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22 Jul, 2024 by M rivera
I highly recommend Lynnelle for all things trust/estate planning related. She was very knowledgeable, patient and helped explain things in a very easy to understand way. It was also convenient to do many of our sessions via zoom. She was a great partner
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22 Jul, 2024 by Mayra
Lynnelle was a great partner for us. We did our trust/estate planning with her and she guided us through the process. She was very informative and helped to explain things in simple language. I feel like we’ve hired a great partner for us.
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28 Jun, 2024 by Shari andreas
Lynnelle and her staff walked me through a process that I was very unfamiliar with and made it more understandable, efficient, and aligned with my intentions. A very nice combination of professional and genuinely caring support. Your questions will be thoughtfully and thoroughly answered and if you will feel guided through territory that may be outside of your knowledge or experience. You will appreciate their expertise and guidance.
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28 Jun, 2023 by Carol fore
04 Mar, 2023 by Sue sharpe
Great experience. James explained everything well and talked us through options when creating our trust/will and an LLC. Everything was very professional but not intimidating, which made us feel comfortable with the process.
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29 Jul, 2021 by Patsy
Was considering legal zoom to set up wills for my husband and I but fortunately decided to consult the Voeller Law Firm due to their excellent reviews. My family and I were even more fortunate to have gotten the opportunity to speak with Becky and we decided within minutes to hire Voeller to set up a trust. Becky has been a life saver, is patient and confident. If you want an excellent lawyer to guide you through trusts and wills, I highly recommend Becky.
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02 Dec, 2023 by Debra
Happy I found Rebekah Meeks to handle several legal matters. She was a joy to work with and got things done quickly and professionally and I could not have asked for more. Will use her again if I need anything in the future.
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28 Jun, 2023 by Carol fore
04 Mar, 2023 by Sue sharpe
Great experience. James explained everything well and talked us through options when creating our trust/will and an LLC. Everything was very professional but not intimidating, which made us feel comfortable with the process.
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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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06 Dec, 2023 by Melvin dalton
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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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
5.0
1 Reviews
4.9
170 Reviews
10 May, 2024 by Jonathan meneses
Just hopped on board with Sonja and she is great to work with! She really lays it out for you, gives you all options , listens, takes all your words/ opinions into perspective and She lays out all options for you on the table . Not once did I feel pressured just assured and got comfortable knowing that someone cares and is really helping me out ! I highly recommend Sonja and Sims and Purzer law firm!
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29 Apr, 2024 by Robert covington
29 Apr, 2024 by James carter
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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08 Oct, 2024 by Felix medrano
The Law Office of Jamie M. Mathis gave me excellent personalized service & really took the time to explain in detail & go over all legal document scenarios to ensure my family was well taken care of in the future. I definitely highly recommend their services.
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06 Oct, 2024 by Deborah ramirez
Jamie Mathis was very helpful making out a will for my husband and I, as well as one for my mother-in-law. She made the process very simple and clear. She is now walking us through probate for my mother-in-law. She is very compassionate and explains the process clearly, step by step. We would recommend Jamie Mathis to anyone.
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13 Sep, 2024 by Maria gonzalez
Estoy muy contenta gracias a la Abogada Ofelia Delgado tuve mi divorcio y mi residencia permanente que Dios bendiga a mi Abogada
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5.0
4 Reviews
4.8
305 Reviews
05 Sep, 2024 by Charlotte willis
These folks are great!
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03 Sep, 2024 by Patricia cole
The law firm was patient with us and very timely in the manner of getting our paperwork drawn up. Very concise. They took the time to go through every document of our trust. They helped us understand what we were reading and signing. Daniel was very nice and funny, but still professional! The notary and the 2 witnesses were professional, kind, and funny. We look forward to working with them all again in the future!
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31 Aug, 2024 by Josephine rodriguez
The knowledge put before me was outstanding. I was welcome and comfortable in a beautiful positive atmosphere. I all ready made recommendations to family and friends. A place of high integrity.
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09 Apr, 2024 by J. barrett shipp
21 Mar, 2024 by Carlos vega
One of the best attorney in the city.
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09 Mar, 2024 by Christopher elliott
For decades, our family has trusted Wilson Law with a wide array of legal matters, and they have consistently delivered exceptional service beyond our expectations. Their Team's professionalism, expertise, and genuine concern for their clients stands out, making legal complexities navigable and less daunting. We've felt supported and valued in every interaction, appreciating their transparent communication and dedication to achieving the best outcomes. It's rare to find such a reliable and proficient team, and we wholeheartedly recommend Wilson Law to anyone in need of outstanding legal services. Their commitment to excellence is evident in every detail of their work.
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05 Sep, 2024 by Charlotte willis
These folks are great!
