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20 Nov, 2022 by Rodmidkiff
I did some work for them. Great people to talk with.
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20 Aug, 2021 by Chel renee
09 Jul, 2021 by Pauline crawford
08 Feb, 2024 by Anthony puhlman
Mr Kaufman far exceeds my expectations for an attorney. He is always willing to help resolve my issues and with promptness. He is kind and knowledgeable. Mr. Kaufman communicates very well and always responds to my emails and phone calls. He is Reasonably priced and highly recommended. Thanks Joe! Laura
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07 Jul, 2023 by Jen d.
I highly recommend Joe Kauffman and his team.
You are not at your best when you are looking for a probate attorney. I called several before speaking with Sharon R (paralegal). She was the only one was able to explain in a clear and concise way what the next steps were and when I arrived to meet with Mr. Kauffman a few days later there were no surprises. I was also impressed by the fact their offices were modest and simple - you do not want a lot of flash and bling in a probate attorney office - and in the end, I was charged on the LOWest end of the the range (with a complete report of billable hours).
Sharon, Joe and Allison worked with me over the course of a year (on a probate that had some zingers and curveballs), patiently reviewing the process with me again and again as I was lost in grief and stress. Once I completed what I had to do - they had it done/filed in less than a week. During the year, they communicated with me on a regular basis and always returning my calls/emails promptly.
I met and spoke with many widows and widowers over the past year and I literally had none of the issues so many report when working with probate attorneys. (The ONLY thing I would do differently is to NOT start probate right away like I did - you have some time and should take it if you need to grieve. I was wrongly told I had to do it right away and you don't).
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22 Sep, 2019 by Arthur ruckle
31 Mar, 2023 by Mark
I wanted to compliment Mr. Scannell for his consultation on a legal matter. He took the time to explain my case and was personable and emotionally available to answer questions and make recommendations. I really appreciate his time and thoughtfulness.
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23 Sep, 2022 by Jordan
Terry responded right away about questions I had regarding a will. He offered to reach out and is super responsive and extremely to the point. You can tell he cuts to the chase, answers every question, and is honest which is super respectable! I appreciate your time at 5 PM on a Friday!
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01 Aug, 2022 by Anonymous
I spoke with Terry by phone regarding an issue i am having with my HOA. Terry was honest and gave me an advice rarely given by any other lawyer.
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26 Jul, 2017 by Anonymous
Although its been a while (August 2016) since Mr. Schneider's office help us with our needs, after apologizing for our delay, all we can say is that a process we thought was going to be a pain in the butt, it ended up in a short process and a total success. Thanks you!
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05 Jun, 2017 by Dorothy
Very please with Mr. Schneider. He listens well, answers questions, anticipates needs. Everything was explained well, done on time, and there is plenty of follow-up. I recommend him heartily.
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01 Feb, 2017 by Martha
Before we met Richard, we had nothing in order -- a very very outdated will (somewhere) that didn't reflect a single aspect of our current life, kids, home, investment property, business etc. After meeting Richard, we have peace of mind! We have a living trust, will, designated guardian for our daughter, person to make medical decisions if we can't, signed docs giving us power to make medical decisions for each other, on and on. We have an enormous binder with all these documents including extremely detailed and helpful information for our next of kin and executor, should something happen to us. Richard and his team make this very straight forward and easy. They kept stressing that we can call any time with questions (no charge) and in 3 years we'll sit for a review of it all (free). This was painless.
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26 May, 2021 by Christina
Rick was so helpful to my family and I. Not only did he inform me that I actually do not need a lawyer for my particular situation, but he also was honest about the likely outcome of our other case. Instead of choosing to accept a hefty up-front retainer, he chose integrity and candor. He helped to guide us in the right direction, which we're very grateful for, even if we did not end up working together.
