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09 Jul, 2024 by Brian bailey
Vanessa was recommended to me from a local public defender as the attorney to work with to resolve a traffic citation I felt was unjust. She navigated the case through the Pinellas County traffic court system to resolve the issue in my favor. The citation ended up dismissed, she accomplished exactly what I asked her too. Great job with fantastic communication throughout the process. Highly recommend
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26 Jun, 2024 by Chris robbins
Vanessa and her remarkable team were an absolute delight to work with throughout my accident case. Their communication was top-notch, keeping me informed every step of the way. Thanks to their expertise and dedication, they secured fair compensation for me. I couldn't have asked for a better experience!
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26 Jun, 2024 by Jessie schatz
Just called on Vanessa and her team for problem solving, and I already want to give them a 👍 for their prompt, easy to use system to help get the ball rolling,
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03 Apr, 2019 by Regina
Attorney Winer was very knowledgeable. He handle my uncle's probate case. My uncle didn't leave a will and I needed to have Mr. Winer handle the proceedings. He was able to conduct it in a reasonable time. I would highly recommend this attorney.
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13 Jun, 2018 by Laura
Mr. Winer has handled trust and estate issues for my parents, and for my husband and myself. He has drawn up our wills and other legal documents. When my husband died suddenly he assisted me every step of the way, including probate, transferring copyrights and royalties, and more. Mr. Winer was responsive to my every need, getting back to me quickly whenever I had a question or concern. I honestly do not know how I would have gotten through that difficult period without him. Not only is he incredibly knowledgeable about elder law, he is a truly kind and caring individual.
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15 Dec, 2016 by Ernestine
Being from Germany, going through probate in Florida can be quite challenging.
We were so glad that we found Russel, who not only took care of everything for a fair and fixed price, but also was always reachable for every and all questions we had. It was such a relief for us, that he took care of it all.
Thank you so much Russel!
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28 Feb, 2024 by Pete stackow
Extremely helpful, focused, and results-driven. Highly recommend!
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08 Mar, 2023 by Mark grande
Rick is a very good attorney he handled my pops will and .PO.A.
I highly recommend his services
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08 Mar, 2023 by Peter motzenbecker
26 Jul, 2022 by Judith
Nick listened to the concerns of both my husband and I. I have to say we really appreciated his honest feedback. While other attorneys referred us to others, Nick came out and said: " I do not think you have a case, it is frustrating i can imagine but there is no case here".
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05 Apr, 2018 by Michael scott
I was told to contact Nick through another lawyer. Spoke to him the same afternoon. I was very impressed with his knowledge of the law and he was very helpful in directing me on the next steps I should take concerning my situation. I would highly recommend him if your needs fit into his speciality of law.
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09 Dec, 2016 by Kristina
Nick Robinson is very knowledgeable and experienced in elder law situations. He gives advice and the reasons behind his opinion. Very easy to work with his office, able to reach Nick with questions with ease. I look forward to continuing to work with Nick. Thank you for all that you do.
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29 Jul, 2021 by Melissa
I am so grateful to Deeb Elder Law. My mother had always been a very independent (read stubborn) lady until COVID 19. She was so ill and was hospitalized several times, but amazingly recovered. Still it took so much away from her mental and physical capacity. It also required her to move to a long-term care facility.
I live in another state (Michigan) and dealing with all my mother’s needs was a logistical and emotional nightmare. From the time I hired Deeb Elder Law, a huge weight started to lift off my shoulders. Dayna Kennedy has been a God-send. She is so calm and professional while still being caring and accessible. Dayna has helped me navigate all the pitfalls of getting my mother moved, dealing with the State of Florida for Medicaid, working with Social Security, and dealing with all the minutiae that taking over a loved-one’s care. I honestly don’t know what I would have done without the caring, helpful professionals at Deeb Elder Law. I’ve been treated like family.