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03 Sep, 2024 by Patricia cole
The law firm was patient with us and very timely in the manner of getting our paperwork drawn up. Very concise. They took the time to go through every document of our trust. They helped us understand what we were reading and signing. Daniel was very nice and funny, but still professional! The notary and the 2 witnesses were professional, kind, and funny. We look forward to working with them all again in the future!
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31 Aug, 2024 by Josephine rodriguez
The knowledge put before me was outstanding. I was welcome and comfortable in a beautiful positive atmosphere. I all ready made recommendations to family and friends. A place of high integrity.
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05 Jul, 2024 by Michelle lee
07 Nov, 2022 by Amanda garcia
11 Aug, 2022 by Juanita aranda
24 Aug, 2024 by Esther hernandez
08 Jun, 2024 by Maddy moore
I strongly advise against hiring Peter Stanton if you value your time and money. My experience with him was nothing short of a nightmare. Despite his initial promises, he did absolutely nothing to advance my case. Instead, he consistently charged me exorbitant fees for minimal effort.
One particularly egregious instance was when he billed me $350 for a 15-minute Zoom call. To add insult to injury, he charged an outrageous $175 to write a six-line letter, which he insisted on sending with my final check. To top it all off, he even managed to write my name wrong on the check!
This attorney is a scammer and seems more interested in milking his clients for money than providing any real legal assistance. Save yourself the headache and find a competent and honest attorney elsewhere.
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29 Apr, 2024 by J. waze
Extremely Helpful in advising me on a complex situation before retainment. Walked me thru the basic legal steps and factually laid out logical steps and expectations. Very sincere and took time to speak on a Sunday evening. Highly recommend Brad Thornton's services if you come into a situation you did not ask for. I am confident he'd be accessible and available during a difficult and unwanted situation!
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24 Aug, 2024 by Esther hernandez
08 Jun, 2024 by Maddy moore
I strongly advise against hiring Peter Stanton if you value your time and money. My experience with him was nothing short of a nightmare. Despite his initial promises, he did absolutely nothing to advance my case. Instead, he consistently charged me exorbitant fees for minimal effort.
One particularly egregious instance was when he billed me $350 for a 15-minute Zoom call. To add insult to injury, he charged an outrageous $175 to write a six-line letter, which he insisted on sending with my final check. To top it all off, he even managed to write my name wrong on the check!
This attorney is a scammer and seems more interested in milking his clients for money than providing any real legal assistance. Save yourself the headache and find a competent and honest attorney elsewhere.
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29 Apr, 2024 by J. waze
Extremely Helpful in advising me on a complex situation before retainment. Walked me thru the basic legal steps and factually laid out logical steps and expectations. Very sincere and took time to speak on a Sunday evening. Highly recommend Brad Thornton's services if you come into a situation you did not ask for. I am confident he'd be accessible and available during a difficult and unwanted situation!
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22 Apr, 2024 by Mony flores
04 Mar, 2024 by Zacarias vázquez
20 Feb, 2024 by Veronica morales
Sin duda alguna la mejor abogada
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11 Oct, 2024 by David russell
Knowledgeable, friendly and helpful. I would definitely recommend.
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08 Oct, 2024 by Cheryl bunyan
I was very pleased with the professional and friendly staff of Weisinger Law Firm. The Attorney handled my request, and the staff was always available for any questions I had. I will be using this Law Firm for any of my future law needs, and will not hesitate to refer them.
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02 Oct, 2024 by Mary taylor
Everyone is very professional and helpful.
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16 Sep, 2024 by Jacob esparza
Anthony and his office helped me out with a hefty speeding ticket. As a small business owner keeping my monthly auto insurance as low as possible is ideal. Anthony made this possible at a reasonable price!
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11 Sep, 2024 by Dallas brown
Mr. Cantrell saved my driving record by getting all my traffic violations dismissed and off my record! Highly recommend using him as your attorney! Thank you so much and god bless!
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05 Sep, 2024 by Don capone
Called for questions about Anthony being the guy for my issues and the call representative was rude and has terrible customer service. Seems like she doesn’t like her job so much. Well with that introduction I’ll be taking my business elsewhere. Maybe he should get a better call representative to represent him.
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FAQs
Questions? We have answers
What an Elder Law Lawyer Can Do for You
An elder law lawyer specializes in legal issues that affect older adults, their families, and caregivers. These lawyers handle a broad range of topics, including estate planning, Medicaid and Medicare, long-term care planning, guardianship, elder abuse, and retirement planning. The goal of an elder law lawyer is to protect the rights, finances, and well-being of elderly individuals and to help them plan for future healthcare and financial security.
If you or a loved one is aging and facing challenges related to healthcare, finances, or legal matters, an elder law lawyer can provide essential guidance to protect your rights and interests as you age.
