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16 Dec, 2024 by Michael misciagna
Estate planning is so important, especially when you have a family. It can be daunting trying to find the right person to lead you through the process and we STRUCK GOLD when we hired Stefanie! She helped us to achieve some peace of mind. She is incredibly knowledgeable, responsive, and patient with all our questions. Stefanie makes the whole process easy to handle and understand. On top of that, she takes the initiative to ensure we've done our part to implement the estate plan into lives. She makes you feel like she's a part of your family; that she cares. Thanks Stefanie!
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20 Oct, 2024 by Lori
When we decided to build a trust, my husband did a search online and found Law Offices of Stefanie West, Inc. I was a little hesitant about this since we usually go through referrals, but after our first meeting with her we knew she was the one.
Stefanie is very thorough and walked us through all of the paperwork step-by-step. She also gave us examples of how a situation may or may not play out when we were unsure. She always provided important guidance and recommendations throughout the process. She was also always reachable and responded right away. She’s professional yet has a good sense of humor and makes you feel very comfortable. Stefanie is an exceptional attorney and we highly recommend her services!
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06 Oct, 2024 by Lucy frank
Are you consistently putting off the daunting task of making your trust? So did I, for years, YEARS, because I didn't even know where to begin. I didn't want to meet with a stuffy lawyer who I couldn't connect with, I didn't want to be faced with big legal jargon I didn't understand. I needed someone who would lay it all out for me in simple terms, answer my incessant questions, and be there every step of the way, which is EXACTLY what I have found in Stefanie.
Stefanie is organized, communicative, accommodating, caring and has very clear cut instructions on how to successfully set up your trust. She is with you every step of the way and is someone you can call on as life changes. She knows what she's doing, and she made what would have been an otherwise dry and honestly somewhat dreary task feel more approachable.
As long as you follow through with her very clear and concise instructions, you will be set and so glad you trusted Stefanie, I sure am!
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5.0
20 Reviews
4.7
58 Reviews
22 Nov, 2024 by Karen schuckman
Our family business needed to close down and declare bankruptcy. David Arietta was recommended to us and we found him and his staff to be very professional and communicative during a difficult time for us. They provided clear and concise instructions on completing paperwork, always replied in a timely fashion and represented us successfully in court. We definitely recommend David Arietta 100%.
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20 Nov, 2024 by Lance wong
I recently needed help getting a corporation through the business bankruptcy process and David Arietta came highly recommended. David clearly explained what to expect and both he and his staff were very responsive throughout the proceedings. I would recommend him without reservation to anyone needing help with bankrupcty.
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15 Nov, 2024 by Toni de alba
01 Nov, 2024 by Nancy monroe
Nathan and his business associates are the best! I felt like well taken care of throughout the probate process and almost like I was losing family when it ended
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30 Oct, 2024 by David flin
Nathan came to me during a very difficult time, he navigated me through the entire process. He was able to resolve my case.
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10 Oct, 2024 by Monica burneikis
I brought Matthew Talbot into a personal injury case I was handling that had a probate issue that needed to be litigated. I was impressed with Matt's responsiveness and expertise. He clearly knows the ins-and-outs of estate law. I would not hesitate to retain his firm again for any kind of probate litigation matter.
