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17 Jun, 2024 by Ric
We went to C. Clark for estate planning based on a very positive comments from friends, and we were not disappointed. We found her to be friendly, helpful, patient, and quite knowledgeable. She guided us through the planning process, prepared draft documents for our review, and responded to all questions in a timely manner. From start to finish, we were very happy with this estate planning experience.
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10 Jun, 2024 by Jim
Cindy and Tim are a great team. We had our trust done in 2015 and to this day 6/10/2024 we can call them for any of our needs. They answer the phone how refreshing in these times.
Use these folks you won't be sorry.
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27 Sep, 2023 by Barbara
Ms. Clark and her team were fantastic. She has such an excellent background before moving into elder care law and it is very helpful. She did a very informative consult over the phone and explained many factors of the process and what was needed (or not needed) in my particular situation. I was told how the how the process would go and I had copies of documents within 2 weeks. I had time to review them and ask as many questions in detail as I wished. Then, I went in to sign final documents once all details were finalized. Cindy and Tim were so informative, prompt, kind and professional. It was a total pleasure doing business with them and I feel confident with everything in completion. I highly recommend their firm ... you will receive kind and personal care!
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27 Jul, 2019 by Anonymous
John Ferrari came very highly recommended. Mr. Ferrari did not disappoint. He was very accessible,
knowledgeable and extremely patient. He was
available to answer any and all questions. He was
quite engaged in the task at hand and left me feeling that he was genuinely concerned about my wishes. Extremely easy to work, Mr. Ferrari treats his clients with professionalism and respect. Recommend without reservation.
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23 Aug, 2018 by Audxmike
John represents the Co- Guardian of our recently adopted children. We’ve had a long drawn out battle for the past two years. John is a man of honor and integrity. He is professional and well respected. I’m grateful he always kept our children’s best interest in mind! Hire him! You won’t regret it!
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07 Feb, 2018 by Sabrina
Our family was placed under extreme circumstances and we needed someone to help us. Within 5 days of first speaking with Mr. Ferrari, he had the documents prepped and filed with the court. He took his time to jump into our situation with us to help our family. Throughout the whole complicated situation, Mr. Ferrari and his staff were very helpful, informative, friendly and professional. They have the heart and the professional skills to help anyone in any situation. You seriously will not find a better attorney anywhere. Mr. Ferrari and his staff are like family now to my family!! We can not thank them enough for all that they have done for our family!!
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26 Jan, 2021 by Lindsay
Having to handle my estate planning over the phone, Greg Kaiser was so easy to discuss my estate planning for a trust. All of my questions were addressed prior to me asking, very detailed, and we ended the call with me signing on! I liked how efficient, precise and factual Greg was.
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29 Feb, 2020 by Anthony
Over the years Mr. Kaiser has consistently impressed me by the scope and depth of his legal knowledge. Mr. Kaiser is always there whenever I have an issue with my estate. I would not hesitate to recommend him to anyone.
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07 Jul, 2019 by Sue
I hired Mr. Kaiser to update my will which was done about 22 years ago in Conn. He is very nice and knowledgeable about estate law and elder law. He also comes to your house which was very helpful .He returns calls quickly and the girls in his office are also very nice and professional. I would highly recommend him as an estate planning lawyer.
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19 Aug, 2018 by Elizabeth
When I became a caregiver for my elderly parents, I didn't know there was such a thing as an eldercare attorney. After I began getting help from Ira Wiesner, I quickly learned how essential his knowledge and advice are. To begin with, he re-did our family documents done with a previous lawyer. Our Durable Power of Attorney went from several pages to twenty; it now covers everything we need. When it was time for my father to go to skilled nursing care, Mr. Wiesner reviewed the community's contract and other written materials so that we were able to sign with confidence. We are also reviewing our long-range financial planning with him. I am grateful every day to have such excellent advice. And it is truly a pleasure to speak with everyone in Ira Wiesner's office.
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17 Aug, 2017 by Anonymous
Ira Wiesner was recommended to me by several individuals I respect. I needed some practical advice and guidance regarding a very difficult and rather exploitive situation with my mother. I had no idea what my options were, given that my mother, now suffering from dementia, had signed contracts, prior to the dementia, which gave Carte Blanche to a facility which was not providing appropriate care to her. He listened carefully, made some initial suggestions, reviewed the situation and gave me sound advice for a first step. He realized my stress level needed to be reduced, so his advice was not only financially sound, but helped me to get some much needed respite. His knowledge regarding elderly people and the facilities that care for them was comprehensive and pragmatic. His previous experience as a lawyer-ombudsman makes him uniquely qualified to know the buzz words and excuses used by facilities that do not provide adequate care. We are now entering step two in managing my mother's situation and it is something I can handle, knowing that she will be protected.
I was so pleased with Mr. Wiesner's ability, that I asked him to redo some legal documents for me. I have an excellent attorney in another city, and with the hours I care for my mother, I could not get back to that city easily to update my documents. This was managed at my convenience and I am most appreciative for that.
I highly recommend this attorney for anyone with questions or problems regarding older individuals.
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07 Aug, 2016 by Anonymous
Ira Weisner as able to help my family in time of crisis due to major financial exploitation of an elderly relative. We laid out our case to him, he listened attentively (didn't interrupt to show how smart he was like so many lawyers--and believe me, he's smart). He honestly assessed our chances of not only bringing a case, but also of how to protect ourselves from further exploitation. See, Ira is not just an estate planner, but a national expert in elderly abuse, so he was likely the best person in Sarasota to talk to about this.
As for our case, he told us that in one aspect our chances were slim (other lawyers would told us to press forward on the case just to collect bills later), in other aspects of our case, he really helped in telling us the steps forward to take.
