Filter by

star star star star star
16 Sep, 2024 by Marisol cajero
Mi experiencia con ellos es muy buena. Me ayudaron en mi proceso los recomiendo 100% muy buen servicio.
Read more Google Maps
star star star star star
16 Sep, 2024 by Liz h
I would highly recommend Grande Law firm!! With the help of these amazing, kind hearted people, my mom was able to successfully complete her immigration case! They where able to help her obtain residency, she will now be able to travel to her home country for the first time in 20+ years! They made the process stress free, and where always upfront and honest! Me and my family are forever grateful thank you Cynthia/ Rebecca for everything!
Read more Google Maps
star star star star star
16 Sep, 2024 by Grace
My husband and I are very thankful for the support throughout the whole process of obtaining my residency. Cynthia and her team explained everything to us thoroughly and in a way that was easy to understand. I want to give a special thanks to Rebecca for always being available to answer any of our questions. Her professionalism and attention to our case made us comfortable and confident throughout the process. We will definitely recommend them to our friends and family.
Read more Google Maps
See more
star star star star star
12 Feb, 2024 by Anonymous
He doesn't state the obvious, like 'get a lawyer'. Some of us cannot afford a lawyer. He gives advice the way old-school lawyers do - and that's good. Straight to the point.
Read more Avvo
star star star star star
28 Oct, 2021 by Anonymous
James is an excellent attorney, and I cannot recommend him more highly. He's as old as the hills, so he knows the law better than anybody, being one of the founding fathers of modern jurisprudence. He took care of all my needs with patience, competence, and assurance, and secured me a fantastic settlement. Here's to another 100 years of fine legal practice!
Read more Avvo
star star star star star
13 Jan, 2021 by Laurie
Thank you for your quick honest help. Thank you for going above and beyond and giving me a link to the information I needed, the forms to fill out my self in this tough time.
Read more Avvo
See more
star star star star star
12 Jul, 2022 by Kathleen
I went with Meinzer at a girlfriends recommendation. Just finished my trust\will. It was a much easier experience then I had worked it up to be. Everyone in the office were completely helpful, and knowledgeable . I’m happy to say it is a relief to have everything wrapped up. Thanks to all of you.
Read more Avvo
star star star star star
03 Apr, 2022 by Anna
I would highly recommend Andrew Meinzer and his excellent team for any and all family trust situations. They were consistently knowledgeable, friendly, supportive, and available to provide guidance and assistance to our family as we navigated a complicated family trust. Always highly professional, they were just a phone call or email away to help. I am happy to offer this recommendation as our journey together ends.
Read more Avvo
star star star star star
13 Sep, 2021 by Bonnie
Andrew Meinzer represented me in a trust litigation case. He did an excellent job. He was very thorough and knowledgeable. He kept me up to date on everything in the case and answered any questions I had on it. He was very prompt in responding back to me whenever I needed to contact him. I would highly recommend him!
Read more Avvo
See more
star star star star star
13 May, 2020 by Lee
I spoke to Ms. Brown and her paralegal, Carol, a couple of months ago regarding the conservatorship of my daughter, who is in a longterm care facility. I talked to Carol several times before speaking to Ms. Brown. Based upon my experience with a previous attorney, I was taken by the compassion, understanding and kindness that Carol showed me in those initial encounters. She offered me some ideas for handling a particularly difficult situation before setting up an appointment with Ms. Brown. When the need became more pressing, I finally talked to Christine, who took a practical approach to the predicament in which I found myself and in the end, saved me from a prolonged court fight and significant fees. I can't recommend this firm highly enough. In my experience, there aren't many attorneys who will take on conservatorship matters as they can be fraught with emotion and contentiousness. These women have kind hearts and that is rare in the legal profession, whether due to training or personality. I found in this firm that it is possible to have compassion and still be professional.
