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26 Apr, 2024 by Nick fair
Not sure where to start but I will start at the beginning. My mother and father are elderly and my father was in the mid-stages of alzheimer's, I was concerned about him having to go into an assisted living facility (Nursing Home). If this happened we were concerned that all their assets would be consumed due to the cost associated with the care he would need (Mother could lose her house). In 2019 I heard an AlerStallings (Golden Reserve) ad on the radio in regards to how trusts could secure assets (we knew nothing about this,) so I made an appointment. Everything went great, my parents agreed to have this team create a trust that would secure all their assets in a 5 year period, (House, investments, cash, etc). The cost was a bit steep but worth it to make sure my mother would be safe and have her house if dad had to go in a home. Everything went well, annual meetings to verify the security of the assets, advice on what to invest in to keep their money growing. When 2024 arrived and the Trust had hit the 5 year time requirement for security. Another annual review and come to find out half of the assets that my parents brought to Golden Reserve was not in the trust. I went back to the original documents and the form given to us showed that the owner of funds now not in the trust, showed that the funds were owned by "Trust". At the top of the form it listed my parents name. This told us that this fund was owned by the trust created. Now that the 5 year mark was met in 2024, come to find out almost $200,000 was not securred in the trust. Golden Reserve failed to put the funds in the Official Trust name. The fund was started by transfering my parents stock to a new safe investment advised by the AlerStallings/Golden Reserve team and they did not put it in the Trust. How does this happen? Unfortunately my father contracted COVID and passed away before the need for assisted living. My mother is now 89 and quite frail. If she has to go into a nursing home she will lose all of the $200,000 unsecurred due to this major blunder by AlerStallings/Golden Reserve. I feel as if I failed my mother. I guess I am somewhat at fault only because I did not hire an attorney to make sure AlerStallings/Golden Reserve was doing the job we paid them to do. Where do you put your trust. NOT IN ALERSTALLINGS/GOLDEN RESERVE!
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12 Jan, 2019 by Anita riley
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31 Oct, 2017 by Rich & amy roldan
Friendly and professional service!! Great job!
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14 Jun, 2016 by Anonymous
I wanted to protect my assets from future long term care costs and Attorney Rugg was able to set up a legal plan and all of the documents needed to make my plan work for me.
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10 Nov, 2024 by Wesley james
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05 Jun, 2024 by Brandy
Let me preface this by saying there was a language barrier which made it very difficult for me to understand the person I was speaking with, I am sure she had an equally difficult time. First, I called in to ask about a consultation to see if I have a case, and possible representation. She asked what type of case, which I explained and then she asked for more information. I attempted to explain it, I could tell she was not understanding what I was trying to convey as she asked me the same question more than once. She told me they don't offer free consultations, which I was fine with but when I asked her how much she hesitated and told me she could not tell me how much a consultation would be. I was confused and asked her how would I find that out. She told me someone would call me back within 2 business days and took my number. As we said our goodbyes she said if no one called me back in 2 days no one could help me. I then confused, asked her if I should call back after the two days then if I didn't hear back. She told me no, if no one called me back it meant no one could help me. I wanted to make sure I understood her correctly and said so if no one calls me back they won't do a consultation? She said I was correct. I said so you can't give me a cost for a consultation, then you tell me if no one calls me back that means you can't help me? So without knowing the details of the case, you not understanding what I am saying and being unable to provide me a price for a consultation so an ATTORNEY could explain what rights I may or may not have, you are telling me if I don't receive a call back it means no one can help me??? I told her this was the most unprofessional experience I have ever had with a law firm and I have 13 years of legal background in one area or another. I told her not to worry about calling me back. This is absurd. I hope someone from the firm does read this and call me back and ask for more details (as there are plenty I am not going to share on this platform, yet) as I hope this not an accurate representation of their firms professionalism or the way they treat potential clients. If not, I hope it is corrected, a good percentage law referrals are done via word of mouth! This was pretty appalling behavior and she needs trained and/or this firm needs training and some standard SOP's developed and implemented as soon as possible.
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22 May, 2024 by Jeb
Bethany Stickradt did a fantastic job helping our family protect and navigate the complex assisted living facility issues for our handicapped uncle, who has cerebal palsy. He has lived at the facility in Newark happily for 18 years.Then it was sold and the new management tried to kick him out two times and harassed our family. There was no change in his level of care. He did not fit their marketing image. Bethany handled our appeal to the State. Thankfully they backed down. We are so very grateful we had Bethany representing us and used the Reese Pyle Meyer Law Firm.
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What an Elder Law Lawyer Can Do for You

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

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

When Should I Hire an Elder Law Lawyer?

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

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

What Does an Elder Law Lawyer Do?

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

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

How Are Elder Law Lawyers Paid?

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

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

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

How Much Does an Elder Law Lawyer Cost?

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

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

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

Top Questions to Ask an Elder Law Lawyer

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

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

How to Check the Credibility of an Elder Law Lawyer

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

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

What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?

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

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

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

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