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03 Mar, 2016 by Edward wesley duncan
I retained Mr. Thiessen in 2007 to represent me in my Divorce Case. From the very start Mr. Thiessen was so on top of everything that I felt very confident that I had the best Representation possible. There was a large amount of money involved in a complicated case. We also had to file an Action in the Civil Courts, Brian Thiessen proceeded in the same integegrable fashion and represented me to the fullest. As if things weren't complicated already, my Father passed away during this time leaving his Trust. We ran into some major issues with other family members and had to file yet another lawsuit. During the course of eight years Brian D. Thiessen represented me in 3 Law Cases in which two of the cases went to trial. . Brian took care of everything with such Integrity that I never had to worry about anything. The end result was that we settled the divorce and won the two lawsuits. I can truly say that Brian D. Thiessen is among the most amazing people I have ever known. Brian got me through the most difficult time of my life. If your in need of the best representation you can get Brian D. Thiessen is the one. Thankyou Brian for staying with me and getting my life back to normal. My deepest gratitude. ***Three Thumbs Up *** Edward
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04 Jun, 2019 by Susie
In terms of my estate planning in the past, I had done it on my own with documents I sourced online. Yet, I’ve always known that I needed to complete my estate plan the right way, but I was embarrassed that I hadn’t sought out professional help previously and that my affairs weren’t exactly where I wanted them to be as a single mom paying for most of my daughter’s expenses. After working with Kirsten to help market and grow her business, I saw the importance of making my estate plan a priority. There is no time the like the present to get your affairs in order, and I knew that Kirsten was the right person to help me. Kirsten and the Absolute Trust Counsel team pride themselves on making each client a priority, and I was no exception to that rule. I was so blown away by Kirsten’s commitment to her clients, processes and her business practices that I flew up to Walnut Creek from Orange County to work with her, and it was WELL WORTH the travel. Thank you, Kirsten and ATC team, for helping me feel comfortable and secure my future the right way!
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13 Nov, 2023 by Mdmsfan “mdmsfan”
Great place to work.
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28 May, 2020 by Andre densby
05 Aug, 2019 by Myesha alamri
A bunch of awesome
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20 May, 2024 by Ivan vindiola
The experience was great with Jason! He helped fix my situation and I have recommended him to others. 10/10 service !!
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20 May, 2024 by Yasmin de leon
I was recommended by a family member and they got my case dropped very quickly! I appreciate the honesty and help from Jason.
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20 May, 2024 by Anthony martinez
They were very helpful and always on top of everything. I will highly recommend these guys to anybody in need !
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31 Mar, 2024 by Lucero sandoval
Lifesaver in the Legal Maze: A Review for Candelaria PC Law Office in Walnut Creek, CA
For years, I had been locked in a relentless battle with my divorce, struggling to find a way out of the turmoil that had consumed me since 2019. My ex was uncooperative, the financial strain was overwhelming, and the emotional toll was staggering. Then, amidst the chaos, I found Candelaria PC and met Attorney Alice P. Cheng.
From the outset, it was clear that they understood the gravity of my situation. Despite my financial hardships, they welcomed me with empathy and support, ensuring that money would not stand in the way of my freedom. Their understanding and assistance with my financial problems were a beacon of hope in my darkest days.
But it was their unwavering dedication to my case that truly set them apart. Taking over all actions on my behalf, they shielded me from the constant strife of dealing with my ex directly. Their adept handling of the legal proceedings meant that I no longer had to endure the agony of court dates, sparing me further anguish.
Even though I lived in a different state, Attorney Cheng and Candelaria PC remained steadfast in their commitment to my case. Despite the logistical challenges, they navigated the complexities of divorce proceedings in California with ease, ensuring that distance was never a barrier to justice.
Beneath their expert guidance, the seemingly endless ordeal finally came to an end. In just a few months, they achieved what I had struggled to accomplish on my own: a successful divorce. As the new year approached, I found myself liberated from the chains that had bound me for so long.
To say that I am grateful, happy, and blessed feels like an understatement. Attorney Cheng and Candelaria PC not only provided me with legal expertise but also with compassion and support during one of the darkest periods of my life. Their dedication and perseverance were a beacon of hope in my darkest days.
If you find yourself battling a divorce, I wholeheartedly recommend Candelaria PC Law Office. They are not just lawyers; they are champions of justice and guardians of hope. With them by your side, you can navigate even the most daunting legal challenges with confidence and dignity.
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05 Mar, 2024 by Albert esparza
Amazing service! Friendly staff. Im so thankful for their help.
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26 Jan, 2024 by Jewels hyatt
Hands down the best thing that ever happened to me, was having Candelaria Law represent me.