When Should I Hire an Elder Law Lawyer?
Hiring an elder law lawyer can be beneficial in many situations where older adults need help with legal, financial, or healthcare-related decisions. Common reasons to hire an elder law lawyer include:
- Estate planning: If you want to create or update a will, set up trusts, or ensure that your assets are distributed according to your wishes, an elder law lawyer can help with comprehensive estate planning.
- Medicaid and Medicare planning: If you need help qualifying for Medicaid to cover long-term care or need advice on navigating Medicare benefits, a lawyer can guide you through the application process and protect your assets.
- Long-term care planning: If you’re concerned about paying for nursing home care or assisted living, a lawyer can help you create a financial plan and explore options for government assistance.
- Guardianship or conservatorship: If a family member is unable to make decisions due to age-related cognitive issues, an elder law lawyer can assist in setting up legal guardianship or conservatorship to ensure their care.
- Elder abuse and exploitation: If you or a loved one is experiencing physical, emotional, or financial abuse, an elder law lawyer can help you take legal action to stop the abuse and recover damages.
- Retirement planning: Elder law lawyers can assist with planning for retirement, including managing pensions, Social Security, and other retirement income.
- Special needs planning: If you have a disabled family member who requires special care, an elder law lawyer can help create trusts or other legal arrangements to ensure their long-term financial and healthcare needs are met.
What Does an Elder Law Lawyer Do?
An elder law lawyer provides a wide range of legal services to help older adults and their families navigate the complexities of aging, healthcare, and estate planning. Their responsibilities often include:
- Drafting wills and trusts: Creating legal documents that outline how an individual’s assets will be distributed after death, ensuring that their wishes are honored.
- Medicaid and Medicare planning: Helping clients protect their assets while qualifying for government benefits to cover healthcare and long-term care costs.
- Establishing guardianships: Assisting families in setting up guardianship or conservatorship for loved ones who are unable to make decisions due to mental or physical incapacity.
- Protecting against elder abuse: Investigating claims of elder abuse or financial exploitation and representing the victim in legal actions to stop the abuse and seek compensation.
- Planning for long-term care: Developing strategies to cover the costs of nursing homes, assisted living, and other long-term care options without exhausting the elder’s financial resources.
- Managing probate and estate administration: Guiding families through the probate process to ensure that the decedent’s assets are distributed according to the law and their wishes.
- Setting up advance directives: Helping clients establish healthcare directives and powers of attorney to ensure their medical and financial decisions are carried out if they become incapacitated.
How Are Elder Law Lawyers Paid?
Elder law lawyers typically charge for their services based on the complexity of the case and the type of legal work involved. Common payment structures include:
- Hourly rate: Many elder law lawyers charge by the hour, especially for tasks such as drafting documents, handling legal disputes, or providing ongoing legal advice. Hourly rates typically range from $150 to $500 or more, depending on the lawyer’s experience and location.
- Flat fee: For specific tasks, such as drafting a will or setting up a trust, some lawyers charge a flat fee. This can range from $500 to $5,000 or more, depending on the complexity of the estate plan.
- Retainer: For long-term legal representation, such as managing a trust or handling guardianship matters, a lawyer may charge a retainer, which is an upfront payment that covers future legal work.
- Contingency fee: In some elder abuse or financial exploitation cases, a lawyer may work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if they recover compensation for the client. This fee is typically a percentage of the settlement or damages awarded.
Be sure to discuss fees with your lawyer during the initial consultation to understand how you will be billed and what the total cost of services might be.
How Much Does an Elder Law Lawyer Cost?
The cost of hiring an elder law lawyer varies depending on the complexity of the case, the lawyer’s experience, and the fee structure. General cost estimates include:
- Simple estate planning: Drafting basic documents, such as a will or power of attorney, may cost between $500 and $2,000, depending on the complexity of the client’s assets and wishes.
- Complex estate planning: Setting up more advanced estate plans, such as revocable or irrevocable trusts, Medicaid planning, or special needs trusts, can range from $2,000 to $10,000 or more.
- Guardianship or conservatorship: Legal fees for setting up guardianship or conservatorship often range from $2,000 to $5,000 or more, depending on the complexity of the case and whether disputes arise.
- Medicaid planning: Legal fees for Medicaid planning can range from $1,500 to $10,000, depending on the level of asset protection needed and the complexity of the individual’s financial situation.
Always ask for an estimate of fees during your initial consultation to ensure you understand how much the legal services will cost.
Top Questions to Ask an Elder Law Lawyer
Before hiring an elder law lawyer, it’s important to ask the right questions to ensure they have the experience and expertise needed to handle your case. Key questions to ask include:
-
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.