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04 Aug, 2017 by George
There is no way to adequately describe the help that Rick Okamura has been to me over the past two to three years. I brought to him a mess of an estate after leaving another attorney who had botched drawing up the will for an estate and trust that I was the personal representative and trustee for. There were many problems that came up during the handling of this estate. RIck Okamura was instrumental in walking me through them. He is a highly ethical, professional, and thorough. At the same time he was conscious of what I was going through personally in trying to deal with the issues and was sensitive to my concerns and lack of experience. I would highly recommend Rick Okamura to anyone needing an estate attorney.
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16 Jun, 2016 by Jody
Rick was wonderful when my elderly mother was still living and after she passed. The estate process can be very confusing and highly emotional. Rick made it all go smoothly with understanding and attention to detail. He explained the process by breaking it down step by step. I couldn't have gotten through it without him.
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27 Mar, 2018 by Anonymous
At our family's request Ms. Symthe obtained a co-guardianship for our severely disabled adult brother. Two of his siblings were appointed co-guardians and it was done in an expedited manner as the circumstances required. Ms. Symthe consulted with our family not only throughout obtaining the guardianship, but thereafter when other issues arose as to his care. She has been superbly professional and supportive through very difficult circumstances regarding our brother. She was always available to speak to the family. The legal fees associated with our work with Ms. Smythe have been exceptionally fair and reasonable. We have appreciated working with her on every level.
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06 Jul, 2016 by Anonymous
We hired Barbara to revise our estate documents after we moved from Florida to Oregon. She did this work in a timely, competent manner, charging us what we felt was a fair fee for her work.
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06 Jul, 2016 by Ross
Completed our estate plan in an friendly efficient manner. She offered knowledgeable suggestions and listened carefully to our wishes.
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04 Feb, 2024 by Patty
Paul helped my set up all the necessary estate planning documents (will, trust, POA, advance directive, HIPPA). He very clearly went over everything to make sure I understood what I was signing, answered all my questions, and never made me feel rushed. Very friendly and caring. I would happily recommend him to anyone.
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03 Feb, 2024 by David
Mr. Lemieux is the antithesis of every Hollywood movie image of calculating, without ethics, etc., etc. and cruel, tasteless attorney lawyer joke. He guided me every step of the way through a catch 22 situation involving my Alzheimer stricken wife and my ill-since-high school 61 year one year old daughter...for both of whom I am caregiver. He provided the lowest costs possible and most practical advice, options and legal will and trust solutions. He even provided some direction and advice on matters yet to be settled at this current time and situation. EVERYTHING... very much like being with a trusted family member!
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03 Feb, 2024 by Philip
Paul did a great job handling my legacy legal needs. He was thorough and turned the documents around quite quickly. I never felt rushed and he always took the time necessary to answer my questions and concerns. He reviewed all provisions of my trust and other documents in order that I understood them prior to me signing them. The cost was fair and established up front. He was great to work with and I highly recommend him for your estate planning needs.
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15 Dec, 2021 by Crystal
We went to Mark with a lot of questions, he has done extremely well making us feel at ease. He knows what he is doing. He writes letters where needed, makes calls, keeps us well informed. He goes above and beyond ,does what ever it takes in getting the case resolved.
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29 Oct, 2015 by Jim
Mark worked diligently to settle a case that went to mediation for my company. His preparation and knowledge of the case helped save my firm a lot of money.
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02 May, 2011 by Anita
Mark helped me with a discrimination case against a health clinic.
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21 Aug, 2024 by Steve
When my wife and I scheduled a consultation with Joel, we didn't know whether we needed a will or a trust. Joel took the time to explain the benefits and deficits of each and how they would or would not protect our assets for our future generations. He was upfront about his fees and keep us updated as he worked on our case. I recommend him to anyone needing advice about estate planning.
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09 Jan, 2023 by Joyce
Joel has helped me through a very difficult time when I became very ill several months ago. At the time, I only had a general idea of how I would like my will written how I wanted to allocate what I had acquired.