Especially Mariam & Alice. They are truly amazing at what they do! They care about their clients. Mariam worked hard on my case & represented me in a way I couldn’t, she always made sure to get every last detail & was very thorough. If I had any questions Mariam made sure give me an answer & if she wasn’t sure, she would ask Alice & I don’t think there was anything Alice couldn’t answer. Danya, she always had things uploaded online, made sure to touch bases with me to tell me when my court appearances were & if there was something they needed on my end!
They are phenomenal team, extremely responsive (they don’t leave you in the dark) & they FIGHT for their clients!
They are the reason I have full legal & physical custody after a year long battle alone, it took them2 months to get my baby back!! I wouldn’t choose another team to handle my legal battles! I would choose them over & over again!!
Thank you Mariam, Alice & Danya you helped me get my missing piece !! I forever owe you thanks and have gratitude 🤍🫶🏼
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17 Apr, 2013 by Mary sanders
Excellent knowledge of the probate system. Very professional. Does work in a timely manner. Compassionate but a no nonsense person. Excellent in dealing with long distance clients. Highly recommended.
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02 Dec, 2024 by Roger lamm
31 Jan, 2024 by Giliat ghebray
Current working with Ethan and his team and very happy with the progress. Custody cases/arrangements can be very stressful and his team has been very communicative and supportive. I can reach out to them anytime and receive a timely response - something that is super important to me. Things can come up at any time and having a team that can provide rapid assistance is critical. I highly recommend Bay Area Family Law Center to anyone looking for top tier support and guidance!
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30 Jan, 2024 by Lauren covinha
Jay Renneisen is such an amazing, professional and honest lawyer. He is definitely someone you would want to have on your side! He was attentive to my needs, listened to all my concerns, was very organized and incredibly responsive to every email and phone call. He was able to win my case and get the result that I wanted! I would highly recommend Jay to anyone looking for a lawyer for his scope of work!
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20 Mar, 2024 by Eddie
Mr. Feldman came recommended from a friend while I dealt with my sister's estate probate. I was in a tough situation, not only my sister's probate was extra complicated but the lawyer I had was very unprofessional and uncommunicative. I talked to Mr. Feldman and was impressed with his knowledge and experiences. He assured me that he can take over the case and I would not need to worry about dealing with my ex-lawyer.
Fast forward 4+ yrs and the case was just closed this month. What a load off my shoulder! Aaron not only guided me through everything but solved quite a few difficult obstacles along the way. He is not only very knowledgable on the estate law but also quite good at what he does. He gave real advice even though at time it was not what I wanted to hear and proved to be the right one. I was really impressed with how Aaron dealt with problems with patient and attention to details. Aaron took care of everything as he promised and got the probate closed as the expected date with no delay. I would highly recommend his firm.
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03 Sep, 2015 by Anonymous
We hired Mr. Feldman to review a contract and make edits and recommendation for proceeding. It took him almost 2 months to complete a few changes to a 2 page agreement. He would not answer questions, return calls, and was unavailable or busy most of the time. In his communication to us he stated the obvious and charged us for it or gave us conflicting advice. The first draft of the agreement was flawed and incomplete. Then when we pointed out our concerns he withdrew and did not complete the work. He has not returned our calls even though we asked for an opportunity to get back on track and make it work. He left us in a very bad position with months of wasted time. I would not trust Mr. Feldman or recommend him.
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20 May, 2009 by Anonymous
Aaron is really helpful and reasonable. He lets you know right up front what to expect in terms of cost and a timeline for getting your work done. He explained things really well and when things took longer than expected (not his fault, the dept. of corporations) he let me know right away.
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02 Dec, 2024 by Roger lamm
31 Jan, 2024 by Giliat ghebray
Current working with Ethan and his team and very happy with the progress. Custody cases/arrangements can be very stressful and his team has been very communicative and supportive. I can reach out to them anytime and receive a timely response - something that is super important to me. Things can come up at any time and having a team that can provide rapid assistance is critical. I highly recommend Bay Area Family Law Center to anyone looking for top tier support and guidance!
