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28 Jan, 2024 by Szq g
I spoke to a social worker in regards to the stability of their home life when they aren't with me. Being concerned about my daughter, and the inconsistency of her lifestyle which concerned me quite a bit whenever she would take the kids or present a different new boyfriend/place to stay.. (for the most part I have raised them/they lived w/me) I began to get concerned about how they were being affected by her irresponsibility as a parent. Later to find out that they were not attending school, and my oldest grandson taking on the babysitter role and would get in trouble for his little brother in which he became a totally different kid (quite angry about his whole environmen) he was told to lie to me if I asked him questions. My grandson started to call me when his mom would sleep/ or wasn't home and he would tell me things. I convinced my daughter to let me take them to live with me during the week so I can enroll them back in school and fix the inconsistency again time passed and they were safe with me; She started telling me things when she didn't get her way, trying to manipulate saying she was taking the kids from me (*if I talked to her about lying, and being irresponsible etc...) I got to the point that I needed to help these kids before she really screwed them upore and swore to look; nyo things and if she ever got into trouble shoplifting etc... I would use it to my advantage. The social worker referred me to Legal services for children and I started to work on getting guardianship and soon enough she went to jail. They were great, they helped me so much with everything including emergency paperwrk for serving her in jail for restraining order etc .. they came to my home to talk to the kids and I. They made it smooth like butter explaining everything!!! So glad she recommended this place. Perfect for kids who eed help!!!
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15 Jun, 2023 by Rob fordyce
Stebner,Gertler,Guadagni and Kawamato were so incredibly kind and helpful with my and my mother's case.
Deena Zacharin was my defense attorney.
She was compassionate with my case but really tough when it mattered during the deposition. I felt supported and was well informed.
Karman M. Guadagni was diligent with all of the details and correspondence concerning the case as well as a pleasure to work with. .
Kathryn Stebner is a gifted lawyer who really cares about people and standing up for cases that matter.
It was an honor to have her represent my family and we are grateful to her and her staff.
Sincerely,
Robert D. Fordyce
Read more
27 Jun, 2022 by Maria rokas
Dealing with the death of a loved one is hard, dealing with an untimely death that necessitates litigation is beyond comprehension when you're grieving, but it's sometimes the choice you need to make.
Our family had no experience with lawsuits and that's daunting. Kathryn, Karman and their entire team gently guided us through every step of the process. Everything was explained in a thorough but easy to understand way, making us feel cared for and confident in their expertise. All decisions were ours to make; at no point did we feel pressured to do anything that made us uncomfortable.
We can't recommend Stebner, Gertler, Guadagni and Kawamoto highly enough, nor can we imagine where we would be if we had not been referred to them. In the end, their hard work led to what we felt was a just and fair settlement.
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18 Jan, 2024 by Lourdes chavarria
She is just the best lawyer
Helped one of my childrens win her case..highly recommend her
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16 Dec, 2022 by John azevedo
When my sisters informed me that our grandfather’s caretakers had changed his will to their benefit two years before he passed at 103 and that they wanted to hire an attorney to fight it, I was on board. We hired Evans Law Firm. Due to my work schedule, I was rarely able to attend the many phone calls but I was on all the email correspondence. Ms. Evans and her team were very thorough and dedicated to getting the truth. Due to Evans Law Firm’s tenacity, we were able to secure a settlement completely in our favor. I would without a doubt hire Evans Law Firm for Elder Financial Fraud and Abuse cases.
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15 Dec, 2022 by Tracy azevedo
My siblings and I hired Evans Law Firm after we discovered our grandfather’s caretakers had our 101-year-old grandfather change his trust. Evans Law Firm immediately took our Elder Financial Fraud and Abuse case. Ms. Evans has a no-nonsense way of getting to the point, but she does so because she can so clearly see the injustice and it infuriates her. She will then use that as motivation to dig out the truth. And did she! She was a forced to be reckoned with during the depositions and the amount of subpoenaed info she and her team combed through was incredible. Ms. Evans was able to secure a very uncommon FULL settlement in our favor. Without a doubt, I highly recommend Ms. Evans and Evans Law Firm.