His good character was so apparent throughout this process, that my elderly family member who was exploited, decided to switch lawyers and trust their estate planning with him and now we all feel protected. I couldn't recommend Ira Weisner highly enough.
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26 Sep, 2015 by Jacqui
Chris has been immensely helpful to me and my family. My father recently needed to move to a nursing home, and we didn't know how to handle the many issues that arose from that. Chris was responsive when we had questions of any kind. He is through, kind, and clear, and it was great to work with. He helped with everything and made it all very understandable for us. I can't recommend him highly enough!
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18 Jul, 2014 by Rachael
We wish we could give TEN stars! The first lawyer we could trust! Intelligent, amazingly informed, caring, trustworthy, kind, and communicative. Gives a good name back to the word "attorney." The perfect counselor for those in their 50's, 60's 70's, and beyond. So lucky to have found him.
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06 Aug, 2009 by Anonymous
This Attorney has helped me in the past with great success. Will keep using him.
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08 Jan, 2016 by Sheri zillmer
Very informative and helpful to us in a difficult situation. I highly recommend this attorney.
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21 Sep, 2015 by Carolyn
Mr. Griffin made the complex understandable, and the tedious much more pleasant than we anticipated! It is such a comfort to have a Will & Trust.
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17 Sep, 2015 by Tom
We have a complicated Estate situation. Mr. Griffin cut through the "legalese" and covered our issues and questions in terms we could understand. Also, he made us feel at home during the process.
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30 May, 2023 by Mary
Andrew Boyer listened to my concerns and went above and beyond in answering all my questions and helping me with his knowledge. He gave good advice and share insights that I highly valued regarding an estate and the legal system. He was patient, thorough, and kind. I would highly recommend him!
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20 Nov, 2009 by Anonymous
Andrew of Boyer & Jackson is a bright, attentive, talented lawyer.
I had a family case of Guardianship that required tact, skill, and leadership to get thru a maze of family discord and complexity.
Through Andrew's leadership I was able to protect my elder Father with a Guardianship that was for his best interest.
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10 Jul, 2018 by Greg
Nicholas was extremely helpful to my wife & I in detailing how we wanted our estate handled and those uncomfortable end of life details that no one wants to discuss. He was patience,knowledgable & offered excellent advice.I highly recommend to anuone.
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16 Jun, 2020 by Anonymous
Daniel and the entire staff at Advocates in Aging were supportive and helpful during a very difficult time. They never gave up and when nescessay continually came up with new solutions to situations. Daniel always made me feel like he had all the time I needed and explained everything in a way that was easily understood. The best!!!
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06 Sep, 2012 by Devin
My experience with Sean was brief but he was courteous and promptly responded to my inquiry. While this exchange with Sean was regarding a not-for-profit matter he still took the time to research the matter and explore options. I was very pleased and look forward to engaging his services in the future!
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29 Dec, 2016 by Jane
Met with Tina several years ago when I had a complex trust matter where I was serving as a co-trustee. She was able to advise properly and obtain the result my client wanted. Have since referred many others to her and know she has always done excellent work.
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16 Dec, 2022 by Anonymous
Mr. Corchnoy is one of the most knowledgeable education attorneys that provided extremely useful, precise guidance and/or information even when his schedule was full. He made time to assist us and he actually provided direct answers to our questions and concerns instead of providing vague non responsive answers. After contacting several attorneys referred by the Florida Bar Referral Service, we reached out to Mr. Corchnoy, and bingo. This is the one we were looking for and his guidance put us on our path to success. He can and will do the same for you.
Once you contact him, he can guide you through whatever mess it is that you face in the field of education or administrative law. With luck his caseload will allow him to represent you and if not he has colleagues he can refer you to who also far, far exceed the legal knowledge of the average education attorney. Lucky for you, you found the right attorney. We are looking forward to retaining Mr. Corchnoy or his colleague on our next call.
We highly recommend that you look no further and contact Mr. Chorchnoy now! You will be glad that you did.
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25 Aug, 2020 by Anonymous
Mr. Corchnoy was very through with my case. He was extremely professional & offered excellent advise from beginning to the final settlement. I would highly recommend him for your accident and other legal needs.
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07 May, 2020 by Anonymous
Mr. Corchnoy provided a prompt and thorough response to my question, also took the time for prompt response to my follow up questions. I would highly recommend his services!
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02 Aug, 2023 by David
My father set up a trust with Chris Vorbeck in the early 2000's. When Dad passed, the movement of everything to Mother could not have been smoother. When Mother passed 5 years later, Chris took care of everything moving assets smoothly to me. My wife and I set up our own trust with his help and it always felt like we were his only clients. I have had very little experience with attorneys in my lifetime, but I can not imagine it being any easier that Chris Vorbeck made the process. He felt like a member of the family.
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28 Sep, 2018 by Charles
Chris has been the ATTY for our Family Trust since 12/14/2006. we have worked with him many times over the years. I like the personal and professional promptness that Christ has extended to us over the years. He has always been courteous, compassionate, and professional with us.
My wife of 57 years passed away in Feb 2018 which led Chris and myself communicating often relative to both personal and Trust related discussions. Chris was always there to answer any questions that I had.
I highly recommend Chris for your legal, and /or personal manners
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06 Apr, 2017 by Barbara
My husband and I hired Chirs Vorbeck to set up our Family Trust and all other necessary estate planning documents. He was wonderful. He help us through the entire process and answered all of our questions promptly. He was thorough and thought of items that my husband and I would not have included. When completed, he sat down with us and explained all documents and how to add additional items to the trust in the future. I have already recommended him to my friends and would definitely use him in the future.
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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.
