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05 Sep, 2024 by Paeton lovelady
If i could give 10 stars I would. Dennis has gone far and beyond as my attourney. Very reliable, easy to reach, and explained everything to me as we went along with my case. I was content with my final sentence and he made each hearing simple for me with no confusion on what was happening and what steps were next. Thank you, Dennis.
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05 Sep, 2024 by Steven quinn
Attorney Dennis Twitchel recently represented me on a traffic speeding offense citation in April 2024 on interstate 5 traveling northbound through Thurston County Washington. I hired Dennis Twitchel to represent me to test the reliability of the officer’s evidence against me including the tools used by the officer gather evidence. Dennis was meticulous and deliberate in his evaluation in every aspect of my case. He kept me informed on all manner of the case including scheduling of any hearings and possible outcomes. In the end, Dennis Twitchel was successful in establishing in court the unreliability of the office’s evidence forming the basis of the traffic violation which caused the case against me to be dismissed at hearing in August 2024, thereby maintaining my good driving record and any hikes in my insurance premiums. Being a recently retired attorney myself, I was very impressed with Dennis’ expertise and attention to detail. I am grateful for his representation of such high quality for such a reasonable fee. Attorney Twitchel is an expert in his field. I would never hesitate to recommend his services to anyone wishing to test the evidence against them which is one’s right under the constitution. Attorney Dennis Twitchel’s legal services are 5 Star level without any hesitation.
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20 Aug, 2024 by Mike bogz
I have not had to hire a lawyer for many years. I feel fortunate to have contacted Mr Twichel right out of the box. He took care of my speeding ticket with ease.
Thank you very much!
Respectfully,
Mike Bogdan
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29 Jul, 2024 by Stacy
I was initially very concerned when our lawyer retired, wondering if anyone would be be a good fit for my Fiance & I. Andrea made us feel very comfortable right out of the gate! She was personable, professional, wicked smart, and had a great sense of humor. We immediately felt that we were in the right place.
I had just lost my mother and was faced with finalizing her accounts and home. I left the appointment feeling MUCH calmer and informed! She really helped bridge the gap between my crippling grief and the necessary steps to handle all the tedious details. Any time I had a question, she was VERY responsive via email, which I appreciated. I never felt like she left me dangling in the wind, unsure of what to do next.
I am so thankful that dealing with a new lawyer ended up to be a VERY positive experience, and I would GLADLY retain her for any future issues. I highly recommend Andrea H. Lauritzen and her firm in Tacoma, Washington.
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03 Jul, 2024 by Luis
I am very pleased with Andrea H. Lauritzen professional services.
Since I met her in the first meeting, she conveyed a high level of attention and care to understand my State Planning goals.
For me the whole concept of State Planning was quite intimidating, and while working with Andrea H. Lauritzen she made me feel confident and to look at it in a simple and understandable way.
Andrea H. Lauritzen has the proper words to answer my questions and to explain with reasons her recommendations to the important matters of my case.
I believe that Andrea H. Lauritzen's recommendations are based on a solid level of experience and deep understanding of State Planning Law.
I would come back to Andrea H. Lauritzen anytime I need support and attention with upgrading my State Planning case.
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07 Jun, 2024 by Amador loya
Andrea Lauritzen assisted me with my Estate Planning after going through a major life change. She helped me understand all of my options, and she created a clear plan that would best allow me to provide for the care of my daughters. The process was smooth and efficient, and I highly recommend Mrs. Lauritzen for your Estate Planning needs.
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12 May, 2018 by Jeannie l'amarca
29 Aug, 2012 by Linda s.
Bob Michaels was recommended to me by another attorney as an expert in the issue I was facing. He was extraordinarily knowlegeable in this field and helped me recover a large amount of money that was due to me. I felt like he took my case personally and he fought hard for me and won. I recently needed legal advice and he took the time to help. I will hire Mr. Michaels again in the future if I need an attorney.
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04 Jan, 2012 by Stella
Was very helpful throughout the entire time we collaborated.
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20 Nov, 2023 by Sean dansby
10 Oct, 2022 by Justin miller
18 Jul, 2008 by Anonymous
I had Darol help me with my business. I have a small business that is actually doing better than I ever expected. I was concerned about passing my business onto my family if I should die. He developed what he calls a "Business Owner Succession Plan". It was just great.
Darol is casual but very knowledgeable. I highly recommend him.
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05 May, 2008 by Anonymous
Mr. Bush was recommended to me by a former classmate at UPS Law School and working with him was a pleasure. I had worked with another lawyer when appointed legal guardian for my mother and that fellow had quit by letter with absolutely no explanation why. When I meet with Mr. Bush, I discovered that there were all kinds of things this first guy failed to tell me about my responsibilities. Jim patiently helped me through rectifying the oversights. He responds quickly to calls or emails, is very thorough, never misses a court deadline, and when my mother died, immediately helped me begin transitioning the estate from my guardianship to probate, with my sister as the executor.
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31 Aug, 2016 by Amber dunn
She is amazing. She gave me hope when no one else did. She went above and beyond to assist me and I can't thank her enough for helping me.
