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13 Mar, 2023 by David everett
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18 Oct, 2021 by Ellen carrion
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26 Mar, 2021 by Renita davie
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11 Jun, 2024 by Patrick depuy
My experience with Spencer Malone at McConville Considine Cooman & Morin has been nothing short of excellent thus far - he is extremely knowledgeable, reliable, down to earth and ready to help with any legal issues that arise. I would recommend Spencer and the firm to anyone I know seeking legal assistance!
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11 Jun, 2024 by Adam stephens
Spencer Malone has helped me with providing consultation and sound advice through some very challenging situations. I very much appreciate his professionalism and legal expertise. You can certainly trust Spencer with your Trust, POA's, Estate and Legal matters.
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10 Jun, 2024 by Lisa wasson
I am lucky to have met Spencer Malone through my BNI group and he has been a wealth of knowledge around estate planning. Both my husband and I own businesses and I had know idea on what was entailed for estate planning with both our businesses and personal end. I would recommend seeking out Spencer for any future estate planning whether it be a POA or anything more in depth.
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14 Jan, 2019 by Don
Nick did an excellent job for us when we updated our will and formulated our estate planning. He is very knowledgeable, has excellent communication and "people skills". Nick is a great person to work with, and I highly recommend him for your legal needs.
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22 Jun, 2017 by Annette
I hired Nicholas Proukou to make a new will for myself. I was so satisfied with his knowledge and his suggestions that I referred him to my husband. My husband was very satisfied and also hired him to do his will. Nicholas took the time to review our family situation, children from a prior marriage and our finances. He gave us many suggestions of how to protect our estate. When it came time for my mother to update her will, she also hired Nicholas. He was kind enough to meet us at my mother's home. She is elderly and it is not easy for her drive into downtown Rochester. He reviewed her prior will and had many suggestions for her situation. We were very pleased with his professionalism and knowledge. He was able to answer every question we had. He even pointed out important details that we would have simply skipped by. He is an asset to his law firm.
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22 Jun, 2017 by Joe
Our goal was to implement an estate plan that was concise, most beneficial to our family, and with a firm we could trust to follow through with our desires and needs. Nicholas Spear Proukou presented the options, explained law in our terms, and answered all our questions with command of knowledge, respect for our needs, and his desire that we were comfortable with our choices. We are very pleased of the result.
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25 Jul, 2014 by Tracey
We have used this lawyer for multiple homes over the years! At present he is helping our son and daughter in law who are fortunate to have his services. Toms honesty, expertise and scrutiny is admirable and we highly recommend him not only for your home needs but will and estate needs as well.
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22 Sep, 2009 by Cliff
Tom was great to work with. When I moved to Rochester from MA I needed an attorney to help me with my home purchase. During his review of the property he found a problem. Due to his diligence I was able to close on time and be assured that there were no problems with my property. The following year I used Tom for my income tax. Instead of struggling with two different state tax systems I let Tom use his skills.
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26 Jul, 2011 by Sharon
Miles Zatkowsky is competent and knowledgeable in every way, invested his time and his true concern for our situation. I would put my absolute trust in him and happily refer friends and family to him.
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06 Aug, 2010 by Anonymous
Miles and his firm were excellent and great to work with. I'd definitely recommend him to any one.
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28 Apr, 2018 by Melissa
Mr Welch came highly recommended to me. I contacted Mr Welch to get a second opinion on my divorce and child custody case. My first impression was he was well educated, I could tell he had been doing these types of cases for awhile. He was very kind and honest. I knew right away this is who I wanted to represent me. We won! He worked hard and didn't give up, got me exactly what I wanted and deserved. I'm so thankful for him. I'd highly recommend Warren Welch.
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26 Apr, 2018 by Antonio
I was lost, confused and being taken advantage of during my divorce procedure. I am a person that does not see malice in anyone so I trusted my wife as she hired a lawyer of her choice, who I also knew, to help us complete our divorce in a nice fashion. Unfortunately point blank I was served the papers and came to a realization that I was being taken advantage of. I did not care about material things, up front I had let my wife have more that she was entitled to. The trust I had placed in her and her lawyer suddenly came to an end. I consulted a few lawyer but I could not convince myself on hiring any of them. As I was about to give in the dishonest requests made by my wife’s lawyer I ran into Mr. Warren Welch ad on a Google’s page. I called his office, made an appointment and met in person with him. Right off the bath I liked him a lot. I felt so comfortable to pay him the retainer and have him guide me through the whole process. Mr. Welch was very nice and always answered all my questions. I was hurt by the loss of trust I had experienced after 34 years of marriage. Mr. Welch has so much experience and everything he had outlined for my case went exactly as he said or better. I highly recommend anyone “have a lawyer represent your case”, a divorce can truly change your life. Either you place emphasis on material things or seek relief from how you may be treated by a spouse whom you once loved, had kids with and, achieved common goals, Mr. Welch is the right lawyer that will fight for your rights and get back your dignity. I was blessed I found him.
