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328 Reviews
22 Jan, 2025 by Minnie molina
Atty. Blake Newberry was very detail-oriented and professional. He walked me through every aspect of the Trust and made sure we covered all areas. His staff are very welcoming and helpful. It was a pleasure working with this law firm.
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16 Jan, 2025 by Lorie covarrubias
Wow! What a great experience we had from beginning to end. The staff was professional polite and well prepared.
Highly recommended for estate planning.
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15 Jan, 2025 by Alex daltrini
Really knowledgeable team with clear explanations on all questions asked. I highly recommend!
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29 Nov, 2023 by Thomas
Ryan and Erika Moe did a fantastic job for me! They answered all my questions and gave me fantastic guidance. They addressed all of my concerns professionally and economically! I highly recommend their firm!
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21 Nov, 2022 by Linda
Ten years ago when my charming Japanese mother was merely 75 and enjoying retirement, I would never imagined the family we are today. I doubt now the worthy of saving too much money your lifetime because doing so may be the dragon that eats you. Since, I’ve learned and witnessed and heard of through my associations with caregivers, this is all too common. Be careful what you wish for.
I cannot have chosen a better attorney for my guardianship case. I also can’t help but think Ryan Moe worked this case because he was sent out from heaven to me and Mom. He was supposed to and for good reason. The man is made from fine cloth and don’t judge him for his seriousness or his disappearing or his directness - he’s working it all out upstairs, metaphysically speaking - he’s got a natural clear intuit so keep things easy on yourself and answer the questions concisely. Ryan is remarkably intelligent and he imagines strategies and it’s fascinating to watch him dance with the pieces and “the bad guys”. Sorry! Had to. He’s my 2022 Super Hero!!!! Thank you Universe! I am so grateful to him and Elizabeth for taking us in!
While I believe justice and fairness are human constructs and we should not hold tight to the ideas of such - Ryan Moe will make you believe they are real if only a little while.
And I am moved still by the remarkable beauty of Gods work and the resulting outcome of our guardianship case. It was a win for my funny goofy 85 yo mother. Who loves Bingo. “We get to play again now Mom!”
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11 Aug, 2018 by Paul
When my father passed away and it was clear that there were going to be disputes with my sibling I started contacting lawyers. The first 3 lawyers I contacted all told me to go to the state and file with Adult Protective Services. I didn't feel this was the way to go. I got on the internet and started researching lawyers with Elder law experience and found Mr. Ryan Moe. I contacted his office and went to see him a few days later. I liked him immediately and knew he was very knowledgeable about Elder law. When I had my first consultation with him about my mom's diminished capacity he set up a doctor's appointment so my mother could be checked by a professional. She was indeed found to have diminished capacity that no one else in the family wanted to admit to. I also advised him that my sibling was taking all kinds of money and wanted to see if he could get it stopped. Throughout the whole process I knew Mr. Moe was the best lawyer for the job. He was laid back but aggressive when needed to be. He put me at ease right away and I knew he had my back at all times. I very much respect and would recommend Mr. Moe to anyone having problems with siblings and disputes. He was easy to talk to and listened and offered advice. If the need arises for more legal help I will definitely call Mr. Moe. Very easy to talk to and puts you at ease. He is a compassionate and caring individual.
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16 Feb, 2025 by Johnny lemon
Lynnelle and her staff were great. Professional and understanding.
They helped my wife and I complete a will and trust. They stayed in touch, updated us, and helped with anything we needed.
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13 Dec, 2024 by Caylee cartier
21 Nov, 2024 by Michele gonzalez
Lynnelle and Angie are both incredibly easy to work with, very professional and answered any questions we had going through the process with patience and understanding. I highly recommend the Loke Moore Law firm!
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5.0
1 Reviews
5.0
177 Reviews
06 Dec, 2024 by Yisel nava
Highly recommend, fast working and communication is great.
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04 Nov, 2024 by Anita menifee
My case was over to many years. They were willing to find a way.
Thank you
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30 Oct, 2024 by Angel lim
Wonderful Attorney! Always great service. Stop having second thoughts and just go with Sonja and the team. Their legal assistant Jed was very helpful! You will not regret it if you choose this firm as your go-to family law attorney.