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5.0
21 Reviews
4.5
164 Reviews
19 Sep, 2024 by Paul peterhans
When I think of my time with Cindy Wysocki, Esq., tears of deep gratitude literally come to my eyes as I recall her strength and gentleness, her humor and sharp critical thinking, her willingness to get into the ultimate fighting cage we call the judicial system and her reluctance to throw a punch, and her commitment to fairness and open-hearted compassion. To the lawyer or firm across the virtual table, Cindy must seem formidable and relentless. To me as her client-friend, she was comforting, encouraging, and grounding. I never had to yield my voice or stuff down my questions. AND, Cindy held my concerns and fears, my heightened emotions and (sometimes) clear intuitive insights respectfully while guiding them in positive, productive ways. And best of all, Cindy knew me well enough at the end of a grueling process to be able to then assist and guide me in my needs to safeguard my estate and financial assets to be sure to leave them secure for the ones I love the most. Above all, I am forever grateful to Cindy for accompanying me as a caring fellow human being during one of the most devastating times of my personal life journey. She stayed by my side through unprecedented conditions, with unconditional care and concern, as one of the few who did in my life. Cindy is a legal Bodhisattva!!
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13 Sep, 2024 by Meg gluckman
I love sending my clients to Cindy! I know she cares deeply about helping them navigate divorce in a way that will leave everyone feeling whole and hopeful about the future. Her focus on creating durable parenting plans that center kids, while appreciating the uniqueness of the each family, makes referring her to parents a no-brainer for me.
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31 Aug, 2024 by Juliana schroeder
Cheryl helped me with a military divorce issue.
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23 Dec, 2021 by Christina digesti
Beware! Professional elder manipulator and abuser. Stay far away. She works as a POA, guardian, and swindler of the elderly. I pity anyone unfortunate enough to have to deal with this monster.
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18 Jul, 2021 by Richard
Robin Balsam is gifted in both tactical and strategic engagements. In our exhaustive search for the best legal counsel to defend an attack on our sizable assets, she was widely regarded as a peak practitioner in her area and we engaged her on our first meeting. We have been very pleased with that retainer. Drawing on decades of legally forged crucible sharpening expertise, she systematically and surgically disposed of fraudulent “omitted spouse” claims being made against our substantial 50 year aggregated ownership holdings including real estate, savings accounts, investment portfolios, and homes. Confronted with a horde of spurious claims, Robin conceptually brought everything together and developed a pinpointed course of action early in our discovery process. Integrating and disposing of all the litigation issues we faced did converge on invalidation of a fraudulent out of state marriage, enumerating serious VAPO violations, and successfully throwing out a secretive and dishonestly formulated Last Will and Testament. We faced initial demands for 50% of total assets. Robin’s masterful game plan was powerfully and systematically defeated over the contrived but unlawful claims of our opponent. The marriage they were claiming was the core of their entire case. Robin demonstrated to the judge that it could not and would not be upheld in Washington State law. She was clearly prescient on this matter, and was able to masterfully destroy these claims. We won those disputes, and unwound any validity for their principal arguments. Throughout we observed that Robin had exquisitely prioritized and pinpointed a winning course of action. Besides voiding the marriage, she removed arguments surrounding a secretive and dishonestly formulated Last Will and Testament. For our part, she succeeded on all counts.
As family we litigated on behalf of our deceased brother and father, dealing with multiple pleadings that were contaminated on many levels, including marriage fraud, Last Will and Testament chicanery, and ongoing illegal violations of a court ordered, 5 year Vulnerable Adult Protection Order (VAPO). On first appearance we were directed into TEDRA mediation, and our arguments over 3 days in that area severely crippled our opponent after we revealed widespread trickery and deceit on many levels, in addition to a concealed 30 year highly problematic court history. Issues germane to our case included fraudulent check writing, expense and extortion deceit, substance abuse, theft, and other character matters.
Given abundant case related research, Robin’s diligent and highly competent staff weaned out redundant time-line research, and her initial assessment then honed in on the priority factors to be emphasized in upcoming court arguments, as with scope of the overall work program, time management, documentation, and legal issue relevance. Her preparation was exhaustive and masterfully executed. In a magnificent Coup de gras, the marriage was nullified in a Summary judgment kill shot, in Pierce County Washington Superior Court. As well, the illegitimate and contrived Last Will and Testament was thrown out.
Throughout our engagement, Balsam Law had to deal with a Court System burdened and hamstrung by Covid imposed restraining parameters. We are grateful Robin completely negated the legal foundation of the arguments we faced. The Summary judgment she achieved saved our family substantial time and future legal expense. Her professional services are strongly supported by smart, adept, knowledgeable and hard-working professionals at every level. I will whole heartedly endorse her and the expertise she has retained in her firm.
Richard M
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07 Aug, 2020 by Roberta
I first met Robin when I hired her when my Father passed away in 1990. My Mother had her assist her in setting up a Special Needs trust for my Sister. I later became my Sister's Legal Guardian after my Mother had passed. She helped me find an Adult Family Home where she resided for over 15 years. I had her prepare my Will.