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30 Nov, 2015 by Anonymous
Stephen really simplifies the complex. He does a great job representing his clients - I've used him for numerous matters from a straight-forward closing to more complex matters. He's attentive, honest and efficient. I won't hesitate to use his services again and always refer him to friends and family.
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20 Feb, 2015 by Blake
Steve is responsive and attentive to the clients and the referring attorney. I have no problem sending him work, knowing the clients will be happy and well taken care of.
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30 Oct, 2009 by Gordon
Terry did a great job advising and implementing a plan for my parents during a very difficult time for them both. We continue to work with him today and know that we will get the attention and expertise needed to make good decisions
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17 Jun, 2014 by Cole
Nancy knows Trusts and is the most responsive lawyer we have ever had. She cut through the junk and put my parents Trust together, and then came back and did Trust work for us. Further, I never felt like I was being over billed, which i have found to be true with many law firm's billing practices, I have since past her name on to others.
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22 Jun, 2016 by Joseph
I consulted with a couple of attorneys before ultimately having Lisa Arrington and by far was the best decision I made. She helped me help my family when my father suffered a debilitating stroke and couldn't go back to work. She helped inform me and take the necessary steps to protect most of my Dads estate through Medicaid planning as well as getting him into a nursing home facility to get the best care he needed and deserved. Then just two short years after helping me with my Dad she helped our family again when my sister only 28 at the time was handed a grave diagnosis. She's not only a great attorney informing you and your family every step of the way but is compassionate of your individual circumstances. There isn't another attorney I'd use or recommend besides Lisa!!
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08 Apr, 2015 by Anonymous
Carolyn is the best in the business. She is knowledgable, smart, caring and very thorough. She is responsive and kept me up to date. She is a pleasure to work with and easy to talk to. I highly recommend her.
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13 Mar, 2023 by David everett
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18 Oct, 2021 by Ellen carrion
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26 Mar, 2021 by Renita davie
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17 Oct, 2024 by Krystyn argenio
I can’t thank John, Sherri, and staff enough. I am very thankful for all of their help during this difficult time. I’m so happy I had John and his team in my corner!! Thank you all for your dedication and time.
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01 Oct, 2024 by Sandy schading
Watching so many of William Mattar’s funny commercials, I never thought I’d be needing the assistance of his office. My son made the call for me as I lay in the trauma unit at Rochester’s Strong Memorial Hospital after a car crash close to my home on Christmas morning 2023. The folks at the Law office were kind, considerate, efficient, and checked in on me frequently. The case had a very good resolution and I’m very pleased with the results. I’d recommend William Mattar’s Office to anyone in a serious car accident. These people work for YOU.
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04 Sep, 2024 by Kathleen curran
Thanks for supporting schools in the pencils for schools campaign. My students appreciate it!
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16 Aug, 2024 by Chris dengler
In short, this office was rude, slow, and incompetent and should be avoided at all cost. It may sound cliche, but if I could give them 0 or negative stars, i would.
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09 Aug, 2024 by Arul kumar
Exceptional service . Very friendly and knowledgeable . Prices were reasonable.
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08 Jul, 2024 by Marcy martin
All staff were very pleasant and helpful.
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14 Jul, 2017 by Anthony
Professional quick to respond thank you again.. Info. Very helpful. Would recommend......
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21 Jul, 2016 by Craig
Recently a financial legal issue turned my life upside down. Unsure of my options I called a handful of attorneys and found that they would talk in circles and try to sell me on solutions that I think benefited them more than I. Not with Mr. Suda. From the start he was straight forward with me and explained my options. He helped me through a very difficult process, did not sugar coat my situation and was honest on what options would be best for me. I would highly recommend him should you be seeking help with a legal matter.
