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08 Jun, 2021 by Randy
We bought a brand new 2020 cyclone rv July 5, 2019. We had nothing but problems with it from the very first day. From holes drilled in the drain pipe for the sink to lights strobing in the living area and master bedroom, to awning arms breaking, water leaking in the door to the kitchen, back ramp door filling with water, we even had a situation where the rod for the rear bunks came out and the right seat crashed down and hit my son in the back. Bubbling around the roof, lights burned out all over. it was so bad that every single time that we went to use the rv I had to go pick it up from the repair center, use it, then return it to the repair center. It got so bad that I was dealing with heartland directly. I had my own direct number to a supervisor at heartland. He would call me or I would call him and we would go over the warranty items and he would tell me he was approving them line by line as I was on the phone with him. I would go to pick up my rig and nothing would be repaired! I would send an email to him 3-5 days later I would get a response that everything was approved. 4-6 weeks later I would go to use my rig again and nothing would be fixed. They would print the work orders and show me in black and white that everything had been denied. This went on for 1.5 yrs. I got tired of it. Warranties were expiring or expired and nothing was getting fixed. So in late January 2021 I made 3 calls to different attorneys. I left messages with all 3 giving a brief explanation of what was going on and the problems I was having/dealing with. Tony was the only one who returned my call and within 5 min. I spent over 30 min with him over the phone. He listened to every word that I had to say. He took notes asked me questions so he fully understood my dilemma and then Made some suggestions to me of what to do next. The last thing he said to me before we hung up was “ hang in there and if you ever need anything else call me and ill do whatever I can to help you”. Well 6 weeks later I called him again and hired him to do a demand letter. I had hundreds of emails back and forth with heartland. I had videos of the damage, 30-40 repair orders from 3 different repair facilities, that he had to go through. Within a week he had prepared a demand letter, sent it to heartland and received a response from upper management. 1 week and he was already further up the chain than I got in 1.5 yrs. He didn’t stop there like a normal attorney would have considering I only paid him to do a demand letter. He kept on with them back and forth until we reached an agreement. We are in the final phases now with heartland and of course we agreed to hire him on for the negotiations at a separate rate. Tony saved us big time. For what he did for us and is still currently doing for us was way more and way over the top of what he charged us. There is no way that I could have accomplished what he’s done. I would recommend his law firm to anyone who needs help not with just issues like mine but any issues you have. If you want someone who never stops fighting for you, Tony is the man you want on your side. I won’t divulge our settlement but I will say that we are extremely pleased with the results, especially considering what it cost us. All this and my wife and have never physically met Tony. Many many conversations and emails later he got it done!! Thank you again Tony! Randy Revis
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26 Mar, 2021 by Leona
My husband and I had the best experience with Mr. Conticello P.A. We had a dispute with our landlord and didn't know exactly what the laws were regarding our case or how to move forward legally. I spoke with several different attorneys before hiring this firm and I'm certain I made the right choice! After scheduling a consultation within 48 hours, my husband I were given all the tools we would need to succeed legally in small claims court. Our attorney was patient, knowledgeable, kind, respectful, and very good at communicating the law to us so we could comprehend. I would definitely trust this firm to handle my legal needs in the future.
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22 Feb, 2021 by Melissa
I used Conticello, PA to obtain legal advice on how to proceed with a Florida based vacation company. Due to COVID, we had to cancel our travel plans and as a result, the company issued a travel voucher for the full balance we originally paid. When we re-booked the trip, they sold us insurance to cover the value of the travel voucher, however, when we had to cancel our plans again, we found out that insurance doesn't cover travel vouchers and the company was also unwilling to give us our voucher back (1 time use only). Anthony answered all of calls/questions and provided several options for us to proceed. Within 1 day of sending a demand letter, the company was willing to reissue us our travel voucher. Anthony also checked in with us to ensure we were able to redeem the voucher without any issues. Without his help we would have lost a significant amount of money as well as a family trip. We were extremely happy with his services and would highly recommend him. He is knowledgeable, patient and most importantly, effective!
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23 Jul, 2014 by Anonymous
Ms. McConnaughhay took care of my uncle's estate and trust planning in a timely and thorough fashion. She was very patient - there was a language barrier-- in listening to his needs. She also gave him honest advice and explained everything to not only him, but also to his selected family members upon his request. She took everyone's questions, but continued to protect his interests. Her staff is very helpful and discrete. I will continue to recommend her to anyone who has probate, wills, estate, trust or guardianship issues.
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13 Jul, 2014 by Toni
Jana completed my will several years ago. After a divorce she updated my will and gave me very sound advice and direction. I have complete confidence that she works with MY best interests in mind. Her work is professional, timely and thorough.
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11 Jul, 2014 by Betsy
Jana completed our estate planning in a very professional and expedient manner. She is well versed in all aspects in estate planning and especially elder law. Jana is compassionate, patient, knowledgeable and thorough. I found her price structure to be reasonable. My experience was so positive, I have recommended several folks to Jana. She has also completed my parents estate planning. If you get the opportunity to work with Jana and her team, you will find her expertise and customer service to be excellent. I highly recommend her services.
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04 Dec, 2015 by Anonymous
Audrey Ehrhardt executed living wills, health care directives, power of attorney, pre-need guardian, and last will documents for my husband and I. She listened to our needs and created a plan to meet them, making the process very smooth and easy. Mrs. Ehrhardt has also been helpful with subsequent consultations regarding arrangements we may need to have in place as our parents age. She is extremely knowledgable with elder law issues, and knowing she is only a phone call way is a great comfort. I would highly recommend Mrs. Ehrhardt if you need an attorney specializing in elder law and/ or wills.
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06 Sep, 2021 by Anonymous
Provided excellent services for my family in varied areas including property law.
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07 May, 2015 by Jennifer
This is my first experience hiring an attorney and loosing a loved one followed by the administration of a will and the probate process. I have been extremely pleasantly surprised with how kind, responsive and wonderful everyone at this firm has been. I am very grateful to them for their help during this sad and stressful time.
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30 Oct, 2024 by Samantha creel
Mr. Factor is amazing to work with, and everyone was so comforting and helpful. Thank you Sandie!
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29 Oct, 2024 by Kris martel
The entire staff at Max Factor were always very welcoming and made me feel comfortable from the very first time I visited their office. Mr. Factor explained everything and ensured I was aware of what to expect every step of the way. I don’t believe I could find another lawyer who is more level headed, logical, and able to be my champion through the divorce I was unfortunate enough to go through. If you want an honest, trustworthy, and well connected lawyer to represent you in a divorce, look no further than Max Factor Law.
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24 Oct, 2024 by Mei1947 irvine
Max Factor' firm was outstanding in helping me with my divorce. Sandie,Amber, Eric, Will and Max made in so easy to tread though the legalize of divorce. I recommend this law firm highly for any family law issue you may encounter.
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14 Jul, 2016 by Anonymous
Unfortunately, I hired James Banks for a divorce and child custody battle. Or shall I say there wasn't a battle because he couldn't misrepresent me fast enough. He mislead me with every question he was entrusted to answer. Awful results because of his advice and counsel. Never again and I'd never recommend.
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12 Mar, 2012 by Anonymous
I was a client of Mr. Banks on a family law matter. To be fair, I must say that a colleague of mine, who had gone through a divorce two years before, had recommended Mr. Banks. In my case, I found Mr. Banks not prepared, unwilling to listen and communicate what is important, and the office was not well run.
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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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. What is the best approach for my case?
    Ask for an honest assessment of your situation and what legal strategies the lawyer recommends.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.

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