intelligent and reliable services.
Read more
30 Mar, 2024 by Dustin watts
They forced my grandmother into a $7000/ month living facility, bankrupted her, stole over $150K from my family, now is trying to take my uncles home and charge us $2000 for last year when they did literally nothing.
Read more
19 Mar, 2024 by Ellen yarnell
29 Jun, 2023 by Cindi wooten
13 Aug, 2024 by Nina zah
Thank you Mary Jane Murphy for your assistance . Very professional and helpful.
Read more
12 Jul, 2024 by Kody best
To the guy answering phones, cutting me off mid talking and transferring me when I already let you know I spoke to the person you transferred me to. You can act as nice as you want when called back and confronted. That was petty as hell and you wouldn’t be treating anyone in the office that way and dismiss them the way you did me. Hopefully management can fix this issue.
Read more
09 Apr, 2024 by Cole mount
Bill was extremely knowledgeable and truly a steward of the profession. Everyone I spoke to helped me greatly and they understood the frustration of what I am going through.
Read more
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.