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5.0
11 Reviews
5.0
16 Reviews
28 Jan, 2024 by Szq g
I spoke to a social worker in regards to the stability of their home life when they aren't with me. Being concerned about my daughter, and the inconsistency of her lifestyle which concerned me quite a bit whenever she would take the kids or present a different new boyfriend/place to stay.. (for the most part I have raised them/they lived w/me) I began to get concerned about how they were being affected by her irresponsibility as a parent. Later to find out that they were not attending school, and my oldest grandson taking on the babysitter role and would get in trouble for his little brother in which he became a totally different kid (quite angry about his whole environmen) he was told to lie to me if I asked him questions. My grandson started to call me when his mom would sleep/ or wasn't home and he would tell me things. I convinced my daughter to let me take them to live with me during the week so I can enroll them back in school and fix the inconsistency again time passed and they were safe with me; She started telling me things when she didn't get her way, trying to manipulate saying she was taking the kids from me (*if I talked to her about lying, and being irresponsible etc...) I got to the point that I needed to help these kids before she really screwed them upore and swore to look; nyo things and if she ever got into trouble shoplifting etc... I would use it to my advantage. The social worker referred me to Legal services for children and I started to work on getting guardianship and soon enough she went to jail. They were great, they helped me so much with everything including emergency paperwrk for serving her in jail for restraining order etc .. they came to my home to talk to the kids and I. They made it smooth like butter explaining everything!!! So glad she recommended this place. Perfect for kids who eed help!!!
Read more
15 Jun, 2023 by Rob fordyce
Stebner,Gertler,Guadagni and Kawamato were so incredibly kind and helpful with my and my mother's case.
Deena Zacharin was my defense attorney.
She was compassionate with my case but really tough when it mattered during the deposition. I felt supported and was well informed.
Karman M. Guadagni was diligent with all of the details and correspondence concerning the case as well as a pleasure to work with. .
Kathryn Stebner is a gifted lawyer who really cares about people and standing up for cases that matter.
It was an honor to have her represent my family and we are grateful to her and her staff.
Sincerely,
Robert D. Fordyce
Read more
27 Jun, 2022 by Maria rokas
Dealing with the death of a loved one is hard, dealing with an untimely death that necessitates litigation is beyond comprehension when you're grieving, but it's sometimes the choice you need to make.
Our family had no experience with lawsuits and that's daunting. Kathryn, Karman and their entire team gently guided us through every step of the process. Everything was explained in a thorough but easy to understand way, making us feel cared for and confident in their expertise. All decisions were ours to make; at no point did we feel pressured to do anything that made us uncomfortable.
We can't recommend Stebner, Gertler, Guadagni and Kawamoto highly enough, nor can we imagine where we would be if we had not been referred to them. In the end, their hard work led to what we felt was a just and fair settlement.
Read more
21 Jul, 2023 by Jackie rees
Bryan helped me navigate a challenging employment termination case. He was professional, driven and helped me achieve my goals. Bryan and Team ( mostly Ben) were beyond fantastic to work with!
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29 Jan, 2023 by Latasha bennett
Bryan McCormack is a great employment lawyer. He helped me battle a claim that wasn’t that easy to prove. But with his help we were able to come with facts! He is very professional and was responsive to all the questions I had regarding my rights. I’m delighted with the outcome of my case. Thank you Bryan and Ben for all the great work!
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18 Feb, 2022 by Ozi mamla
Bryan McCormack and his team (predominantly Ben) were very helpful in helping me and a few others in getting an appropriate settlement for our case. Not only were they professional, but they continually provided us with thorough updates with clear communication and honesty.
I would highly recommend Bryan McCormack and his team to anyone out there who is looking for an amazing attorney to help with their employment related matters.
