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Suzann Leigh Beckett, experienced Elder Law, Estate Planning attorney in West Hartford, CT with 58 reviews
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39,92
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4.7/5
Avvo
5.0
2 Reviews
Google Maps
4.7
56 Reviews
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06 Dec, 2024 by Maximilian yuki stulz
Super supportive and accommodating to all of my needs. Found exactly what I was looking for. Absolutely different from what other offices offer.
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11 Oct, 2024 by Ronald ferrucci
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30 Sep, 2024 by Basetsana nkutha
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Lillian Babins Miller, experienced Elder Law, Estate Planning attorney in West Hartford, CT with 7 reviews
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Lawyer credibility rating system is an internal lawyer evaluation system developed by the company based on a comprehensive analysis of more than 10 indicators. The rating can range from 0 to 100.
39,22
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5.0/5
Avvo
5.0
7 Reviews
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22 Jul, 2019 by Norma
I had to have an updated will since it had been years and my situation had changed. Not only did Atty Miller do this to my specifications, she made sure I was covered for end of life health concerns and emergency life situations. On top of all that, I needed the update in a very short time. She delivered.
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03 Apr, 2016 by Jack
After a acute change in health status, we were referred to Lillian for estate planning. During a very difficult time, she and her office provided outstanding services in the area of estate planning, advanced directives, and wills. We can not thank her enough. As well, folks we have referred had a similar superb experience, and we will continue to recommend her and her staff to others.
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06 Mar, 2016 by Anonymous
Lillian Miller was recommended by a friend to do estate planning for me. She did a great job. She met with me and my two children, where we discussed our situation and our needs. She listened very well, and took the time to understand us. She asked many questions, so she could get a clearer picture of what I would like to accomplish and avoid in the event of my death or incapacitation. She spent a great deal of time explaining to us what our options were, and what advantages or disadvantages there would be depending on the choices that were made. She was prompt in returning phone calls or emails. Her fees were reasonable. I would highly recommend her as an estate planning attorney.
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Rebecca A Hajosy, experienced Elder Law, Estate Planning attorney in West Hartford, CT with 2 reviews
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Lawyer credibility rating system is an internal lawyer evaluation system developed by the company based on a comprehensive analysis of more than 10 indicators. The rating can range from 0 to 100.
39,06
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5.0/5
Avvo
5.0
2 Reviews
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25 Jan, 2019 by Anna
Attorney Rebeca is very pleasant and honest and as a client you know she is on your side !! Extremely competent and respectful. Great knowledge , very smart lawyer . I was lucky to find her !
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01 May, 2015 by Anonymous
Ms. Hajosy is a very personable and capeable lawyer. She has handled several legal issues for our family and has been exceptional in all regards. I recommend her without reservation.
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Damon A R Kirschbaum, experienced Criminal Defense, Elder Law attorney in West Hartford, CT with 9 reviews
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Lawyer credibility rating system is an internal lawyer evaluation system developed by the company based on a comprehensive analysis of more than 10 indicators. The rating can range from 0 to 100.
33,81
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4.5/5
Avvo
4.5
9 Reviews
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13 Nov, 2021 by Louis
Four separate associates of this guy flailing around in my case for over 2 years...one disappeared with only an auto reply voicemail... He was no longer there for my motion to correct an illegal sentence by omar Williams and fired state attorney Gail hardy...the last associate fed donuts to cops on her way to the bar...ultimately they quit despite the merits of my claims that were acknowledged in lieu...run from these bunch of nutmeggers...holy moly
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30 Jul, 2020 by John
I guess I am finding myself on the Kirschbaum bandwagon looking at the reviews and if I could put all of them together that would explain how I feel. Please put your Yellow Pages away and stop googling and look no further, this is the best legal team in the state not only witnessed by the reviews I have read but from my own personal experience! I had a very difficult case that included the bureaucracy with the state’s Department of Developmental Services (DDS). The intricate layers that I was facing were mind boggling to say the least. I didn’t even know if they would take on such a case as mine. I knew going in that it was going to be difficult. My head was not hiding in the sand and would have understood if they had wished to decline. With my first initial appointment I met with the Managing Partner, Damon Kirschbaum and then later I met with Supervising attorney, Andrew O”Shea. When I left the initial appointment I was left with peace of mind and finally some tranquility that I had the best team working for me. The only thing that they told me was to tell them the truth of the circumstances and they would have my back….and indeed they did. I know this as when I saw emails going back and forth I remember seeing several that included 11:00 p.m. e-mail correspondence as well if I had a question during the weekends they were always there for me. What I think impressed me the most and made things easier was that both Atty. Kirschbaum and Atty. O’Shea listened intently on the issues at hand. They put a plan of action into place, explained in detail the pricing structure and put everything out on the table. I was never hit from behind on anything. If they didn’t have an answer to a question I posed to them they found out the information and presented it to me. They became immersed in my case all the while handling other cases as well. I always felt that I was the only client they had but I knew they had many others. You will never find more competent and caring attorneys such as Atty. Kirschbaum and Andrew O’Shea. If you want to have peace of mind as well as the feeling that the weight of the world is no longer on your shoulders, I know that they would exceed your expectations. jk
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11 Jun, 2020 by Wendy
Damon was very helpful and empathetic.He helped our family through a legally complicated trust with a very positive outcome.Thank you Damon.