Read more Avvo
star star star star star
16 Feb, 2016 by Jacob and mary
Christine Brown and her staff made what we thought would be a very difficult process very easy. She has a wonderful sense of humor which is important in tense situations. She is very attentive to details and makes sure everything is included in the trust as well as all supportive documents. My wife and I have already recommended her to a number of our friends. The hardest part of preparing a will and setting up a trust is JUST GETTING STARTED. Christine made it all easy, timely and we know it will be correct.
Read more Avvo
star star star star star
13 Jan, 2016 by Hildegard
I am more than pleased with the professional and caring service I was provided by the Law Offices of R. Christine Brown during the process of getting my estate plan in place. I am grateful for their kind assistance and advice.
Read more Avvo
See more
star star star star star
19 Sep, 2018 by Norma
Beti did a fantastic job. She is compassionate and honest, direct and patient with us when it was warranted. Very skilled in interpreting or reading the courtroom's temperature. She comes prepared and manages precarious courtroom situations with aplomb. Everything that needed to be done, she managed to pull it all together, handled promptly with great detail by her and her office. I am extremely pleased with the successful outcome of our case!
Read more Avvo
star star star star star
27 Aug, 2018 by Ll
I hired Beti to represent me in a family dispute that had been brewing and knew would become extremely contentious. To save costs, Beti directed the associate lawyer who later left but then was replaced by another associate attorney, Lorne who was very detail oriented, responsive and capable. I was always advised honestly of what would happen. Beti and Lorne did not escalate any matter in order to pad their bill. Beti is a tough lawyer and not afraid to fight. But she and her associate always gave me the landscape of options and what would happen if I chose one option over the other. And when I did chose an option, they played a strong hand. It was a painfully emotional and protracted ordeal, and in the end, it concluded in a way that I still kept my rights, stopped the one upsmanship with the other side, and my restored my well-being.
Read more Avvo
star star star star star
14 Aug, 2018 by Jennifer
I met Beti almost two years ago after my husband helped me search and search and finally narrow down the right attorney to represent my case. Her area of expertise, in living trusts, probation and litigation, was exactly what I was looking for. However, her upmost qualities of being a mother and protecting family values is what connected me to her. Beti and her team, at Peninsula Law, were amazing to work with. Beti tactfully handled my situation and continuously followed up with me to make sure we were always on the same page. She successfully represented me when my case went through litigation and a few appeals. My case recently closed. I can truly say she surpassed my expectations and helped my family and I, ease in the transition of one of the most difficult times in my life. I would highly recommend working with Beti and definitely plan to work with her again in the planning of my own personal legal decisions for my family. Thank You Beti for being passionate in the work that you do!
Read more Avvo
See more
star star star star star
03 Oct, 2023 by John
Google Maps
star star star star star
28 May, 2021 by Joel peredo
Google Maps
star star star star star
24 Jul, 2020 by Ritchie sonata ono
Google Maps
See more
star star star star star
27 Mar, 2022 by Nick ferara
Google Maps
star star star star star
15 Feb, 2021 by Matthew a
I recently did some Estate planning with the Cox Law Group. I could not be more pleased with the results. While I was doing my research, Cynthia Cox took the time to fully explain the strategies we would be implementing. She laid everything out in an email and was available by phone to fully explain every detail and answer my many questions. Once I retained the Cox Law firm I worked with Cynthia and her associate Dawn Hartman. Dawn was great. She was knowledgeable, efficient and responsive. We got the job done and I could not be happier with the results. I would highly recommend this firm.
Read more Google Maps
star star star star star
03 Feb, 2021 by Jeanne powers
Everyone I’ve worked with, whether on my husband and my estate planning or the conservatorship of my mother’s estate, has been very helpful, kind and efficient.