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14 Jul, 2021 by Gregory
Dealing with an out of state situation, during quarantine, in which we had to search for an elderlaw attorney remotely. During telephone consultation Terry Deeb actually answered questions and provided guidance without commitment to hire. Immediately made us comfortable and confident with the firm. Hired for Medicaid application as well as continued service. Assigned staff is EXCELLENT!! Responsive, compassionate, friendly, professional. Gives the client the feeling that staff is working the case as if for themselves.
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12 Jul, 2021 by Thomas
I managed a Family Friend that was in Assisted Living for 8 years. Once he needed a Nursing Home that he could not afford, and his retirement was over the Medicare Maximum, Deeb Elder Law knew the ropes and got him approved. Dayna was my main contact and was Fantastic, every question I had was quickly responded to with point on advice and direction.
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30 Nov, 2021 by Alfio
I am so thankful I was introduced to Denyse Kruse. She is a true professional and made the process of creating an estate plan so easy for my wife and I. We were procrastinating so badly. Denyse made is so easy for us to get our estate plan complete we should have got it done so much sooner. She is THE BEST at what she does and I highly recommend her.
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29 Nov, 2021 by John ricker
Denyse Kruse is the greatest Estate Planning, Probate, Wills attorney on the planet!!! Outstanding professionalism and knowledge in her field.
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24 Nov, 2021 by Brendan
Denyse prepared my estate to protect myself and my son. She is very detailed in what she does as I didn't realize how many layers there are in estate planning. I have since referred her to several of my friends and family. Thank you Denyse and look forward to working with you in the future!
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27 Oct, 2017 by Richard
My wife and I consulted with Ms. Terrana for help with Advance Care Directives, Powers of Attorney and Long Term Health Care Financial Planning. These are difficult, emotionally fraught discussions and Ms. Terrana guided us with empathy and a gentle guiding hand to help us make the right decisions. I cannot recommend her highly enough and absolutely plan on using her for any future Elder Law needs we may have. If you are looking for a professional, truly human legal professional, you are in the right place.
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15 Jul, 2017 by Patricia
Ms. Terrana is professional, knowedgeable, courteous and kind. She overcame two obstacles for me. One - my brother, the elder person I am caring for, and I live in two different states. Two - he was in need of a new living situation and was extemely difficult to work with. Initially, I spoke with Ms. Terrana by phone about preparing a POA and will for him. Once all was ready for his signatures, I flew to Florida and she met us at the nursing home with the documents. My brother signed all the paperwork and was very happy with her too! I highly recommend Ms. Terrana.
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15 Jul, 2017 by Gene
I didn't realize how important it is to have an attorney who SPECIALIZES in elder care prepare all necessary documents, i.e., wills, power of attorney, living wills, etc. I would highly refer Jennifer to all my friends.
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23 Mar, 2020 by Albert
I needed a special attorney to handle a complex case involving probate, guardianship, sale of realestate, income tax and asset management. I literally searched google, asked family and friends for an attorney that could take care of all these matters for me and all roads led to lee. It took 2 years to resolve each and every issue but at the end of it all ... I prayed and thanked God I found him. He will always be strait with you, work hard to resolve an issue. He is very reasonably priced which surprised me because I had dealt with attorneys half his ability and paid much more. My best advice to any one reading this review to do your self a favor and give him a call. You have nothing to lose but everything to gain.
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29 Aug, 2014 by Jason
Lee Carr helped me develop a succession plan for my business including my will and a trust. Lee is down to earth and very easy to talk to about your most personal and intimate parts of your life. He is very attentive to the small details and his staff does impeccable follow through.
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11 Sep, 2013 by Jaima and justin
Mr. Carr helped us with our trust/will and healthcare documents. We were more than pleased with his services. He was very approachable and thorough. He seemed like he genuinely cared for us and was willing to take the time to answer all questions and explains the documents. We would highly recommend him as a competent, caring and honest attorney.
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27 Oct, 2015 by Kathy
I called many attorneys in the area to help me with my Mom's financial and end of life care. Then I called Mr. Tylman and knew I found the attorney for me. He was very knowledgeable, caring and knew just what needed to be done. then came the best surprise, his fee was far below what other attorneys were going to charge. I highly recommend you give him a call.
