Filter by

star star star star star
25 Feb, 2022 by Chris
Our brother died unexpectedly and shortly afterwards his long-time caretaker and the caretaker’s attorney produced a will that left our brother’s entire estate to the caretaker. My sister and I were surprised that our brother would not discuss such a big change in his estate plan with us beforehand and after talking to some of our brother’s friends, we were told that this will was suspicious and we needed to retain legal counsel to look into it. Thank Goodness we took their advice and were very fortunate to choose Trevor Lippman of O’Neil Cannon as our representative. My sister and I cannot say enough to praise the hard work and professionalism that Trevor demonstrated. As this was the first time my sister and I had ever been involved in a legal action, we needed a lot of support and explanation. Trevor's communication skills are second to none and he answered all our questions and guided us through all the issues as they developed. Our case was very difficult and required much time and effort to build the evidence showing that this will was not our brother’s work. With this body of evidence, we then entered mediation with the other party and were very successful, obtaining 88% of the multi-million dollar estate. More importantly, Trevor and his colleagues with O’Neil Cannon helped us avoid a lifetime of regret in not knowing what our brother’s true intentions were. Through their dedication and hard work, they gave us the truth about what happened. For this we will be forever grateful and can give Trevor Lippman our highest recommendations.
Read more Avvo
star star star star star
24 Feb, 2022 by Anonymous
At first it seemed like a typical estate dispute, but we knew that here was something wrong with the fact that my brother would change his will so dramatically without letting us know. We had never had to retain an attorney and had many questions. Trevor carefully explained every aspect of the case as we went along and helped us understand the legal system. Trevor began the investigation and through many twists, turns and complications was able to discover that our concerns were justified and we were able to retain a significant part of the estate. I cannot say enough about Trevor. He is smart and hardworking, he digs deep into the facts, pulling layer after layer together to tell the true story and he was able to remember everything in this complicated case. He kept us informed of his progress and gave us excellent advice. He is stellar in the courtroom. I cannot recommend him highly enough.
Read more Avvo
star star star star star
15 Sep, 2020 by Tara
I hired Mr. Lippman for a litigation matter for which I obtained a highly successful result due to Mr. Lippman's outstanding litigation skills and strategy. Mr. Lippman is a whip smart and extremely diligent, reliable, conscientious, thorough and hardworking associate attorney specializing in litigation concerning trusts and estates. Working in concert with partner Carl Holborn, Mr. Lippman was able to develop and successfully execute a multi-faceted negotiation, litigation and settlement strategy concerning a complex legacy family trust. Throughout the several-month pendency of the matter, Mr. Lippman provided superb legal advice and representation. I was routinely impressed with Mr. Lippman’s comprehensive grasp of the legal as well practical and personal issues at stake, and with his excellent judgment, good common sense and consistently comprehensive and thoroughly-considered legal and practical advice considering all aspects of the problem. Mr. Lippman has a unique ability to see the big picture and to keep on top of the myriad details at the same time. He also continually keeps the client well-informed on the progress of the matter and is consistently available for in-depth consultation. Finally, Mr. Lippman is an excellent writer and oral communicator, and is extremely personable and an absolute pleasure to work with on every level. He is always a very strong advocate for his client's best interests, while at the same time providing highly practical, realistic and honest advice that the client needs to hear. In sum, I provide the highest possible recommendation for Mr. Lippman for any litigation matter.
Read more Avvo
See more
star star star star star
19 Jul, 2017 by Katherine
In August of 2016 I hired Mark to handle updating my Trust and ensuring it more adequately reflected my wishes. Mark and his team did a solid job of not only meeting my needs, but ensured that it was far more robust than what the previous two attorneys at another Milwaukee firm had done. Mark is professional, thorough and knowledgeable on Trusts and provided me with a great sense of peace knowing that I now have a sound Trust. I have already recommended Mark to a few friends.
Read more Avvo
star star star star star
04 Apr, 2017 by Sue s
My husband and I met with Mark and his staff 3 weeks prior to going out of the country on vacation. We did not have a will in place. Mark explained all our options very thoroughly and how a trust would protect our assets. We were very happy with Mark and his staff. We now have peace of mind that our daughter and grandchildren will be taken care of in the future.