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Sandra Sherlock White, experienced Elder Law attorney in West Hartford, CT with 2 reviews
Below Average
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Lawyer credibility rating system is an internal lawyer evaluation system developed by the company based on a comprehensive analysis of more than 10 indicators. The rating can range from 0 to 100.
13,69
star star star star star
3.0/5
Avvo
3.0
2 Reviews
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03 Apr, 2015 by Jen
My sister got sick with cancer and her sons father tried to take what was left of the estate after he passed. Sandy made sure my nephew not only got what little his mother had left but took on the rest of the case pro bono to make site he had enough to finish college. Sandy white is not only the only good lawyer I've ever met but a saint!
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31 Mar, 2014 by D
DO NOT HIRE THIS LAWYER. She charged my family $10K and then did nothing of value before informing us that she didn't know the answer to a simple fundamental question, referring us instead to another law firm. We are still trying to get our money back.
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Justin Marti, experienced Business, Elder Law attorney in West Hartford, CT with 0 reviews
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Lawyer credibility rating system is an internal lawyer evaluation system developed by the company based on a comprehensive analysis of more than 10 indicators. The rating can range from 0 to 100.
8,00
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0.0/5
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Steven M Basche, experienced Elder Law, Estate Planning attorney in West Hartford, CT with 0 reviews
Below Average
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Lawyer credibility rating system is an internal lawyer evaluation system developed by the company based on a comprehensive analysis of more than 10 indicators. The rating can range from 0 to 100.
8,00
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0.0/5
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John F Kearns III, experienced Elder Law, Probate attorney in West Hartford, CT with 1 reviews
Below Average
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Lawyer credibility rating system is an internal lawyer evaluation system developed by the company based on a comprehensive analysis of more than 10 indicators. The rating can range from 0 to 100.
7,17
star star star star star
1.0/5
Avvo
1.0
1 Reviews
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15 Jan, 2016 by Anonymous
We hired this elder law attorney in 2005-06 to prepare our wills, etc. When it became necessary to conduct further business in 2015, I was treated with extreme disrespect and condescension, consequently, I do not recommend this attorney and urge people to seek legal aid elsewhere.
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Paul A Hudon, experienced Business, Elder Law attorney in West Hartford, CT with 0 reviews
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Lawyer credibility rating system is an internal lawyer evaluation system developed by the company based on a comprehensive analysis of more than 10 indicators. The rating can range from 0 to 100.
4,00
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0.0/5
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Lisa V Courser, experienced Elder Law, Probate attorney in West Hartford, CT with 0 reviews
Below Average
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Lawyer credibility rating system is an internal lawyer evaluation system developed by the company based on a comprehensive analysis of more than 10 indicators. The rating can range from 0 to 100.
4,00
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0.0/5
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Damon Kirschbaum, experienced Elder Law, Estate Planning attorney in West Hartford, CT with 0 reviews
Below Average
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Lawyer credibility rating system is an internal lawyer evaluation system developed by the company based on a comprehensive analysis of more than 10 indicators. The rating can range from 0 to 100.
4,00
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0.0/5
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George Coppolo, experienced Business, Elder Law attorney in West Hartford, CT with 0 reviews
Below Average
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Lawyer credibility rating system is an internal lawyer evaluation system developed by the company based on a comprehensive analysis of more than 10 indicators. The rating can range from 0 to 100.
4,00
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0.0/5
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Olivia Curran Tawa, experienced Business, Elder Law attorney in West Hartford, CT with 0 reviews
Below Average
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Lawyer credibility rating system is an internal lawyer evaluation system developed by the company based on a comprehensive analysis of more than 10 indicators. The rating can range from 0 to 100.
0,00
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0.0/5
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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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