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28 Jan, 2024 by Szq g
I spoke to a social worker in regards to the stability of their home life when they aren't with me. Being concerned about my daughter, and the inconsistency of her lifestyle which concerned me quite a bit whenever she would take the kids or present a different new boyfriend/place to stay.. (for the most part I have raised them/they lived w/me) I began to get concerned about how they were being affected by her irresponsibility as a parent. Later to find out that they were not attending school, and my oldest grandson taking on the babysitter role and would get in trouble for his little brother in which he became a totally different kid (quite angry about his whole environmen) he was told to lie to me if I asked him questions. My grandson started to call me when his mom would sleep/ or wasn't home and he would tell me things. I convinced my daughter to let me take them to live with me during the week so I can enroll them back in school and fix the inconsistency again time passed and they were safe with me; She started telling me things when she didn't get her way, trying to manipulate saying she was taking the kids from me (*if I talked to her about lying, and being irresponsible etc...) I got to the point that I needed to help these kids before she really screwed them upore and swore to look; nyo things and if she ever got into trouble shoplifting etc... I would use it to my advantage. The social worker referred me to Legal services for children and I started to work on getting guardianship and soon enough she went to jail. They were great, they helped me so much with everything including emergency paperwrk for serving her in jail for restraining order etc .. they came to my home to talk to the kids and I. They made it smooth like butter explaining everything!!! So glad she recommended this place. Perfect for kids who eed help!!!
Read more
15 Jun, 2023 by Rob fordyce
Stebner,Gertler,Guadagni and Kawamato were so incredibly kind and helpful with my and my mother's case.
Deena Zacharin was my defense attorney.
She was compassionate with my case but really tough when it mattered during the deposition. I felt supported and was well informed.
Karman M. Guadagni was diligent with all of the details and correspondence concerning the case as well as a pleasure to work with. .
Kathryn Stebner is a gifted lawyer who really cares about people and standing up for cases that matter.
It was an honor to have her represent my family and we are grateful to her and her staff.
Sincerely,
Robert D. Fordyce
Read more
27 Jun, 2022 by Maria rokas
Dealing with the death of a loved one is hard, dealing with an untimely death that necessitates litigation is beyond comprehension when you're grieving, but it's sometimes the choice you need to make.
Our family had no experience with lawsuits and that's daunting. Kathryn, Karman and their entire team gently guided us through every step of the process. Everything was explained in a thorough but easy to understand way, making us feel cared for and confident in their expertise. All decisions were ours to make; at no point did we feel pressured to do anything that made us uncomfortable.
We can't recommend Stebner, Gertler, Guadagni and Kawamoto highly enough, nor can we imagine where we would be if we had not been referred to them. In the end, their hard work led to what we felt was a just and fair settlement.
Read more
17 Dec, 2018 by Anonymous
We were referred to Debra by a friend of ours who is an attorney. Debra was able to resolve my mom's claim against the city of San Francisco in mediation quickly and effectively.
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28 Sep, 2018 by Anonymous
I was a cyclist hit in a bicycle vs. auto accident with disputed liability (50/50) over who ran the red light in an intersection in San Francisco. I was referred to Debra by a close friend and attorney.
Debra thoroughly prepared me for what lay ahead. Her compassionate and straightforward communication style made me comfortable with a process that was completely unknown to me.
Before even sending the settlement demand letter, Debra did a huge amount of work on my behalf. She collected all of my medical records, bills, and other documentation. She engaged the services of an awesome biomechanical engineer to help reconstruct the accident.
At a time when I only wanted to focus on healing, Debra helped me to understand that the accident, injuries and surgical implants in my broken tibia were only part of my suffering. She wisely advised me to visit an orthopedic surgeon, who could explain potential future mobility issues I may have. The detailed report and advice I received helped me to make the important decision to have the hardware removed that was so uncomfortable in my leg. Debra's support was empowering.
Debra prepped me for my deposition so I felt as comfortable as one can in that process. She made it easy for me. She also prepped me for mediation, since it can be an overwhelming experience. Debrah was so patient, and answered all of my questions quickly and candidly.
In the end, we settled for the mediator’s number, which was 50% higher than my bottom line. I couldn't have imagined a better result. Debra is the best of the best!
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23 Sep, 2018 by Anonymous
Debra was recommended to me by a friend after I was injured in an auto accident. My injuries dragged on for almost two years. She was patient with the process, and provided guidance when I needed it. She was able to get a very fair settlement for me. I highly recommend her.