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19 Nov, 2024 by Mary ann hernandez
We had an excellent experience with Becky of the Voeller Law Firm. She obtained all of our information to prepare our Estate Planning documents and was patient and thorough addressing our questions and concerns. The documents were ready as promised and enclosed in a comprehensive binder with additional pages for personal information. We highly recommend Voeller and Becky!
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19 Nov, 2024 by Kim leible
Working with Voeller Law firm has been an exceptional experience. Being unfamiliar with family trusts, Jim walked us through all aspects and has helped set our family up for the future. Very easy and helpful experience.
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16 Nov, 2024 by Nancy hartmann
We highly recommend Rebecca. She met with the whole family initially which was at no charge. She spent a significant amount of time to understand my Mom's affairs. Then she walked us through her recommendations. She Mom's documents ready and took the time to explain each in a very understandable way. We all are so glad Mom's affairs are in order! Thank you!
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28 Aug, 2024 by Doug
We returned for updates to documents we previously had created by David. The process was convenient, simple, and clear. David was able to meet with us remotely until signing which worked excellently with our schedule. Paperwork signing was clear, explained, and covered all our expectations.
Great to work with David again, and would be happy to continue to use David for our needs!
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02 May, 2024 by Ruben lopez
My mother passed away last year and didn’t have a will unfortunately. My family and I hired Mr. Butterbaugh after he initially explained the process. We knew what to expect and always knew where we were in the process. It took time as expected but we eventually got through the process and we were able to get access to my Mother’s assets. Mr. Butterbaugh made it as smooth as possible and I highly recommend him if you find yourself in a similar situation.
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15 Feb, 2024 by Henry
I have had the pleasure of working with Mr. Butterbaugh for more than 20 years on my return to Texas from Hawaii where I was a practicing orthodontist. My goal at the time was to review my overall estate plan when I met with David and I'm so glad I did. I needed trust and will modifications and with the passing of my wife very recently, I'm so glad I did. David's efforts in taking the case through probate were extraordinarily efficient and I'm totally grateful for his professional efforts. He offered his professional services at a very efficient and financially responsible service. Greatly appreciated!
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27 Jun, 2024 by Daniel
We finally got our estate planning complete and we couldn't have gone to a better place. Jim and his staff took the time to answer all our questions, explained everything, and made sure everything is the way we want it. We left there feeling really good about the future of our estate. Thank you Jim!
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02 Apr, 2022 by Brian
He, of course, provided advice and all of the required legal documents but was very good at providing and explaining the instructions for all of the steps we had to handle going forward (the things that an attorney can't just do for you). I like the flat rate and didn't have to worry about whether an email or phone call question triggered billable time.
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10 Aug, 2021 by Ken & reba sneed
We first heard Jim Voeller give an overview of Trusts on a webinar. After consulting with with him, we hired him "on the spot" to create the Trust for our family.
Jim was outstanding. He and his staff were EXTREMELY courteous and professional.
We HIGHLY recommend him for anyone wanting to put their financial matters in order.
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15 Feb, 2025 by Jhernan185
Excellent customer service, on time and corteous
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11 Feb, 2025 by Terry williams
Recently my husband & myself decided it was time to draw up our last will & testaments’. Weisinger Law Firm was highly recommended to our son. Our Attorney there was John Arnold. John was
really helpful in guiding us through every step. His knowledge in this area was very impressive & certainly gave my husband & myself a lot to think about in making sure all of our wishes would be taken care of when we are gone. Knowing that, not only gave us peace of mind, but gave our son peace of mind as well. So, thank you John, for all of your help. Terry & Dave Williams
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26 Jan, 2025 by Lori carr
Amazing law firm helped me and my husband get our affairs in order. They were patient on point on time very kind great people who work here.
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08 Jul, 2024 by Gloria
Mr. Daniel J. Palmer prepared my Estate Plan. All families should have these legal documents in place to protect their assets. I felt very comfortable talking with Mr. Palmer. He provided advice and guidance. I highly recommend Mr. Palmer at Marquard Law Firm.
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23 Aug, 2022 by Elliott
Had the pleasure of working with Daniel Palmer as he prepared my estate plan. He was very concise, patient and explained everything I needed to know. Fantastic lawyer if you are looking for one to do your estate plan.