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26 Mar, 2013 by Jennifer
Frank was very helpful. He came completely prepared to our meeting and explained all the aspects of our living will thoroughly. This was the first time my husband and I have ever done a living will or power of attorney, so we had a lot of questions. He was very clear when he was going through the documents and we felt very comfortable with him. I would recommend him for any service to my friends and family.
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26 Mar, 2013 by George
Frank was very understanding of the Estate and will planning laws. Both my wife and I were very new to this area and were not very well informed prior to our engagements with Frank. Frank was good at explaning line by line the rules, laws and what-ifs around our will. I would recommend Frank for his services to anyone.
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19 Nov, 2020 by Fatimah hickmen
Mrs. Dao is clearly the best attorney I have ever been involved with. I cannot express how grateful we are. Her knowledge was second to none, her Professionalism, Courtesy and honesty was outstanding. I can only sing praises for her work, easy to communicate with, very thorough and was able to navigate a very difficult estate matter. She's fast efficient and exceeded our expectations. SHE IS THE BEST IVE EVER SEEN. TRUST ME YOU CAN TRUST HER TO RESOLVE YOUR DIFFICULT MATTER
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31 May, 2018 by Letty
For three years, combed throughly on mountain piles of documents and the outcome prevailed on my case. She had the best interest for me and my family. We won a judgement on my case. We're grateful to her and her passion for justice.
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31 May, 2018 by Anonymous
The case involved requesting the court to assign an independent professional guardian to manage my aging mother's health care and finances, in place of a family member who had a financial conflict of interest and also lacked health care expertise, resulting in rapid erosion of mother's health and mental capacity. The incumbent family member counter-petitioned the court for guardianship. The result, thanks to Ha, was that the judge assigned a guardian who is independent of all family members and is doing what is in the best interests of my mother.
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24 Sep, 2017 by Tony
Anne Ricke has been the best. She has helped me with my elder father and his brother with estates, trusts, durable power of attorney, and summary of administration (handling estates with no will). If you need any of these complex legal services I expect Anne would be most helpful to you too.
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05 Oct, 2016 by Dori
Anne Ricke is wonderful at what she does. I was helping my client get on Medicaid and it was a grueling experience, to say the least. Anne helped me by explaining everything in laymans terms so I could understand. She is patient and I never felt rushed or brushed off.
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04 Oct, 2023 by Donna
Evelyn is a wonderful, caring attorney. I live in Alabama but came to know her through my Aunt. She was her attorney for over 25 years. She worked very closely with me over the phone when my Aunt went into the nursing home. Her entire staff was wonderful. Highly recommended
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28 Jun, 2024 by Michelle
Cathy and her team are absolutely the best estate trust law firm I have ever worked with. Having moved from California to Florida, my trust was very outdated and needed revisions badly. I had put it off for a few years and finally decided to wait no more. Upon meeting Cathy at her office, she was able to guide me thru my Estate Trust wishes and help me understand the laws in Florida. My trust was well organized and executed and she took well over an hour to assure I understood what I was signing and other details. I would highly recommend this law firm to anyone needing her services.Which technically should be everyone.
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21 Jun, 2024 by Osric morris
Great lawyer experience. Unlike others firms whose objective is to get you in and out i order to get to the next client, Cathey takes whatever time is necessary to make sure you understand the entire legality of the process and how it corelates to your needs.
Don't believe me? Just give her a chance. After your first 'sit down' with her, you will want to thank me for writing this. At the end of the day, you and your family will be thanking her.
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20 Jun, 2024 by Armand vallee
What an education we received! Knowledgeable, courteous, and they had our best interests in mind as they gave us the best solutions tailored to our needs. Thank you!!!