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30 Jan, 2024 by Lauren covinha
Jay Renneisen is such an amazing, professional and honest lawyer. He is definitely someone you would want to have on your side! He was attentive to my needs, listened to all my concerns, was very organized and incredibly responsive to every email and phone call. He was able to win my case and get the result that I wanted! I would highly recommend Jay to anyone looking for a lawyer for his scope of work!
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FAQs
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What an Elder Law Lawyer Can Do for You
An elder law lawyer specializes in legal issues that affect older adults, their families, and caregivers. These lawyers handle a broad range of topics, including estate planning, Medicaid and Medicare, long-term care planning, guardianship, elder abuse, and retirement planning. The goal of an elder law lawyer is to protect the rights, finances, and well-being of elderly individuals and to help them plan for future healthcare and financial security.
If you or a loved one is aging and facing challenges related to healthcare, finances, or legal matters, an elder law lawyer can provide essential guidance to protect your rights and interests as you age.
When Should I Hire an Elder Law Lawyer?
Hiring an elder law lawyer can be beneficial in many situations where older adults need help with legal, financial, or healthcare-related decisions. Common reasons to hire an elder law lawyer include:
- Estate planning: If you want to create or update a will, set up trusts, or ensure that your assets are distributed according to your wishes, an elder law lawyer can help with comprehensive estate planning.
- Medicaid and Medicare planning: If you need help qualifying for Medicaid to cover long-term care or need advice on navigating Medicare benefits, a lawyer can guide you through the application process and protect your assets.
- Long-term care planning: If you’re concerned about paying for nursing home care or assisted living, a lawyer can help you create a financial plan and explore options for government assistance.
- Guardianship or conservatorship: If a family member is unable to make decisions due to age-related cognitive issues, an elder law lawyer can assist in setting up legal guardianship or conservatorship to ensure their care.
- Elder abuse and exploitation: If you or a loved one is experiencing physical, emotional, or financial abuse, an elder law lawyer can help you take legal action to stop the abuse and recover damages.
- Retirement planning: Elder law lawyers can assist with planning for retirement, including managing pensions, Social Security, and other retirement income.
- Special needs planning: If you have a disabled family member who requires special care, an elder law lawyer can help create trusts or other legal arrangements to ensure their long-term financial and healthcare needs are met.
What Does an Elder Law Lawyer Do?
An elder law lawyer provides a wide range of legal services to help older adults and their families navigate the complexities of aging, healthcare, and estate planning. Their responsibilities often include:
- Drafting wills and trusts: Creating legal documents that outline how an individual’s assets will be distributed after death, ensuring that their wishes are honored.
- Medicaid and Medicare planning: Helping clients protect their assets while qualifying for government benefits to cover healthcare and long-term care costs.
- Establishing guardianships: Assisting families in setting up guardianship or conservatorship for loved ones who are unable to make decisions due to mental or physical incapacity.
- Protecting against elder abuse: Investigating claims of elder abuse or financial exploitation and representing the victim in legal actions to stop the abuse and seek compensation.
- Planning for long-term care: Developing strategies to cover the costs of nursing homes, assisted living, and other long-term care options without exhausting the elder’s financial resources.
- Managing probate and estate administration: Guiding families through the probate process to ensure that the decedent’s assets are distributed according to the law and their wishes.
- Setting up advance directives: Helping clients establish healthcare directives and powers of attorney to ensure their medical and financial decisions are carried out if they become incapacitated.
How Are Elder Law Lawyers Paid?
Elder law lawyers typically charge for their services based on the complexity of the case and the type of legal work involved. Common payment structures include:
- Hourly rate: Many elder law lawyers charge by the hour, especially for tasks such as drafting documents, handling legal disputes, or providing ongoing legal advice. Hourly rates typically range from $150 to $500 or more, depending on the lawyer’s experience and location.
- Flat fee: For specific tasks, such as drafting a will or setting up a trust, some lawyers charge a flat fee. This can range from $500 to $5,000 or more, depending on the complexity of the estate plan.
- Retainer: For long-term legal representation, such as managing a trust or handling guardianship matters, a lawyer may charge a retainer, which is an upfront payment that covers future legal work.
