Lawyers map
>11
experienced lawyers
Filter by
13 May, 2013 by Brian
Would work with Amina again in a heart beat. My wife and I worked with her on estate planning, and Amina knew the subject matter inside and out. She spent the time to go through the subject with us (which we were both new to) and ensured that all of our questions were answered. She looked into other investments we had and helped us determine the best way forward to have these incorporated into our estate planning. Her output documents are very thorough and seem to cover all the bases. She helped us plan out revocable living trusts, pour over wills, and with the ins and outs of all of the assets to ensure they are transferred and titled properly, and set up with appropriate beneficiaries to ensure that future needs are met.
Read more
10 May, 2024 by Lola
Very professional, very proficient.
Read more
19 Dec, 2023 by Joe swantek
22 Aug, 2023 by Sue anastasia
Exceptional Team to work with. Everything was explained clearly, and attention to details, and organization is Exceptional. I must say, I felt so comfortable like a weight was lifted off my shoulder finalizing my Trust/Will. Thank you for making this moment in my life such an easy and comfortable experience for me.
Read more
10 May, 2024 by Lola
Very professional, very proficient.
Read more
19 Dec, 2023 by Joe swantek
22 Aug, 2023 by Sue anastasia
Exceptional Team to work with. Everything was explained clearly, and attention to details, and organization is Exceptional. I must say, I felt so comfortable like a weight was lifted off my shoulder finalizing my Trust/Will. Thank you for making this moment in my life such an easy and comfortable experience for me.
Read more
11 Sep, 2024 by Deanna cortese
We used Diaz Anselmo & Associates (specifically Tom and Jessica from the Naperville office) for the purchase of a new home. Tom is an amazing lawyer. He is extremely thorough, quick to reply, and kind. Jessica was also there every step of the way. She is organized and patient while answering all of our questions. We loved them so much, we used them to represent us in the sale of our townhome, and also recommended them to a family member for the sale of their house! While buying or selling a home is stressful, both Tom and Jessica made it easy. They are trustworthy, accommodating, and reliable people. They will be representing us any time we buy or sell in the future.
Read more
23 Aug, 2024 by Thelma
A few months ago, I found myself calling Attorney John Brennock for his services again but this time for a serious life-threatening incident that happened in my apartment building where my cousin and I reside. Our neighbors moved from their apartment above us and management began repairs and renovations as they usually do. It was around 3:45 p.m. on Friday, April 12, 2024 when we began to smell a strange but harsh odor that penetrated throughout our whole unit. The smell literally cut our breath so much that I opened all the windows, even opened the front door.
The following Monday morning my cousin called the property manager and discovered that they were working on the bathrooms however they didn’t disclose exactly what they were doing. After speaking to the property manager, we both concluded that we were exposed to some type of paint striper that contained methylene chloride.
I wondered how anyone could survive that smell and not keel over without wearing protective gear when working directly with these chemicals. Then I decided to look at my security cameras to see if it captured any type of equipment they were using for renovation of this apartment. I saw two men suited up in what looked like gas masks and carried a different type of fan that was small in size with them before they went upstairs. They were finished in less than thirty minutes and obviously closed all the windows and locked the apartment door to keep vagrants out. The odor became more intense and permeated throughout our unit for hours.
Mr. Brennock offered to write a letter to the property manager in regards to this incident. He isn’t a personal injury lawyer but did advise me that is what I would need if I wanted to pursue this matter. Then he informed me that I can still go to the hospital if I was still feeling bad, which we did. I thought if I didn’t go right away that there was no need. I opted out of the letter and chose to use the money that I have been saving to buy a home instead of attorney fees. He even gave me references to a couple of really good real estate agents to assist.
Yeah, I know what you're saying, “Well that’s not too much.” When a lawyer returns your every call or emails, responds to all not some of your questions, explains what's in their perimeters and what is not, followed by what they can do for you, and gives advice and then follows up on that advice, puts this attorney way above the others. Would I turn to this attorney if I need to again? Yes, absolutely.
Read more
20 Aug, 2024 by Scott m.
John is an excellent lawyer who has demonstrated extensive knowledge of my case. I wasn’t confident about winning until I saw him in action before the judge. His courtroom expertise was impressive, and I would definitely hire him again.
Read more
13 Oct, 2020 by Bob
Mark represented our family in a home sale. It was very complicated, involving a trust and a contentious buyer. We are VERY happy with the service from Mark, his staff and office. I would use him again recommend him again without reservation.
Read more
27 Jun, 2017 by Anonymous
Mark was rude and trying to get a hold of him was difficult. He did not try and enforce any of the agreed upon terms between buyer and seller whether in writing or verbal. When I tried to contact him regarding these matters he ignored my requests. I agree with the other review that unless you have an ordinary closing that takes no time and effort, do not hire this attorney.
Read more
12 Sep, 2013 by Anonymous
Big mistake!! I hired Mr. Metzger to handle my closings for selling and buying. This was not my first closing, but it was definitely the worst! His miscommunication with the other attorney caused me to lose my earnest money. I surely can say that Mark Metzger MAYBE able to handle a simple closing but if there is a bump on the road his clients are the ones getting screwed! The funny thing is that we all hire attorneys to take care of us when there is a bump on the road, not when everything is smooth and going as planned. Right?
Do not get caught in the same mess as I did. Closings are NOT his forte, neither is communication or professionalism as a matter of fact!
Read more
15 Nov, 2023 by Andrea defalco
In my opinion, Gail is a threat to the safety of children. Based on the overwhelming number of reviews saying the same, I am sharing how to report her conduct. It is easy to file a report with both regulatory boards/commissions.
Use the link below if you have used her in the capacity as a Psychologist:
https://idfpr.illinois.gov/admin/dpr/complaint.html
Select “Professional Regulation” and fill out the information in the form.
Use the link below if you have used her in the capacity as an Attorney:
https://www.iardc.org/Files/Request_For__Investigation.pdf
In my opinion Gail is a danger to children and families. In my opinion, she puts children at risk of serious harm. In my opinion she must be stopped.
Read more
14 Oct, 2021 by Anonymous
We used Gail for divorce mediation. She was late for every appointment. She clearly hadn't ever review anything prior to our meetings and then never sent us our final documents. She was supposed to connect us with a lawyer at the end who 'she works with' to finalize and file our case, she did not do that, she completely disappeared once our last payment was sent. I called and emailed many times and no one responded. She was slow during meetings and wasn't much help with any questions we had. If it hadn't been during a pandemic we would have changed mediator. Ours was a simple divorce, I would hate someone in the middle of a stressful divorce to have to deal with this unprofessionalism on top of that.
Read more
16 Apr, 2021 by Anonymous
This women will continue to try to convince you that abuse of your children is okay. She as a mandated reporter will hide abuse in order to assure she will receive a paycheck from you as long as possible. She will make excuses for the abuser and lie to Judges/Child representatives/DCFS, because if the children get removed from the abusive home she loses you as a client. Please make sure to report this woman to the state of Illinois if anything like this has happened to you. A hospital Doctor that had to care for our children said that Dr. Gail Petrich’s actions are “disgusting and she should be ashamed of herself”. We cannot let people like Dr. Gail Petrich continue to practice.
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.