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11 Oct, 2024 by Kevin noah
Straightforward, helpful, did the necessary research to help me with my case. Always nice to have peace of mind. I’ve got a law firm in my back pocket if I ever need help again
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19 Jun, 2024 by Elizabeth turnbow
Torrone has worked with us and brought their best to the table. We really appreciate their ability and thoughtfulness. We are grateful we have them to present our case. They listen, understand and bring their A game everytime.
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28 Mar, 2024 by T w
Absolutely amazing law firm!!! The care and love they showed toward my family and I was unsurpassed. Chris was very responsive and was very straight forward and got things settled very quickly. He and his staff are very knowledgeable and personal when it comes to your case!!
If you need a law firm for CPS or family matters, THIS IS THE PLACE!
-Tarek Williams and Family
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26 Mar, 2012 by Anonymous
After submitting initial documents requested by Mr.Spencer for review,I received no acknowledgement.I called 2 days later only to discover he would not review those documents until payment had been received. I should have known then and there that this was not what I was looking for in an attorney.
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02 Mar, 2011 by Carroll
Mr Spencer handled our case quickly and effectively
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28 Feb, 2011 by Dr. willie
I have been in private practice and commercial property owner for the past five years. John Spencer has been very helpful in making my business a success. I highly recommend his services.
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23 Dec, 2021 by Christina digesti
Beware! Professional elder manipulator and abuser. Stay far away. She works as a POA, guardian, and swindler of the elderly. I pity anyone unfortunate enough to have to deal with this monster.
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27 Apr, 2021 by Linda t
Mike helped me with the probate conundrum for my mother. He was knowledgeable and gave great explanations. And you could tell that he really cared about helping me. I will actually miss not working with him since the probate is now complete.
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05 Apr, 2021 by Linda
Michael answered all our questions and educated us on making informed choices with providing for our daughter's special needs trust. I appreciated his patience, attention to detail, and flexibility with working with our needs. I now feel secure about the future!
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12 May, 2014 by Ken
Barbara Joe is a superior trial lawyer who has mastered her discipline. I have used her twice in two equally as difficult of cases with excellent outcomes. She conducts her business in the most professional manner like no other. In Pierce County, all trial lawyers know her and respect her.
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17 Jan, 2014 by David
My case was mishandled due to Barbara Jo's awful demeanor in court with opposing counsel and the Judge. To be specific, Judge Arend. I heard that she was a "go-getter", but she overcharged me, rarely, if ever, returned emails/phone calls, and her aggressive style in court was repeatedly rude and unsuccessful. This was on a custody case in 2010-2011 and I would never use her again.
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11 Jan, 2011 by Anonymous
I had a bad experience with Mrs. Sylvester and her law office. I called her office several times and never could get a hold of her. She has too many clients and I did not feel like she had time to devote herself to my case. Because of that, I do not recommend her to anyone.
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11 Jul, 2023 by Marc
Stay away!! I requested a legal letter to address inconsistent payment against a promissory note that Mr. Gray drafted. The initial response was prompt, but the draft letter needed some work. I asked for some changes but never heard back. Emailed 3 times and called twice over 3 weeks. No response. I finally gave up and moved on. Months later, I was emailed to inform me that, because I hadn't responded, I was being billed for the letter and consult. I provided evidence of my correspondence and was told that "clearly" it was not received. Somehow, emails get through for billing, but not otherwise. Calls to discuss continue to go unanswered.
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23 Feb, 2018 by Brenda
Judson Gray is not a good person or a good attorney. He threw me and my special needs daughter under the bus. I hired this attorney and showed him photos of my neglected non verbal daughter. Mr. Gray knew how desperate I was to save my daughter yet he didn't care. We went to court and lost so we discussed about my next option and that was appeals court. Judson was to send me a list of names because I only had 30 days to appeal. He never did send me the names until I contacted him and he lied and said he did. I finally got a few names but none of them could take my case because they didn't have time before the 30 days was up. I finally found an Attorney to help me and when he went into my file he said that Judson Gray didn't file his paper work in a timely manor of our court hearing and that I couldn't appeal now, What a caring loving person "NOT" how do you sleep at night knowing my beautiful daughter is being neglected and you just threw us under the bus. Don't hire this man he has no compassion. Maybe he got paid off..... Vengeance is mine says the lord I will repay!
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21 Sep, 2017 by Anonymous
I work for a Real Estate company that hired Judson company to defend the company. It was a family dispute over a commission. I hired my own attorney who wasn't a Real Estate attorney but very sharp. My attorney gave our case first and Judson got up to give his side for the company. He literally said exactly verbatim what my attorney said and had the nerve to charge me and the company for his 15 minute statement that he copied from my attorney. We did win the case but not because of anything he did or said and the bill from him was over $10,000. which I had to pay a large portion.
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23 Dec, 2021 by Christina digesti
Beware! Professional elder manipulator and abuser. Stay far away. She works as a POA, guardian, and swindler of the elderly. I pity anyone unfortunate enough to have to deal with this monster.
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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.