I didn’t know where to begin so at first I sought out some recommendations and that eventually led me to Joel.
Right off I felt like I had someone who had a serious job but who liked what he did (and was good at it), innately patient and who could easily communicate the what’s and whys of what we needed to document.
Now, I’m so relieved that what I had put off is completed and it was completed in the exact way that I am comfortable with.
I should have done it sooner but then maybe I wouldn’t have met Joel.
The office atmosphere there at the Junction City office is professional but warm and friendly also. I’m glad I got out of town and took the drive!
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08 Oct, 2021 by David
I had an initial consultation with Joel Smith regarding whether to probate the estate of my elderly mother's deceased partner. Joel was very informative and eager to help, even though he advised not to probate, and would receive no compensation for his time.
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05 Jan, 2019 by Anonymous
Helped in the formation of our business. The value of her services well outweighed her costs. The information provided was accurate, we intend to use her for our required annual meetings going forward. I highly recommend her services.
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01 Feb, 2013 by Anonymous
Easy to work with and made me feel confident that everything was being done. I felt comfortable with the fees as well.
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06 Oct, 2011 by Pam
Over the past three years, Kelly has assisted my mother and me with valuable advise and excellent actions. Through wills, negotiations and at times, even an open ear, Kelly is considered by me, as a very smart sister.
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10 Mar, 2017 by Anonymous
Meredith is a pleasure to work with. She has helped with small business decisions, set up leases and contracts for me and reviewed my trust and will that had been drawn up by another attorney years ago. I highly recommend her services.
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09 Mar, 2017 by Rhetah
I am guardian, conservator and wife of my loved one who has a mental illness. It was a breath of fresh air to meet with her as she listened and clearly offered me options to support my loved one and support me - now and in the future. And, due to the previous attorney not filing a report correctly, I was called into court and Meredith was able to go to court for me, reschedule the court date and arrange to allow me to be on the phone. This is a huge benefit for me as I travel for work to support my loved ones care needs and this saved me $2500.00. She is the first attorney who I feel has their head and heart connected that I can totally trust to guide me in a way that works for me and my loved one. Thank you Meredith, very much.
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08 Mar, 2017 by Julie o.
Meredith helped me to set up my business back in 2015. She walked me through the processes and put together all the necessary paperwork. I also refer some of my clients to her. She is helpful and reasonable in her fees. I highly recommend her services.
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15 Feb, 2014 by Anonymous
The Pixton Law Firm was very thorough in reviewing our estate and gave invaluable advice as to how to plan for our future - things we'd never have known or thought of if we were just using forms. They put together a really slick package for us. The firm handles a lot of estate administration too, so they have firsthand knowledge of how various things can play out and can avoid some of the pitfalls others might not think of. Tom is extremely knowledgeable in this area, very caring, and clearly more concerned for our well being than anything else. He's one of the "good" lawyers. I'd recommend him in a heartbeat.
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10 Feb, 2014 by Anonymous
We had a great experience with Tom as he helped us create and execute our living wills. There's a huge advantage to working with his small practice: quick responses and everyone knows your progress and needs. His staff is extremely efficient and friendly. Tom is genuine and truly cared for our needs without being pushy. He was on the ball, always one step ahead of us. I'd use him again in a heartbeat.
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10 Feb, 2014 by Jennifer
Tom and his staff are very knowledgeable in the Elder law world. I have used his services for my personal planning, as well as referred several very satisfied clients of mine, to use his services.
He is very calming during a time that is generally an emotional crisis, and often potentially a financial crisis.
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01 Jun, 2023 by Rosemary
Mr Hamilton was both knowledgeable and customer oriented making his client feel important.
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08 Sep, 2013 by Alan
I am a transactional attorney who generally believes that reasonable people can always find a path to resolving their differences. At least I believed that until I had to deal with Portland Public Schools regarding my son receiving the services he needed and which PPS is obligated to provide.