Read more Avvo
star star star star star
30 Mar, 2017 by Peggy
My husband and I talked for some time about changing our will to a trust. The process seemed overwhelming so we procrastinated. Our friends referred us to Mark Rogers and we are glad they did! Our initial meeting was about 3 hours. Mark, Troy and Stacy took their time explaining and diagramming the details of our trust. They made it easy to understand and were very patient with our endless number of questions. We were leaving on a trip in 3 weeks and hoped our trust could be completed before we left. Mark was able to accommodate our request and paperwork was signed days before our departure. Mark and his team were extremely responsive. Our phone calls were always returned the same day often within an hour. We highly recommend Mark Rogers.
Read more Avvo
See more
star star star star star
14 Jul, 2020 by Sheila
I am so pleased with Attorney Poster. She helped me to protect my disabled sister’s inheritance while enabling her to keep her public insurance.
Read more Avvo
star star star star star
04 Jan, 2018 by Nicole
I highly recommend Heather Poster. She helped me with my parents’ long term care issue and estate plan. She was so kind, understanding and responsive. I really appreciate that she traveled to my parents’ Home For meetings.
Read more Avvo
star star star star star
19 Aug, 2014 by Pam
Our elderly mother's needs were greater than we could handle as a family. Heather helped us with getting our mother enrolled in social and medical programs that allowed her to stay in her home while receiving the care she needed. Her work saved our family finances and our marriage. She was kind, thoughtful, considerate, compassionate and guided us in every step of the way. She seemed to have a broad and deep understanding of the law, but spoke to us about the laws in a manner that we all understood. Thanks Heather! Our family strongly recommends Heather Poster.
Read more Avvo
See more
star star star star star
29 Dec, 2014 by Joann
Stephen Lasky is a true professional. He has high integrity, empathy for his clients and keeps their needs in the forefront of decisions. He has compassion for people. When my father was living, he helped him understand Medicaid benefits for his wife and how to live his life alone without his spouse. Since my father’s passing, he is helping the family with the probate process. All of the work he has performed for us has been complex and quite trying. Stephen knows estate planning and Elder law issues. He is calm, which makes his client’s calm. These issues are difficult and emotional for families and he gets it. He listens. Stephen answers questions thoroughly and brings clarity to the table and has a deep understanding of his practice. He also knows business relationships start with trust; he began building trust with us in the way he treated our dear Dad. We appreciate his wisdom and counsel, Attorney Lasky. We would recommend Stephen without reservation.
Read more Avvo
See more
star star star star star
08 Jul, 2024 by Merce baxter
Google Maps
star star star star star
08 Jul, 2024 by Fahad khan jehangiri
Wonderful experience! Great communication , took care of my ticket! Highly recommend
Read more Google Maps
star star star star star
08 Jul, 2024 by Jill meyer
Google Maps
See more
star star star star star
08 Jul, 2024 by Merce baxter
Google Maps
star star star star star
08 Jul, 2024 by Fahad khan jehangiri
Wonderful experience! Great communication , took care of my ticket! Highly recommend
Read more Google Maps
star star star star star
08 Jul, 2024 by Jill meyer
Google Maps
See more
star star star star star
03 May, 2023 by Jeff crabb
I own a business and John and his legal assistant have helped me out with a number of business related items over the years. This firm will come through for you as they always have for me. I'd give 10 stars if I could.
Read more Google Maps
star star star star star
07 Feb, 2023 by Eagle eye
Excellent Firm. Brad and his team are beyond awesome! They move swiftly on your behalf and will keep an open line of communication. If they are on your side, you can lay aside your stress and relax.
Read more Google Maps
star star star star star
22 Jan, 2023 by Gary haas
Concern #1: Do these guys know what they are doing? I was impressed with their structured approach. This made me feel comfortable that nothing would be "missed." Their free video library helped me understand trusts / wills. The videos also showed their knowledge and professionalism. Concern #2: What is their patience for answering questions? Trusts / Wills are new to me and it is easy for my mind to glaze over. This was not their first "rodeo." They answered / anticipated my questions until I felt I had enough understanding. Concern #3: What happens if I have a life changing event or there are issues after I die? They set up a process to deal with these issues. Why did I want to get a trust? I was the personal representative for two estates. Probate is a tedious, expensive and time consuming process. The money I spent to establish my trusts is significantly less than probate costs. In a short period of time I was able to make sure my estate could be settled quickly and easily.
Read more Google Maps
See more
star star star star star
05 Apr, 2024 by Dave becker
very easy to work with, he takes the time to explain and gives good advise.