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07 Jul, 2021 by Joe
Daniel J. Palmer Esq. from the Marquardt Law Firm, P.C. met with us to review and answer all questions regarding our Estate Planning Portfolio which included Last Will and Testament, Statutory Durable Power of Attorney, Medical Power of Attorney, Release of Protected Health Information, Directive to Physicians and Family, Assignment of Personal Property, Living Trust, Certificate of Trust for the Living Trust, and Revocable Living Trust Funding Instructions for the Living Trust.
Daniel J. Palmer Esq. has great communication skills. He made sure we comprehended the important items in each of the nine sections mentioned above. He took time to explain certain details, provided real life experiences and the future ramifications of decisions. He was a good listener and patient with us. We highly recommend Daniel J. Palmer Esq. to anyone who needs help in setting up their Estate Plan. We now have Peace of Mind knowing that all is in order.
Joe & Rose Ontiveros
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19 Nov, 2024 by Mary ann hernandez
We had an excellent experience with Becky of the Voeller Law Firm. She obtained all of our information to prepare our Estate Planning documents and was patient and thorough addressing our questions and concerns. The documents were ready as promised and enclosed in a comprehensive binder with additional pages for personal information. We highly recommend Voeller and Becky!
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19 Nov, 2024 by Kim leible
Working with Voeller Law firm has been an exceptional experience. Being unfamiliar with family trusts, Jim walked us through all aspects and has helped set our family up for the future. Very easy and helpful experience.
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16 Nov, 2024 by Nancy hartmann
We highly recommend Rebecca. She met with the whole family initially which was at no charge. She spent a significant amount of time to understand my Mom's affairs. Then she walked us through her recommendations. She Mom's documents ready and took the time to explain each in a very understandable way. We all are so glad Mom's affairs are in order! Thank you!
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25 Feb, 2019 by Annette
Matthew created my will and then I returned for him to create my Medical POA, Durable POA, and Advanced Directive- he did a great job viewing all my options and walked me through each part of the process.
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14 Nov, 2018 by Jim rector
Matt did a phenomenal job. He helped my in laws with their wills and did an amazing job. I have to say that my in laws are in the Nineties, he was patient, kind and did a magnificent job of articulating why he did what he did as well as methodically walking them through the entire document. I can’t give him enough credit for a perfect experience. We are recommending him to everyone we can.
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01 Nov, 2018 by Christopher
Matt helped me out during a very difficult time. My divorce was not as messy or complicated as most may be, but it was far from easy or simple. Matt took care of everything and we both felt like it was a fair outcome. He was extremely capable and concise throughout the whole process. Even when things changed and speedbumbs occurred, he kept with us til the end. Highly recommend Matt.
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09 Dec, 2014 by Joe
Aleida was a wonderful lawyer and helped my family and me thru a very difficult time. Her compassion and responsiveness were very appreciated. Obtaining guardianship is a very unpleasant proposition but Aleida made it manageable.
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14 Mar, 2013 by Coleta
She is retired now I think. There were some health issues. But she did not waste my time her time or my money and she was forthright about predictions and recommendations.
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10 Jun, 2015 by Hercie
As a paralegal working in a busy law firm taking care of our own clients, I didn't have the time to take care of my own issues. I contacted Ms. Vasquez to handle a contract matter and further advised me of the probate matter our family would face. She kept me informed - from phone calls, faxes and the certified mails sent to the business. The business did not dispute and offered a settlement, I was very happy. I am aware that my ratings are superior but she exceeded each one.
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25 Jan, 2018 by Narciso
Ms. April San Miguel Attorney,
recently consulted and assisted my elder widowed sister in a pro bono case. Ms. San Miguel patiently guided her every step of the way from start to finish. I had the pleasure of personally
meeting Ms. San Miguel on the day the case was completed and finalized.
I was impressed by her attention to detail and was captivated by her warm and charming personality. My sister and I sincerely appreciate her hard work and good heart. She will not be be easily forgotten !!
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10 Sep, 2014 by Anonymous
Excellent !! Ben Wallis lll is very intelligent, and KNOWS the Texas Law ! He is the one Attorney that I know that has Integrity and morals and is able to quickly acess a situation and quickly resolve it ! He is a credit to his profession ! He has done an Elder law case for me and was outstanding ,he worked late on it ,he contacted me right away to let me know updates as well as the other members of the legal process ,And was truly concerned about what he was fighting for ! His staff is courtesous and responsive . He will handle all of my legal needs from now on ,he is worth it ! And I live several hundred miles away from San Antonio.