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11 Feb, 2024 by Alex ferbrache
Victor helped my mom win a personal injury settlement against a major retail chain. I am incredibly grateful for his outstanding legal support and guidance throughout the process. His diligence and attention to detail in gathering information about the incident both from my mom and the relevant medical professionals and organizations was instrumental in the favorable settlement he achieved on her behalf. We'd highly recommend working with Victor.
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18 Dec, 2023 by Beverly li
Victor was a tremendous help. After my car accident, I initially felt overwhelmed and reluctant to deal with anything related to the incident, anticipating it to be a hassle. However, once I mustered up the confidence to reach out to Victor and put in some effort, it became evident that he would be able to assist me—and he truly did. Although the process was somewhat lengthy, Victor consistently excelled in providing timely updates throughout the case. I definitely would recommend Victor to anyone who needs him.
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19 Sep, 2023 by Alvin lee
I cannot express my gratitude enough to Victor and his team. They truly went above and beyond to help me with a case that was far from easy to prove. Their dedication, expertise, and unwavering commitment to my case were remarkable.
From the initial consultation, Victor and his team took the time to thoroughly understand the complexities of my situation. They provided me with clear guidance on the potential outcomes and a realistic assessment of my situation, which helped me make informed decisions throughout the process.
What impressed me the most was their tireless advocacy on my behalf. Victor and his team left no stone unturned, conducted meticulous research, and navigated through the legal intricacies with finesse. They handled everything with determination and professionalism, even when all seem hopeless.
I'm thrilled to say that their hard work paid off, and I received compensation that I never thought possible. This outcome was a testament to Victor and his team's expertise and their ability to handle challenging cases.
Moreover, the communication throughout the entire process was exceptional. They kept me informed at every step, promptly answered my questions, and eased my anxieties. I felt supported and empowered throughout the journey.
If you're in need of legal representation and are facing a complex or challenging situation, I wholeheartedly recommend Victor. They are a dedicated team of legal experts who will fight with passion, skill, and unwavering commitment.
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17 Dec, 2023 by Megan
Amy is an excellent communicator and she’s also highly intelligent with great integrity. I really appreciate all of her legal expertise with Special Needs Trusts and Trustee services. I am glad I can trust Amy to do whatever she can to help me, with my best interest in mind. I highly recommend her for Trustee/Special Needs Trust services.
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17 Mar, 2022 by Jonathan
I hired Amy to represent me in a high conflict case. Amy assessed all the details and drafted pleadings to move my case forward. Because she listened to me, I felt confident that my case was fully understood by the Court. Going to Court is always difficult. Having a experienced litigator working with me on my case reduced the length of time my case persisted. I was able to resolve the case shortly after Amy began representing me.
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09 Mar, 2022 by Franza
Amy is perfect for my law practice, which is exclusively focused on fiduciary services. She is available to answer my questions whenever they arise and knows the law thoroughly in all aspects. Her moral code and ethical standards are excellent and in line with this area of practice that relies on Trust. Anything to do with probate, trusts, and fiduciary services Amy knows about and can advise quickly and competently. I am lucky to have her counsel.
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24 Apr, 2019 by Randolph
Jason Wolford is truly the best attourney I've ever worked with.
His legal expertise and professionalism went above and beyond my expectations. I am so grateful for his passion, dedication, and professionalism. Thank you so much!
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16 Apr, 2019 by Lisa brewer
Jason Wolford professionally and brilliantly represented my case and made THE difference in the successful outcome as well as took a personal interest in my well-being during the process. I would emphatically recommend Jason Wolford as a powerful, professional and brilliant attorney who produces amazing results in a comfortable courageous atmosphere.
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09 May, 2018 by Ken murphy
I was recently in a difficult--and frankly, scary--dispute with my landlord, and initially felt completely intimidated and overwhelmed by the situation. I talked to a number of attorneys, including several of the more well-known tenant's rights firms in the Bay Area, many of whom gave me the run-around, or agreed to handle some aspects of the case but not others.
I'm very grateful that I finally connected with Jason. He took on the entirety of the case, and developed an overall strategy to navigate the complexities of the situation. He handled the case with great skill and competence, and brought it to a very positive conclusion. He's a clear, strategic thinker, fair-minded, and not intimidated by the bullying tactics one encounters in these situations. And he really is just a good guy, and treats his clients very fairly and honorably.