Faced with an early morning meeting with PPS, we called Wiscarson Law. Our call was returned promptly and Christopher offered to meet with us that evening and join us at our meeting the next day. Christopher listened to our situation and our goals for our son. He explained our rights and the practicalities of dealing with PPS and the individuals involved. He then took charge, contacting PPS's counsel to notify them that he would be attending our meeting in the morning and arranging to meet in advance with the administrator who that had been an absolute impediment to any workable solution. When we arrived Christopher informed us that PPS had agreed to the resolution we desired. This was, to say the least, an enormous relief.
Following this, Christopher kept in regular contact with us, and helped ensure that any needed follow up was taken care of effectively and efficiently.
As an attorney, I can honestly say that Christopher is a credit to the profession and I would recommend him whole heartedly. My only regret is that we didn't engage him or Diane Wiscarson much sooner. Our experience with PPS would undoubtedly have been much more productive or at least less stressful.
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29 Nov, 2012 by Tracy
Mr. Hamilton did an excellent job assisting me through the guardianship process. He was timely, honest and, compassionate. If Christopher was unsure about a specific questions, he was not afraid to research the answer and quickly respond. This is the mark of a professional. Guardianship process was smooth, and Christopher answered all my questions to my satisfaction. I highly recommend Christopher, and have to my friends who are approaching this unsettling time with their soon-to-be adult children with a disability.
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22 Apr, 2020 by Vicki
I have worked with Stephanie for several years as my attorney. I was very pleased with her attention to details in writing my trust and handling real estate matters. She is professional and takes an interest in her client’s wellbeing and needs.
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19 Apr, 2020 by Ruth
Stephanie helped my husband and I with our estate plan. She made sure everything was just as we wished. After my husband died, she walked me step-by-step through the transfer of assets to my trust and other necessary actions. She was sensitive to how stressful that time was for me and didn’t mind repeating things when I forgot.
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20 Mar, 2012 by Anonymous
I hired Thompson's firm to represent me in an audit with the IRS. He kept me informed of what was going on, was knowledgable about the circumstances of my case, and produced a favorable result.
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10 Dec, 2009 by Anonymous
Mr. Thompson was hired to recover a substantial sum taken from our clompany wrongfully as part of a credit card scheme. He recovered all ours funds plus substantial additional monies.our
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15 Oct, 2024 by Peter
Mr. Parker has handled two separate matters for me and my wife and has been very diligent, communicative and reasonable in his pricing. His staff has been incredible. Would highly recommend.
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09 Jan, 2018 by Leland
Nate worked with my previous Trust Admini. and produced excellent work and continues to do so.
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22 Aug, 2023 by Dan
Glen listens and explains legal words for the client to understand. He has a caring heart that shows through the process. We found him to put our will together just as we had wished. His helpful, kind, and thoroughness made for a great experience
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22 Feb, 2017 by Carla
Mr Null is very thoughtful. He handled my guardianship for my son. He is still my attorney for me and my son. Going on years.
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08 Mar, 2024 by Travis holt
17 Mar, 2021 by Dona mathews
I have turned to David many times over the years and he has always given sound advice and guidance on my legal issues. I am so glad to know that he's there to assist.
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06 May, 2016 by Anonymous
Assisted me and my family through one of the most challenging times of our lives, listened to our concerns, provided expert advice and representation.
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24 Jan, 2010 by Anonymous
Ms. Gutierrez represented me in an unemployment case and did an excellent job explaining my case to me and preparing me for my testimony. I was really nervous!! Her patience meant a lot to me and my family.
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03 Sep, 2015 by Joyce
Darin Dooley helped my spouse and me with our Estate Planning, and assisted us during the successful Oregon Medicaid application process, for my spouse's long term care. We have worked with Darin since April 2014. Darin's knowledge and expertise in applying Elder Law principles are simply outstanding.
Our complex case included various current and future financial considerations, including future retirement, setting up several trusts for different possible future scenarios, and setting up the will.