Read more Google Maps
star star star star star
20 Dec, 2023 by Ashley kiewit
Rude and disrespectful owner
Read more Google Maps
star star star star star
11 Dec, 2023 by Clinton micke
Serving in a profession that handles end-of-life care, I always realized the importance of estate planning. However, I personally always put my personal planning on the “back burner.” After acquiring a business, I found myself in a position with many unanswered questions. Working on the day-to-day operations, I was concerned about my inability to work and in the needed case, the transition of the business to successors. Attorney Collins and his team were knowledgeable, concise, and efficient. Giff took both my personal and professional situation into account, melded the two together, gave me recommendations, and created a tailored trust for me. From our initial consult to finalizing and signing the trust documents, Giff and his team exceeded my expectations.
Read more Google Maps
See more
star star star star star
13 Aug, 2024 by Matthew olsman
Davorin is a fantastic and generous attorney. I consulted with Davorin regarding a complicated issue, and his response was both prompt and thorough. You should feel confident that if you hire Davorin to represent you, you've got a great advocate on your side.
Read more Google Maps
star star star star star
23 Jun, 2024 by Omar eliwa
Davorin is an outstanding lawyer. He is professional, smart, and honest, always working diligently for his clients. His dedication, extensive knowledge of immigration law, and ability to produce thorough research set him apart. Davorin provides clear direction and explains all options, ensuring the best course of action. His tenacity, connections, and experience with immigration officers in Wisconsin are invaluable. Additionally, his fees are reasonable, reflecting his integrity. For any immigration needs, whether simple or complex, Davorin is the ideal choice.
Read more Google Maps
star star star star star
27 Mar, 2024 by Vbs l
Attorney Odrcic is professional, back in 2019 our naturalization was rejected due to the legal issue we had in the past. We talked to Davorin during the Covid time, he spent time to study and analyzed our case, and told us our case is not dead ended. At first we had doubts (we have waited the naturalization case for over 2 years) but we decided to go with him due to his professionalism and knowledge. After we hired him, he went through the exact legal process he explained, and we finally cleared the legal issue with the court. Davorin told us the next step is to wait three years to reapply the naturalization. We hired him again to fill the paperwork and prep us for the interview. In less than a month after the interview we were taking the oath. Davorin went through the almost impossible process and kept us in the loop all the way, and we ended up at the exact place Davorin promised us. It is a long process and we had him with us all the way. We even invited Davorin to attend the oath ceremony as a gratitude to him.
Read more Google Maps
See more
star star star star star
20 Jul, 2024 by Morad moslam
Attorney Cherella took my case & was there for me when I really needed him. He was always quick to reply or call back & I really felt like he had my back from day one. Thank you so much for your services, Mr. Cherella, I appreciate everything you have done for me
Read more Google Maps
star star star star star
08 Jul, 2024 by Joshua redlin
Chris is awesome, he has helped me and people I know over the years.
Read more Google Maps
star star star star star
08 Jul, 2024 by Mohamed maache
The lady at the front desk was supper helpful. She was very kind
Read more Google Maps
See more
star star star star star
20 Sep, 2024 by Alex bakakos
Josh Turim was an outstanding attorney to deal with. Josh was referred by multiple individuals and I am glad I made that call. He was not only on top of everything that came across his desk, but he more importantly takes the time to explain each step along the way. I couldn’t be more pleased with how he handled my case and got me where I need to be to move forward with life.
Read more Google Maps
star star star star star
17 Sep, 2024 by Chris janssen
I couldn't give more praise to Josh and his firm. Thank you so much for all the help!
Read more Google Maps
star star star star star
16 Sep, 2024 by Daught simool
I was referred to Hickey & Turim by my Dr. After getting injured on the job. Josh Turim has the easiest and quickest way to sign up and get him on retainer to fight for you. A few back and forth emails DocuSign and it was on! They took over communication with Workman's comp who was really messing with me. They behaved when he took over. He got me more than I expected from the final settlement. He's very well versed in fighting work injuries and takes over all communication so you don't have to be lied to or stress out. What a smooth journey it turned out to be.. Thank you so much Hickey & Turim for such excellent communication every time and Josh for explaining everything in easy to understand terms every step of the way!
Read more Google Maps
See more
star star star star star
27 Aug, 2024 by Nancy herrmann benton
Larry Fehring did a great job in handling my personal injury case. Attorney Fehring was considerate and helpful in navigating the process allowing me to achieve a beneficial outcome. I would highly recommend Attorney Fehring and Habush Habush & Rottier.