If you find yourself in this kind of situation, look him up!
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11 Aug, 2010 by Anonymous
Ms. Wenzel prepared a complete trust package for me, including a will and advance health care directive. I chose her because she was recommended both by colleagues and clients, because she specializes in this type of law and because she was not in a large firm. I found her very easy and comfortable to work with and was very satisfied with the work that she did. I recommend her with no reservations.
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16 Jul, 2007 by Anonymous
Ms. Wenzel is extremely knowledgeable and helpful. She even makes housecalls for her elderly clients who find travel to her office difficult. Ms. Wenzel works very well with clients, who due to their age or condition, are sometimes difficult (and crochety). She is very patient, answers all questions completely and returns calls very quickly. I have been very pleased with her help for my parents and my uncles. I recomend her very highly.
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12 Aug, 2024 by Susan
She is so kind & the best attorney! I can’t thank them enough for helping me & going above & beyond in all tasks! Thank you very much & god bless!
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06 Apr, 2018 by Richie unterberger
Deb did a great job with setting up an estate plan for me. She's extremely thorough, and not just on the routine matters of distributing assets. She also made me aware of plenty of important things about how my my finances and creative content (I'm a writer) should be handled that many other lawyers would have overlooked. She works in a personable and compassionate fashion that everyone will appreciate, with fair and reasonable rates, and is accessible for any question or problem that might arise. I've recommended her to friends that are also planning their estates, and they are just as satisfied with her work.
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30 Aug, 2017 by Mordechai
If you are looking for a civil attorney who is experienced and worth every penny then hire Paul Horcher. He brings a wealth of experience. I have consulted with him several times and his advice was always top notch.
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13 Nov, 2013 by Kimberly
Niley Dorit was not only educated on what law I had questions about, but he was professional and always got back to me in a timely manner. My case only took a few short months and even though I had never met him in person I trusted him. I was right to do so. He did everything he said he was going to do. Because of his abilities as a lawyer and experience in the field, we won our case. I am so thrilled that we were able to. I would recommend him to anyone in need of a lawyer. (And I already have twice.)
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26 Sep, 2022 by Trevor potter
I needed help resolving a serious Car-Bicycle accident case and Shaana and her team delivered knowledge, expertise, patience, guidance and ultimately an outcome that left me and my family very pleased. "Big Firm" expertise with "Small Firm" care and accessibility.
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10 May, 2022 by Steven h
I never wanted to be crushed in between a utility bed truck and my work trailer but guess what, life happens..
It was a rough few months dealing with insurance companies and doctors.
I never dealt with anything like this before!
I was at my wits and realized I needed help.
After meeting with Shaana personally I knew I was in good hands. Not only as a lawyer, but as a friend. Every step of the way she and her team made sure that I was not only comfortable but made sure I was taken care of in my best interest.
I plan to call again if needed and I highly recommend Shaana Rahman Law.
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17 Sep, 2020 by Jeremy pasternak
My firm represents employees exclusively and Ms. Rahman's firm is one of just a couple of firms to which we refer clients who have been injured. Over the years, we have referred many clients to her, and have received nothing but stellar feedback about her work. I will enthusiastically continue to refer cases to Ms. Rahman.
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26 Sep, 2022 by Trevor potter
I needed help resolving a serious Car-Bicycle accident case and Shaana and her team delivered knowledge, expertise, patience, guidance and ultimately an outcome that left me and my family very pleased. "Big Firm" expertise with "Small Firm" care and accessibility.
Read more
10 May, 2022 by Steven h
I never wanted to be crushed in between a utility bed truck and my work trailer but guess what, life happens..
It was a rough few months dealing with insurance companies and doctors.
I never dealt with anything like this before!
I was at my wits and realized I needed help.
After meeting with Shaana personally I knew I was in good hands. Not only as a lawyer, but as a friend. Every step of the way she and her team made sure that I was not only comfortable but made sure I was taken care of in my best interest.
I plan to call again if needed and I highly recommend Shaana Rahman Law.