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25 Jul, 2022 by Becky crayton
James Reeve defended my son in a VERY difficult case, it definitely gave James a run for his money. James is a honest hard working attorney that was upfront, worked hard on my son’s case he didn’t stop until we got great outcome. I can’t Thank James Reeves enough on all his hard work and I Highly recommend him if you ever need a criminal attorney he will FIGHT FOR YOU!!
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01 Feb, 2018 by Joel kite
James Reeves is an excellent attorney. He represented me during my one and only divorce; he worked hard and continued to stop me from offering up the "farm". Everything worked out as expected, though, I far exceeded with the final outcome with regard to vehicles, home and currency. I highly recommend defendants obtain James' legal service, he is an extremely competent, and experienced trial Lawyer. Did I say he is also an honest man; in closing, I would say James Reeves can handle any type of case, I wouldn't expect any problems securing his service for a Murder case or DWI and expect to come out on top everytime.
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11 Sep, 2020 by Alice
Tammy was friendly and extremely helpful in helping me with probate issues. She set up appointment within a day of calling her office. She answered my questions and made my visit comfortable. I recommend her and I will use her in future legal issues I may have.
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27 Oct, 2019 by Robert m.
Tammy Wincott exceeded our expectations, she was professional and compassionate, meeting the needs of our family as we worked through a difficult and emotional situation. She listened to our questions providing answers and explanations in terms all could understand. Our situation was complicated as our family is spread out over several states, Ms. Wincott was there for us all. She always went the extra mile working above and beyond the typical client/lawyer relationship. Our family is truly grateful for her service, it is our pleasure to recommend Tammy Wincott as a very qualified and caring attorney who can handle any situation.
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08 Oct, 2019 by Jamal
Mrs. Wincott was amazing. Explained everything perfectly. Added my father to my house deed and it only took 2 days. Could have been faster if I emailed my documents over to her sooner. Highly recommended. Thank you Mrs. Wincott.
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21 Feb, 2025 by Melonie thornton
11 Feb, 2025 by Markus potter
Brad Thorton as my defense attorney went out of his way to explain my case to me and what to expect. He made sure to represent me with his best work and even had my case dismissed. I would highly recommend him.
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04 Feb, 2025 by Michel
Brad Thornton is a very knowledgable lawyer that knows his way around the syatem. He is patient and will take his time to to make sure you understand the process. My family member received justice with his help!
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06 Feb, 2025 by Amy
Thank you , Attorney Brian Maverick ,
For your outstanding work for my loving heroic father Lt Col USAF retired Aubrey Woodrow Pridgen!!!
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06 Dec, 2024 by Erik larsen
A real neighborhood feel at the office on Broadway. First class service & first class results.
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21 Oct, 2024 by Milber berry
Eric Wilson provided a calming presence that kept me calm and able to make good decisions during a very stressful divorce. I highly recommend him.
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21 Feb, 2025 by Melonie thornton
11 Feb, 2025 by Markus potter
Brad Thorton as my defense attorney went out of his way to explain my case to me and what to expect. He made sure to represent me with his best work and even had my case dismissed. I would highly recommend him.
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04 Feb, 2025 by Michel
Brad Thornton is a very knowledgable lawyer that knows his way around the syatem. He is patient and will take his time to to make sure you understand the process. My family member received justice with his help!
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13 Sep, 2016 by Anonymous
My brother and I hired Mrs.Barriga to set up a guardianship for our father a few months ago. She helped prepare the guardianship application, helped us find an appropriate nursing home and aided us in completing the Medicaid application for state benefits. She was very clear with and knowledgeable in the entire process and left us with peace of mind.
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19 Apr, 2015 by Veronica
My brother and I needed help with our deceased Father's probated will and we hired Mrs. Ashworth-Barriga. She was very knowledgable and efficient. She kept us informed at all times and was readily available when we needed her services. I have already recommended her to another potential client and will further do so in the future.
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29 May, 2012 by Louis
What a very pleasant experience we had with Ms. Barriga. We, like most people, put off having Wills or Living Wills done because we don't know what all it intails. A lot of people tend to think it is too hard to go through the process. We were no different in feeling that way. Ms Barriga made us feel relaxed and comfortable when exposing our personal needs and requests. She certainly made the right choice in choosing her field and we certainly made the right choice in choosing her. We have recommended her to our employees and to our families.