I am confident that Darin always considers our family's best interests. He competently attends to the legal aspects of our situation, while consistently considering the details.
Darin is also very respectful to his clients. When my spouse and I signed our Power of Attorney forms, I appreciated Darin's respectful responses to my spouse's financial and legal questions, which were completely answered to my spouse's satisfaction.
Darin also consults with his office paralegal and transfer associates, and our financial advisor on our behalf to ensure that the ongoing legal facets of our situation are carefully considered, and accounted for, thoroughly.
I highly recommend Darin to anyone who needs an attorney extremely skilled in Estate Planning, Elder Law, the Medicaid process, and Special Needs Planning.
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28 Nov, 2022 by Pat
I highly recommend Bryan if you are in need of an estate planning attorney. He is confident, knowledgeable, personable and empathetic. He hears your concerns and has given our family tremendous peace of mind. We are extremely satisfied with the suggestions he made as well as the final documents that were prepared. It has been a pleasure to work with Bryan.
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17 Jun, 2013 by Marcee
Spoke with me directly. Totally professional, honest and direct. I feel like I immediately have an advocate for myself and my 95 year old mother.
Kind of a gentle way of engaging with me, in his manner of questions and answers. So refreshing in comparison to others in business that I have encountered. Seems to hold the space of compassion, which is so lovely in this day and age!!! I have met with him on 3 different occasions, and once with my Mother.
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16 Mar, 2016 by Michael c.
After my father's death we went looking for and found through referral, Ryan Gibb. He is very professional and spent time with us resolving my father's estate. He is efficient and thorough along with compassionate.
I highly recommend him.
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25 Oct, 2017 by Anonymous
Dina was a compassionate lawyer who took the time to understand the circumstance, do research, and take the case on with confidence. Dina followed up regularly, and was professional and easy to work with. I would highly recommend Dina for personal injury representation. She was patient and took the time to ensure I was ready to settle, and provided good information to be able to get the maximum settlement for this type of case.
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13 Aug, 2020 by Maribeth chambers
Brian was a great help to me when I needed it most. He was professional, responsive and compassionate.
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24 Jan, 2018 by Robert
Eric was very helpful and knowledgeable when I had a question about Medicaid eligibility, he was very patient and had several great suggestions about my issue (rental income). I would definitely use Eric again and recommend his services to anyone needing help with Medicaid questions.
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24 May, 2015 by Tamara
Great attorney- he specializes in trust.
He really stands behind you. I always feel like he's got my back. Also, he is very experienced I'm guessing he's been doing this for about 40 years. There's no replacement for experience. He has a strategy for everything, and everybody that is needing help with a trust or will. He's very unassuming. Woman he's got the it factor. not something you have to have in an attorney, but it sure doesn't hurt. He is well respected in the legal community. He's got his own practice with just one employee so that is going to keep the cost down considerably. He will do that anyway just cuz he's that kind of guy. he's out to help the underdog, which would be me, and you too if you go to see him. He's downtown you can park free in the over park. he's in the US Bank building downtown.
Robert is a very skilled-talented and effective writer. He possesses the ability to be very compassionate and empathetic. He also has the perfect voice for an attorney. This is a great attribute whether it's in the court room or dealing with other attorneys.
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08 Mar, 2023 by Catherine palmer
Todd is absolutely wonderful to work with. He is exceptionally smart, trustworthy, honest, hard-working, experienced and an all-around great guy. I felt safe having him represent me in a business transaction and thought the billing for his services was straightforward and fair. I highly recommend him.
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11 Feb, 2023 by Paraclete hook
08 Mar, 2023 by Catherine palmer
Todd is absolutely wonderful to work with. He is exceptionally smart, trustworthy, honest, hard-working, experienced and an all-around great guy. I felt safe having him represent me in a business transaction and thought the billing for his services was straightforward and fair. I highly recommend him.
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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:
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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.