Read more
17 Sep, 2020 by Jeremy pasternak
My firm represents employees exclusively and Ms. Rahman's firm is one of just a couple of firms to which we refer clients who have been injured. Over the years, we have referred many clients to her, and have received nothing but stellar feedback about her work. I will enthusiastically continue to refer cases to Ms. Rahman.
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30 May, 2024 by Nick nassim
07 Aug, 2018 by Jérémy bossy
18 Sep, 2024 by Quentin lee
I cannot recommend more about this team of brilliant attorneys Kelly and Mikayla who shepherded my sexual abuse case against a major academic institution for years and won a settlement that I did not expect. They are supportive, meticulous and sensitive and I could not have expected a better result and handling on my case. Thank you!
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18 Jul, 2024 by Yvette ayala
Life happens, so its only natural for accidents to happens, hopefully small ones and not to often, but when they do I was very grateful to have reached out to TorkLaw!! They made sure I was taken care of. Didn’t settle until what was fair was offered!!! Truly grateful!!
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15 Jul, 2024 by Fernando s
26 Mar, 2024 by Shauna mcculloch
26 Mar, 2024 by Cathee wolford
Jay Greene did an excellent job with my case. Professional, knowledgeable, and informative of the legal process. Highly recommend this business.
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26 Mar, 2024 by Paul robert zink
I am from Santa Barbara and wanted a SF local Attorney to assist with our Uncle's financial and medical affairs as he ages. Jay and his team was prompt, courteous, and relaxed our nerves. Thank you.
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06 Aug, 2024 by Sheel mohnot
11 May, 2024 by Junyi shan
I contacted Dhillon Law Group about a defamation case that I would like to pursue in February 2024. Now three months have passed, and I never heard back from them.
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24 Mar, 2024 by Christopher bout
I would like to express sincere and heartfelt gratitude for the work of Jesse Franklin-Murdock and the Center for American Liberty's extraordinary support in my case. From the outset, when I had that initial call with Eric Sell, and with Josh Dixon – they immediately pulled in strong resources and subsequently Mr. Franklin-Murdock. All these actions and the associated conversations demonstrated dedication, professionalism, superior competency, knowledge, and application of relevant case law by everyone who touched my case but most of all you, Jesse, so thank you! You yourself Jesse, went well above expectation by fielding calls and executing on some key action items, even while on international vacation.
Jesse, to you and the entire Center for American Liberty and the entire Dhillon Law Group – THANK YOU for defending my rights with vigor, professionalism, superior application of law, a successful outcome, and for the intangibles like diligence, listening, empathy and that unique feeling that I, as a client, actually matter. Ten thousand kudos to you!
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06 Jul, 2024 by Woodruff2000
Mr. Peretz took more then half of my out-of-court settlement. $193,000 out of $375,000. I was advised by a federal bankruptcy trustee that this was way out-of-line and would not be permitted in most states and in particular New Jersey. I was wrongfully terminated in 2008 and after 5 years ended up with roughly $60,000. How is this ok in California? After all I was the victim and Mr. Peretz's firm did very little to justify this type of payment in a relatively easy out-of-court settlement. A few motions and a couple of hours in mediation.
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What an Elder Law Lawyer Can Do for You
An elder law lawyer specializes in legal issues that affect older adults, their families, and caregivers. These lawyers handle a broad range of topics, including estate planning, Medicaid and Medicare, long-term care planning, guardianship, elder abuse, and retirement planning. The goal of an elder law lawyer is to protect the rights, finances, and well-being of elderly individuals and to help them plan for future healthcare and financial security.
If you or a loved one is aging and facing challenges related to healthcare, finances, or legal matters, an elder law lawyer can provide essential guidance to protect your rights and interests as you age.
When Should I Hire an Elder Law Lawyer?
Hiring an elder law lawyer can be beneficial in many situations where older adults need help with legal, financial, or healthcare-related decisions. Common reasons to hire an elder law lawyer include:
- Estate planning: If you want to create or update a will, set up trusts, or ensure that your assets are distributed according to your wishes, an elder law lawyer can help with comprehensive estate planning.
- Medicaid and Medicare planning: If you need help qualifying for Medicaid to cover long-term care or need advice on navigating Medicare benefits, a lawyer can guide you through the application process and protect your assets.