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28 Jun, 2024 by Michelle
Cathy and her team are absolutely the best estate trust law firm I have ever worked with. Having moved from California to Florida, my trust was very outdated and needed revisions badly. I had put it off for a few years and finally decided to wait no more. Upon meeting Cathy at her office, she was able to guide me thru my Estate Trust wishes and help me understand the laws in Florida. My trust was well organized and executed and she took well over an hour to assure I understood what I was signing and other details. I would highly recommend this law firm to anyone needing her services.Which technically should be everyone.
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21 Jun, 2024 by Osric morris
Great lawyer experience. Unlike others firms whose objective is to get you in and out i order to get to the next client, Cathey takes whatever time is necessary to make sure you understand the entire legality of the process and how it corelates to your needs.
Don't believe me? Just give her a chance. After your first 'sit down' with her, you will want to thank me for writing this. At the end of the day, you and your family will be thanking her.
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20 Jun, 2024 by Armand vallee
What an education we received! Knowledgeable, courteous, and they had our best interests in mind as they gave us the best solutions tailored to our needs. Thank you!!!
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17 Aug, 2024 by Joseph santagata
Paid money in advance. Attorney was late and unprepared for the meeting. I was told some action would be taken. 6 days later and ABSOLUTELY NOTHING HAPPENED, no follow up, no expanation...... EXCEPT FUNDS BEING TRANSFERRED FROM ME TO THIS FIRM. CRIMINAL!!!!!
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30 Jan, 2024 by Dale leonard
Amanda Singleton worked diligently with me and solved my probate case. If I ever need help with a probate problem I will use Amanda. She is very good at her profession. I give her a 10 on performance.
Dale Leonard
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20 Nov, 2023 by Laggin' wagon
My mom has been nagging my sister and I to help her create a living will for years now. She was just diagnosed with lung cancer in September and really urged us to help her set up a will. We tried using an online will template our mom bought a code for years ago. My sis and I are both college graduates. My sister has a finance and accounting degree while I have a degree in biology, and since legal terminology in wills needs to be laid out in a very specific manner to be valid and convey meaning to the courts, our confusion on how to fill out the template wasn't working. So, we began researching estate planning attorneys, and I happened across Singleton Law on Google Maps. After reading Amanda Singleton's story on the Singleton Law website, I figured since she went through a similar situation with her mom that she'd be extremely knowledgeable and sympathetic. She was exactly that!
Amanda made everything so easy and straight forward from our initial contact on the phone, scheduling a consultation, to the first consultation, and follow-up meeting. My mom was going through radiation at the time (currently going strong through 4 chemo treatments), and Amanda was kind enough to squeeze my Mom in a different day when a biopsy threw off our planned meeting time. Amanda provided my Mom, sister, and I with so many helpful resources for the tough times through cancer treatment and caregiving, and she created a will to my Mom's liking that will hold up in court and make the probate process easy should the time arise. God willing that day is a long way off.
Taking care of my Mom and setting up/going to all of her medical appointments has been a full time job, leaving us exhausted. So, Amanda having made the estate planning process a breeze was a godsend. I can't say enough great things about Singleton Law and Amanda's expertise. I would absolutely recommend them if you need help with estate planning.
Thank you so much, Amanda!
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19 May, 2018 by Anonymous
After our initial consultation, I hired Attorney Williams. Having her on my side has been such a relief after trying to deal with some personal legal matters on my own.. She is sharp, down to earth, and puts you at ease the moment you walk into her office. She came highly recommended and they were right. She is awesome!
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24 Apr, 2017 by Anonymous
Mrs. Williams was able to see me within a few days of calling and I knew then she was the right person for my case. She handled a very stressfull situation with professionalism and patience. I would not have made it through the probate process without her help. On top of a good experience with Mrs. Williams, her assistant, Michelle, was very caring and always took the time to speak with me and get any answers I needed quickly and efficiently. She made a good experience even better.