Read more Google Maps
star star star star star
15 Aug, 2024 by Rick m
Following an accident, I was referred to Ben Wagner by another attorney. This turned out to be a great referral. Ben and his team handled my case with a high level of professionalism and care. He kept me informed, communicated regularly with progress updates and was responsive to all my questions. I greatly appreciate all the work he did on my behalf. I am fortunate to have had Ben represent me. It was easy and reassuring working with him during a difficult period while he navigated my case to a successful outcome that exceeded expectations. Ben Wagner is an outstanding attorney. I give him the highest of recommendations.
Read more Google Maps
star star star star star
25 Jun, 2024 by Stuart shelton
We would highly recommend Laurence J.Fehring. He handled our case professionally and kept us updated throughout the entire process. We are completely happy with the outcome.
Read more Google Maps
See more
star star star star star
22 Mar, 2024 by Kristen montini
This law firm is ABSOLUTELY TOP NOTCH!! Attorney Dayna is not only extremely knowledgeable of her speciality but truly cares about her clients, very down to earth. The law firm is attentive and responds quickly. Dayna's knowledge and professionalism is 2nd to none! She helped my eIderly mother and I when we needed it most. I highly recommend!
Read more Google Maps
star star star star star
09 Feb, 2024 by Lauren vandelist
My husband and I met with Attorney Dayna for our estate planning needs. She was extremely informative and explained things in terms that we understood. She was able to guide us in creating a trust and educate us on all the intricacies involved. We feel very well prepared for any situation that may arise in the future and find peace knowing our wishes are properly documented. I recommend Attorney Dayna to everyone, she is so approachable and knowledgeable, it is clear she has been doing this for a long time and really understands even the most unique of scenarios!
Read more Google Maps
star star star star star
06 Feb, 2024 by Erika opel
My husband and I met with Attorney Dayna for our estate planning needs and had a wonderful experience. With Dayna's guidance we were able to navigate difficult conversations and feel confident in the decisions we made for our family. Dayna was very responsive and professional. You can tell she truly cares about her clients. The office is inviting and comfortable, all of the staff helped make the process as smooth and pleasant as possible. I highly recommend this firm!
Read more Google Maps
See more
star star star star star
08 Dec, 2023 by Lisa slavic
Very helpful and prices are very reasonable!!!
Read more Google Maps
star star star star star
11 Sep, 2023 by Joe marcello
Outstanding service. They do great work and truly care about their clients.
Read more Google Maps
star star star star star
15 Aug, 2023 by Patricia schmidtknecht
Awesome attorney
Read more Google Maps
See more
star star star star star
19 Jul, 2024 by Brandon brunson
Google Maps
star star star star star
26 Jul, 2023 by S m
Not there for you
Read more Google Maps
star star star star star
19 May, 2023 by David stavis
Google Maps
See more
star star star star star
22 Mar, 2024 by Kristen montini
This law firm is ABSOLUTELY TOP NOTCH!! Attorney Dayna is not only extremely knowledgeable of her speciality but truly cares about her clients, very down to earth. The law firm is attentive and responds quickly. Dayna's knowledge and professionalism is 2nd to none! She helped my eIderly mother and I when we needed it most. I highly recommend!
Read more Google Maps
star star star star star
09 Feb, 2024 by Lauren vandelist
My husband and I met with Attorney Dayna for our estate planning needs. She was extremely informative and explained things in terms that we understood. She was able to guide us in creating a trust and educate us on all the intricacies involved. We feel very well prepared for any situation that may arise in the future and find peace knowing our wishes are properly documented. I recommend Attorney Dayna to everyone, she is so approachable and knowledgeable, it is clear she has been doing this for a long time and really understands even the most unique of scenarios!
Read more Google Maps
star star star star star
06 Feb, 2024 by Erika opel
My husband and I met with Attorney Dayna for our estate planning needs and had a wonderful experience. With Dayna's guidance we were able to navigate difficult conversations and feel confident in the decisions we made for our family. Dayna was very responsive and professional. You can tell she truly cares about her clients. The office is inviting and comfortable, all of the staff helped make the process as smooth and pleasant as possible. I highly recommend this firm!
Read more Google Maps
See more
star star star star star
22 Nov, 2019 by Anonymous
She didn't do the work she was paid for, came to the hearing unprepared and failed to present the main evidences which resulted in losing the case.
Read more Avvo
See 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:

  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.