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14 Jan, 2013 by Leo
He is kind and has a big heart, and is dedicated to justice. He is the only lawyer I go to.
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02 Feb, 2011 by Luis
Honest Knowledgeable with years of experience and sincere.
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16 Sep, 2015 by Robert
As an experienced probate attorney myself, I have needed an attorney ad litem to represent unknown heirs (actual or possible). Raul is extremely knowledgeable and I have used his help in several cases. I would recommend Raul to my family, now that I am mostly retired.
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19 Mar, 2022 by Ray vargas
Jeff Hohl is a very Professional Lawyer. He was always fast in getting my case settled, and hand delivered my documents to the court house, he went beyond in making sure my documents were giving to the right person and to have my documents proccess fast. Jeff has always follow up on my concerns and replied in a timely matter. I would recommend Jeff highly.
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19 Feb, 2022 by Joshua maldonado
Great lawyer! Kept in touch throughout the whole process and explained every detail to me thoroughly. Outcome was way better than expected. Would definitely recommend.
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17 Jan, 2022 by Noah quintanlla
06 Dec, 2023 by Melvin dalton
01 Jan, 2025 by Steven herrejon
Great lawyer if you have any immigration issues or just car accident injuries. Highly recommended.
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29 Dec, 2024 by Enrique tucker
I hired Delgado Law Firm to help with my immigration case. She was excellent and she did everything she said she was going to do for my family now we are all green card holders. I recommend them 100%!
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28 Dec, 2024 by Juan oliva
22 Jan, 2025 by Apex shark god
Mr. Vega is very professional in his line of work, he is honest with his clients and isn’t a cash grabber.
I would like to take a moment to thank Mr. Vega publicly for his services. To all whom read this message, this man has what you need and what you want as a lawyer…full honesty, a factual non biased state of mind…and professionalism in his field.
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22 Nov, 2024 by Katherine knight
They are very accommodating and affordable and are willing to work with you on your needs. They're very genuine guys. They went above and beyond for me. His paralegal Andrew would text me back instantly with any questions I had, even on the weekends. I would definitely hire them again in a heartbeat!
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09 Nov, 2024 by Vincent fedorick
Mario Vega and Andy did an amazing job handling my case!!!
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22 Jan, 2025 by Minnie molina
Atty. Blake Newberry was very detail-oriented and professional. He walked me through every aspect of the Trust and made sure we covered all areas. His staff are very welcoming and helpful. It was a pleasure working with this law firm.
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16 Jan, 2025 by Lorie covarrubias
Wow! What a great experience we had from beginning to end. The staff was professional polite and well prepared.
Highly recommended for estate planning.
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15 Jan, 2025 by Alex daltrini
Really knowledgeable team with clear explanations on all questions asked. I highly recommend!
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29 Jan, 2025 by F n
14 Jan, 2025 by Janeth quintana
Ive known good Attorneys But I im very impressed with the work Tim Rountree does he got my felony case dismissed in just one court day He got to the court and after just 10 minutes off speaking to the prosecuter I saw him go to the judge and in less then 15 minutes we came out and he gave me my motion to dismiss sing by the judge If you are ever in need off any legal assistance don't go waist time and money with No one else...I've known attorneys through out my life but had never seen such an impressive job done and not only that but Quick.
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05 Jan, 2025 by Sally rosales
Mr. Rountree is not just a great lawyer but also an incredible human being. As a nurse, I’m accustomed to dealing with high-stress situations in my profession, but this legal situation was entirely new and overwhelming for my family and me. From the moment we met Mr. Rountree, he guided us through this unfamiliar process with care and expertise. He is trustworthy, dependable, and made it possible for me to focus on my work while knowing my little brother’s case was in the best hands.
Mr. Rountree is professional, communicative, and dedicated. Despite his busy schedule, he always took the time to respond to us and ensure we felt supported every step of the way. My little brother made a mistake, but Mr. Rountree helped the judge see that he is a good person who simply made a poor decision. Thanks to his efforts, the consequences were significantly reduced, and for that, we are forever grateful.
What truly sets Mr. Rountree apart is his honesty and the way he genuinely cares about his clients and their families. He doesn’t treat you like just another case, he treats you with respect, compassion, and understanding. In our last conversation, I told him that there isn’t enough money in the world to pay for what he did for my little brother and my family. We truly see him as a human angel, and I cannot recommend him highly enough! He is the best!
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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.