Read more Google Maps
See more
star star star star star
28 Aug, 2023 by Amanda stark
I had the unique experience of working with Bruce Mandel, even though he was originally hired by my ex-husband. Throughout this challenging process, Bruce and his team displayed an exceptional level of professionalism, compassion, and efficiency that truly set them apart. From the moment I engaged with his practice, I was met with kindness and understanding. Bruce not only helped me navigate the legal complexities of divorce but also went above and beyond by providing me guidance with the paperwork. The staff at Bruce Mandel's office deserves special recognition as well. They were consistently informative, promptly returning my calls and ensuring that I had the information I needed to move forward in a timely manner. Never once did I feel like a burden, and their willingness to assist was both comforting and greatly appreciated. Bruce Mandel and his team stood out as beacons of professionalism and support. Their exceptional service, combined with their genuine care for their clients, made a difficult process as smooth as possible. I couldn't recommend their services more highly.
Read more Google Maps
star star star star star
15 Apr, 2023 by Damian camarena
Mr. Mandel is truly a Saint. He has helped me numerous times over a span of about 7 years. The work he has done for me and the advice I was given are priceless. He has the experience to get the best outcome for the family as a whole. I would recommend him to anyone in need of family law services.
Read more Google Maps
star star star star star
18 Feb, 2023 by Jeanette
In this review I want to express how glad I am to ask Bruce Mandel and his team to help me navigate the legal system and to handle my paternity case. I considered trying to go through this on my own, but for regular folks like me, it is beneficial to hire an experienced lawyer in family law. Going through a paternity case is lengthy with many forms to fill out that would be incredibly difficult for someone who has not studied law. The terminology used in court and court documents was enough to convince me it was in my best interest to hire a professional. About the team: Starting with the nice office assistant who answers the phones, she is the first voice you hear when setting up your first consultation and any time you call to ask questions or follow up on your case. She was always very patient and friendly. She would answer my questions if she knew how to answer, but if she didn't have a response for me she would get me in contact with someone who could help me out. Yolanda is the incredibly knowledgeable paralegal that I spoke to the most throughout this process. She was very patient with me when I had questions about the process, my case, follow ups, and what to expect. She was accessible and always made sure to get back to me. Lastly, Bruce Mandel was very honest and straightforward with me starting since the consultation. I let him know my situation and what I was hoping for the outcome of this case. He answered all the questions I had for him as they came up, and I felt comfortable with his advice and the process. I went through my case knowing I was in good hands. I didn't go through this case trying to navigate the court system on my own, or trying to figure out what documents to fill out, or wondering if I was doing things correctly. For a matter as important as a paternity case you definitely need a lawyer and a team like Bruce Mandel's team.  Ultimately, the outcome of my case was in my favor. Thank you!
Read more Google Maps
See more
star star star star star
14 Jul, 2023 by Arellano
After my fathers recent visit with Peter Keon to update his Will/Trust my father reports that Mr. Peter A. Keon treated him very unprofessionally and condescending. My father even scheduled an interpreter for their meeting and Mr. Keon kept insisting that my father should, “speak English” repetitively. Mr. Keon even made and comment to my father “you’re crazy” regarding something he didn’t agree with. The interpreter was passive as she wasn’t equipped to translate correctly or even advocate for my father. My father felt miss represented throughout the entire meeting as Mr. Keons unprofessional demeanor resulted in Mr. Keon walking up out his seat to handle other matters as the translator was interrupting what my father was stating. Mr. Keon’s was not only passive aggressive with certain statements and comments towards my father in the meeting but he was also very discriminating that my farther felt the aggression and had to walk out the meeting. This company has been overall extremely disappointing and unprofessional. My father mentioned that it took several weeks to get this meeting scheduled with this law firm. To get treated this way is truly insensitive toward their clients. Especially ones who pay for their service. We Do Not recommend this company to other and if you’re looking to get involved Stay Away especially if you are a Latino. The company is Not worth your time and especially not your money. My father no longer wants to be represent by this law firm and will take his assets elsewhere.
Read more Avvo
star star star star star
10 Apr, 2011 by Anonymous
A recent opportunity working with Mr. Peter Keon, and I will definitely recommend my other clients to him. Two thumbs up.
Read more Avvo
See more
Discover the ideal lawyer
You can search a lawyer by practice area, lawyer name, city, state, or ZIP code
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:

  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.

Scroll to top