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17 Jun, 2016 by Jenny
Mr Suda provided excellent answers to my questions that i needed consultation on for a case. He speaks clearly so that I can understand exactly what he was saying and clarified things i did not understand. He was straight to the point even if the information was not in my favor. Finally he gave me the biggest advice on the case. I am very thankful and would definitely consult with him again.
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28 Aug, 2024 by Kate scahill
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01 Aug, 2024 by Kirk farrell
Peter's approach to our interaction was refreshing; he was upfront about transparency and ensured my questions were answered. I highly recommend him as an attorney for employment law matters.
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10 Jul, 2024 by Kristen kruger
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17 Aug, 2022 by Anonymous
For several years my family used Gregory Piede for elder care concerns and legal advice and documents. What we found was that Mr Piede delegates most if not all work to his assistants, does not take personal interest nor track details, and is highly neglectful in providing billing documentation. In the case of our dad, it cost thousands more than it should have. We could never recommend him to others.
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19 Sep, 2021 by Laurie
We hired Mr. Piede in October of 2020. We brought our father up from Florida. My parents started the process of poa's living wills and having a trust but that was back in 2010. We needed someone we could trust and help us to get ready for the medicaid process. Tiffany was awesome!!! She was right on point. Never too busy to answer a question or even the same question a few times. They got all the information and paperwork ready for when my dad was ready to go into a home. My dad went into a home in March and in April he was approved. If it wasn't for the whole team I am not sure where my dad and my family would be. Thank you for making a emotional time go smoothly. Thank you for everything you did.
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29 Dec, 2020 by Mark k.
It’s taken me too long to do this but I found Mr. Piede and his law firm in 2019 when I needed to update my mother’s power of attorney and get her Medicaid ready in a relatively short time. Greg and his staff did an amazing job on both counts. I can’t recommend this law firm highly enough. Thank you Greg and staff!
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22 Mar, 2024 by Jimmy stack
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16 Mar, 2024 by Vsg 0626
I have no words for the crookedness and cowardess.
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07 Mar, 2024 by Marco rivas
Super skilled and very responsive. This is a differentiator for us. We do healthcare, not legal, so we're happy to share that the team has really come through for us!! Marco Rivas, CCEP Chief Compliance and Risk Officer
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14 Jan, 2024 by Amy haas
March 16th Into the Now is playing there ☺️
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06 Jan, 2023 by Michael
Hocus Pocus ! I called 4 days in a row. Never got a pickup...Voicemail only. Did they ever hear of the word SECRETARY. Is she doing her nails. Left my number and never got a callback. This is not a WEGMANS OPERATION but a DOLLAR TREE OPERATION. I get better service at Motel 6. All this comes from someone with 9 1/2 years of college.
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30 Nov, 2022 by Jessica frank
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10 May, 2024 by Anonymous
Lazy,has clients writing motions for court,makes you send certified mail because he refuses to answer your phone calls only wants money,lies,looses evidence,never keeps you on the loop makes decisions without talking to you,quits 8 days before jury selection and then says you should of fired me, but if you fire him he still gets paid so that's what he wants to get paid for doing nothing,then you have to settle for one tenth of what you were do because he even refused to amend the claim DO NOT HIRE.
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18 Jan, 2024 by Marie cooney
Michelle is a reputable attorney who always has the best interests of her clients. Highly recommend!
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08 Nov, 2023 by Google user
I've had the best experience working with Michelle Nobile. I first consulted with her regarding a potential bankruptcy, as I own real estate and need to find the best way to deal with debt while also protecting my asset to the fullest extent possible. She listens carefully and makes sure she thoroughly understands your specific issues and needs. After gathering all the pertinent information and evaluating my situation, she has helped me develop the best course of action for my personal situation. I am deeply impressed by the level of analysis and consideration she gives to all aspects of a case. I find her friendly and understanding. I am comfortable giving her all the necessary details. When faced with a potential bankruptcy, it's a frightening situation, but as I work with Ms. Nobile, I feel much more reassured that I'm in the best of hands, and that I will be able to handle this situation with her guidance and intervention. I recommend her 100% to anyone for their bankrupcty and other legal needs. I'm resting easier tonight for sure.
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12 Sep, 2024 by Andrew keiffer
They represent the town I live in and I feel they care more about the money than what is right or in the interest of justice. Our tax dollars could be much better spent.