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29 Aug, 2016 by Anonymous
Melissa Williams was efficient and extremely helpful in resolving my issue with a tenant who had become further and further behind on his rent. Unfortunately after many attempts to negotiate with the tenant by myself, I could not give anymore time and it was time to evict. I am extremely thankful for Melissa guiding me through the process seamlessly with no bumps in the road along the way and in the end my losses from the tenant were minimal. All in all it was a pleasant process and Melissa is great to work with.
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02 Sep, 2024 by Ebony bitner
I cannot express enough gratitude for the support Alana Horner and HKH Elder Law provided during one of the most challenging times of my life. After my father passed away suddenly, we were faced with the daunting task of handling his probate from a different state. We were overwhelmed and didn’t know where to start, but the team at HKH Elder Law made the entire process so much easier.
Their communication was outstanding—every question we had was answered promptly and clearly, and they took the time to explain each step of the process. We never felt lost or confused. Everything was handled with the utmost level of compassion and professionalism.
What could have been a complicated and stressful ordeal was instead handled smoothly and efficiently. I highly recommend them to anyone in need of probate services, especially if you’re dealing with the added challenge of managing it from another state!
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13 Aug, 2024 by Ken redding
Jonathan was Excellent!!
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27 Jun, 2024 by Earl cooley
Everyone at HKH Elder Law is attentive, professional and knowledgeable. Alana did a fantastic job helping me get through the process with Medicaid. I would hire them again and I highly recommend them to anyone needing an Elder Law Attorney. They resolved my issues, kept me up to date on the process and made sure I didn't miss any information or details. I was always made to feel welcome with a smile and greeting, thank you Melissa. I always felt I was in the best hands possible.
Thank You
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02 Sep, 2024 by Ebony bitner
I cannot express enough gratitude for the support Alana Horner and HKH Elder Law provided during one of the most challenging times of my life. After my father passed away suddenly, we were faced with the daunting task of handling his probate from a different state. We were overwhelmed and didn’t know where to start, but the team at HKH Elder Law made the entire process so much easier.
Their communication was outstanding—every question we had was answered promptly and clearly, and they took the time to explain each step of the process. We never felt lost or confused. Everything was handled with the utmost level of compassion and professionalism.
What could have been a complicated and stressful ordeal was instead handled smoothly and efficiently. I highly recommend them to anyone in need of probate services, especially if you’re dealing with the added challenge of managing it from another state!
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13 Aug, 2024 by Ken redding
Jonathan was Excellent!!
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27 Jun, 2024 by Earl cooley
Everyone at HKH Elder Law is attentive, professional and knowledgeable. Alana did a fantastic job helping me get through the process with Medicaid. I would hire them again and I highly recommend them to anyone needing an Elder Law Attorney. They resolved my issues, kept me up to date on the process and made sure I didn't miss any information or details. I was always made to feel welcome with a smile and greeting, thank you Melissa. I always felt I was in the best hands possible.
Thank You
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28 Jun, 2016 by Anonymous
Susan was very comforting and supportive in an extremely, stressful situation. She is very detailed and thorough and makes sure she gathers the right information for your case. She helps you think of options and different ways to assess your specific situation. I felt at ease with her and most importantly I trust her. I highly recommend her. I am a single, professional working mother and needed help resolving the best determination for myself and my one and half year old son. She is amazing!
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05 Feb, 2013 by L z
Just by talking to you over the phone about my friend R. H. you seem to be the lawyer that he needs, who can be very aggressive in the right way and do not back down on another lawyers bluff. good job. Keep up a good job Susan
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24 Oct, 2024 by Aaliyah godfrey
I filled out paperwork back in July for Assistance I just got called today about helping with legal aid . You have a better chance to represent yourself than to depend on these people to do their job!
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19 Aug, 2024 by Tony the tigar's autobody of st petersburg
Amazing. Everyone very understanding. Without judgement fighting for what fair. Thanks again
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05 Jul, 2024 by Turab hussain
I am so happy this office because the help me all the time in my immigration case Jacqueline and Mr Luis I am very grateful to both of you because you guys have worked so hard on the form I-360
submitted. Thank you both very much.❤️❤️
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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:
-
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.