- Long-term care planning: If you’re concerned about paying for nursing home care or assisted living, a lawyer can help you create a financial plan and explore options for government assistance.
- Guardianship or conservatorship: If a family member is unable to make decisions due to age-related cognitive issues, an elder law lawyer can assist in setting up legal guardianship or conservatorship to ensure their care.
- Elder abuse and exploitation: If you or a loved one is experiencing physical, emotional, or financial abuse, an elder law lawyer can help you take legal action to stop the abuse and recover damages.
- Retirement planning: Elder law lawyers can assist with planning for retirement, including managing pensions, Social Security, and other retirement income.
- Special needs planning: If you have a disabled family member who requires special care, an elder law lawyer can help create trusts or other legal arrangements to ensure their long-term financial and healthcare needs are met.
What Does an Elder Law Lawyer Do?
An elder law lawyer provides a wide range of legal services to help older adults and their families navigate the complexities of aging, healthcare, and estate planning. Their responsibilities often include:
- Drafting wills and trusts: Creating legal documents that outline how an individual’s assets will be distributed after death, ensuring that their wishes are honored.
- Medicaid and Medicare planning: Helping clients protect their assets while qualifying for government benefits to cover healthcare and long-term care costs.
- Establishing guardianships: Assisting families in setting up guardianship or conservatorship for loved ones who are unable to make decisions due to mental or physical incapacity.
- Protecting against elder abuse: Investigating claims of elder abuse or financial exploitation and representing the victim in legal actions to stop the abuse and seek compensation.
- Planning for long-term care: Developing strategies to cover the costs of nursing homes, assisted living, and other long-term care options without exhausting the elder’s financial resources.
- Managing probate and estate administration: Guiding families through the probate process to ensure that the decedent’s assets are distributed according to the law and their wishes.
- Setting up advance directives: Helping clients establish healthcare directives and powers of attorney to ensure their medical and financial decisions are carried out if they become incapacitated.
How Are Elder Law Lawyers Paid?
Elder law lawyers typically charge for their services based on the complexity of the case and the type of legal work involved. Common payment structures include:
- Hourly rate: Many elder law lawyers charge by the hour, especially for tasks such as drafting documents, handling legal disputes, or providing ongoing legal advice. Hourly rates typically range from $150 to $500 or more, depending on the lawyer’s experience and location.
- Flat fee: For specific tasks, such as drafting a will or setting up a trust, some lawyers charge a flat fee. This can range from $500 to $5,000 or more, depending on the complexity of the estate plan.
- Retainer: For long-term legal representation, such as managing a trust or handling guardianship matters, a lawyer may charge a retainer, which is an upfront payment that covers future legal work.
- Contingency fee: In some elder abuse or financial exploitation cases, a lawyer may work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if they recover compensation for the client. This fee is typically a percentage of the settlement or damages awarded.
Be sure to discuss fees with your lawyer during the initial consultation to understand how you will be billed and what the total cost of services might be.
How Much Does an Elder Law Lawyer Cost?
The cost of hiring an elder law lawyer varies depending on the complexity of the case, the lawyer’s experience, and the fee structure. General cost estimates include:
- Simple estate planning: Drafting basic documents, such as a will or power of attorney, may cost between $500 and $2,000, depending on the complexity of the client’s assets and wishes.
- Complex estate planning: Setting up more advanced estate plans, such as revocable or irrevocable trusts, Medicaid planning, or special needs trusts, can range from $2,000 to $10,000 or more.
- Guardianship or conservatorship: Legal fees for setting up guardianship or conservatorship often range from $2,000 to $5,000 or more, depending on the complexity of the case and whether disputes arise.
- Medicaid planning: Legal fees for Medicaid planning can range from $1,500 to $10,000, depending on the level of asset protection needed and the complexity of the individual’s financial situation.
Always ask for an estimate of fees during your initial consultation to ensure you understand how much the legal services will cost.
Top Questions to Ask an Elder Law Lawyer
Before hiring an elder law lawyer, it’s important to ask the right questions to ensure they have the experience and expertise needed to handle your case. Key questions to ask include:
-
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.