- Contingency fee: In some elder abuse or financial exploitation cases, a lawyer may work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if they recover compensation for the client. This fee is typically a percentage of the settlement or damages awarded.
Be sure to discuss fees with your lawyer during the initial consultation to understand how you will be billed and what the total cost of services might be.
How Much Does an Elder Law Lawyer Cost?
The cost of hiring an elder law lawyer varies depending on the complexity of the case, the lawyer’s experience, and the fee structure. General cost estimates include:
- Simple estate planning: Drafting basic documents, such as a will or power of attorney, may cost between $500 and $2,000, depending on the complexity of the client’s assets and wishes.
- Complex estate planning: Setting up more advanced estate plans, such as revocable or irrevocable trusts, Medicaid planning, or special needs trusts, can range from $2,000 to $10,000 or more.
- Guardianship or conservatorship: Legal fees for setting up guardianship or conservatorship often range from $2,000 to $5,000 or more, depending on the complexity of the case and whether disputes arise.
- Medicaid planning: Legal fees for Medicaid planning can range from $1,500 to $10,000, depending on the level of asset protection needed and the complexity of the individual’s financial situation.
Always ask for an estimate of fees during your initial consultation to ensure you understand how much the legal services will cost.
Top Questions to Ask an Elder Law Lawyer
Before hiring an elder law lawyer, it’s important to ask the right questions to ensure they have the experience and expertise needed to handle your case. Key questions to ask include:
-
What experience do you have with elder law cases?
Make sure the lawyer has experience handling cases similar to yours, whether it's estate planning, Medicaid applications, or elder abuse claims. -
How do you charge for your services?
Clarify whether the lawyer charges by the hour, a flat fee, or a retainer, and ask for a detailed estimate of the total cost. -
What is the best approach for my case?
Ask for an honest assessment of your situation and what legal strategies the lawyer recommends. -
How long will the process take?
Whether it’s drafting an estate plan or setting up a guardianship, ask the lawyer how long they expect the process to take. -
Will you handle my case personally?
In larger firms, junior attorneys or paralegals may handle parts of the case. Make sure you know who will be working on your case directly. -
What documents should I bring to the consultation?
Ask the lawyer what documentation or information you should prepare for your consultation, such as medical records, financial statements, or prior legal documents.
How to Check the Credibility of an Elder Law Lawyer
To ensure you are hiring a reputable elder law lawyer, follow these steps to verify their credentials and experience:
- Check their bar status: Verify with your state bar association that the lawyer is licensed to practice and has no history of disciplinary actions.
- Look for elder law experience: Review the lawyer’s website or professional profile to ensure they specialize in elder law and have experience with cases similar to yours.
- Read client reviews and testimonials: Look for client reviews on platforms like Avvo, Martindale-Hubbell, or Google to see what previous clients have said about the lawyer’s professionalism and success rate.
- Ask for references: A credible lawyer should be able to provide references from past clients who have worked with them on elder law issues.
- Check for certifications: Look for certifications or affiliations with organizations such as the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA), which can indicate the lawyer’s dedication to elder law.
What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?
To get the most out of your first consultation with an elder law lawyer, it’s important to come prepared with relevant documents and information. Here’s what you should bring:
- Existing estate planning documents: If you have a will, trust, or power of attorney in place, bring copies for the lawyer to review.
- Financial records: Provide details of your assets, including bank accounts, investments, real estate, and retirement accounts, as well as any debts.
- Medical information: If the case involves guardianship or Medicaid planning, bring relevant medical records that detail the individual's health condition and care needs.
- Insurance policies: Bring information about health insurance, long-term care insurance, and any other relevant policies.
- Questions for the lawyer: Write down any questions you have about your legal needs, the process, and the lawyer’s fees.
- List of family members or beneficiaries: Prepare a list of the individuals you want to include in your estate plan or who will be affected by the legal process.
By preparing thoroughly for your consultation, you can help the lawyer assess your situation more effectively and receive the best legal advice tailored to your needs.