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27 Aug, 2024 by Rhonda hutchinson
I hired this firm on a matter and almost immediately I was advised by the attorney that she would be leaving on maternity leave. She started the matter very strong with a great demand letter. The attorney who took over took an extremely weak position, dropped the ball entirely and then he and his manager declined to pursue my case that the previous attorney had already indicated she would pursue. I was left charged with a lot of hefty legal fees for absolutely no help and it honestly put me in a horrible position. Horrible. I don't recommend these crooks at their high prices.
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24 Jul, 2024 by Dara petralia
Great team of commercial real estate lawyers!
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08 Jun, 2024 by Carol gizzi
Met with Cressida Dixon to update and sign our wills. She is beyond professional, organized and personable. So glad we did our update with her....
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26 Sep, 2023 by Darryl dewolff
Don't trust them. They lied to me & are trying to play me
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04 Sep, 2023 by Marilyn miran
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10 Sep, 2024 by Cuemadeit
Called in June explained my situation was told they were going to go over it and call me back, here it is Sept 9 I’ve called and left multiple messages and nobody still hasn’t reached back out to me
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15 Aug, 2024 by Your name
Has never returned any of my calls for 10 years
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23 Jul, 2024 by L turner
For the 10th time I called LEGAL AID seeking legal assistance as a senior citizen since 2014. Never do they service, whatever, my issue is. This time I was referred to JUST CAUSE, who talked over me, and abruptly hung up in my hear when I said I'd just been on hold 40 minutes to ask and receive the same answer from Legal Aid; "DO you provide assistance applying for Social Security Disability?". No. They help you appeal. If you apply correctly 1st time, it would reduce the need for appeal. Legal Aid and Just Cause are REDUNDANT in their services, wasting my tax dollar. The issues I have at 60, 70, 80 are different than at 20, 30, 40. Where is the courtesy, respect and assistance we seniors deserve. Rude, rude and rude!
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04 Aug, 2024 by Kay fina
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05 Oct, 2023 by Nathaniel blood
Avoid using Jon Bonavilla for your divorce attorney. Jon did not provide me with proper representation, overall Jon’s communication was not helpful and left me confused, and Jon provided limited legal advice. After a couple of months, I sought out a new attorney.
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22 Apr, 2023 by Kristen konight
Left a voicemail and emailed. 1 week later still no response.
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08 Jul, 2024 by Christy shaffer
Mr. Martin Handelman and Mr. Steven Witkowitz were both professional and took excellent/outstanding care of my case. They always keep me current and informed on every step of the legal process. I felt safe and protected, I actually felt untouchable because of their expertise and skill. They are powerful lawyers and caring individuals. I am filled with gratitude and warmth for all they have done for me.
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08 Jul, 2024 by Keyona baggling
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08 Jul, 2024 by Leticia riddle
Steve was by far the best attorney I've had (and I've had many at this point) with my family law issues. He went above and beyond for me! He handled everything himself, and I wasn't always speaking to a paralegal. His paperwork was phenomenal, and the judge threw the case out in less than ten minutes. I wish he was able to handle everything for me. I think about him often, and the impact he had on my family. Best most caring attorney hands down.
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04 Aug, 2024 by Kay fina
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05 Oct, 2023 by Nathaniel blood
Avoid using Jon Bonavilla for your divorce attorney. Jon did not provide me with proper representation, overall Jon’s communication was not helpful and left me confused, and Jon provided limited legal advice. After a couple of months, I sought out a new attorney.
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22 Apr, 2023 by Kristen konight
Left a voicemail and emailed. 1 week later still no response.
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04 Aug, 2024 by Kay fina
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05 Oct, 2023 by Nathaniel blood
Avoid using Jon Bonavilla for your divorce attorney. Jon did not provide me with proper representation, overall Jon’s communication was not helpful and left me confused, and Jon provided limited legal advice. After a couple of months, I sought out a new attorney.
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22 Apr, 2023 by Kristen konight
Left a voicemail and emailed. 1 week later still no response.
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04 Aug, 2024 by Kay fina
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05 Oct, 2023 by Nathaniel blood
Avoid using Jon Bonavilla for your divorce attorney. Jon did not provide me with proper representation, overall Jon’s communication was not helpful and left me confused, and Jon provided limited legal advice. After a couple of months, I sought out a new attorney.
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22 Apr, 2023 by Kristen konight
Left a voicemail and emailed. 1 week later still no response.
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16 Nov, 2020 by Anonymous
Does not give good advice as a counselor should and is not easily accessible when needed. Does not truly care about the client, just looking to make a quick fee.
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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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