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23 Aug, 2020 by Donna
Genny was recommended by another attorney to help our family with planning for our father-in-law. After our consultation, she was honest and told us we did not need her service for what she said we needed to do. Genny is extremely bright, personable, communicates in a timely manner and overall an A+ attorney. I would highly recommend you invest in an hour long consultation with her if you need to plan for Elder Care in Florida.
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03 Jul, 2017 by Jo ann
When I met Genny, she was very nice, personable and a true professional. She made me feel comfortable and she explained everything to me. I was very pleased with the out come of my Estate Planning. I would recommend her to family and friends. Thank you.
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02 Sep, 2015 by Anonymous
She was a pleasure to work with throughout our estate planning. She was honest, patient and offered wonderful advice when needed.
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30 Apr, 2021 by Samuel
First legal relationship I ever had in 1986 with a new real estate investment and incorporating my company: since I have retained Counselor Bennett for estate planning with my parents, in-laws and my Personal family wills. He was at my wedding and my parents funerals: a family friend for 36 years!
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20 Apr, 2021 by Michael
It seems that I have known David forever. I have retained him over a number of years from time to time and been very happy with the results that he was able to obtain for me. My first experience with him as an attorney many years ago was when my father retained him to pursue a fire damage claim to our family’s seashore summer house in New Jersey. In the offseason, workmen were renovating the interior of the house and, specifically, installing a new kitchen. After they had left for the weekend, a fire started in the house in the middle of the night and there was significant fire damage. David had the moxie to retain the retired Fire Marshall for the City of Philadelphia as an expert witness who confirmed David’s suspicion as to the cause and origin of the fire. Before they had left for the weekend, the workmen had decided to have a party in the living room to celebrate the end of the work week. Along with the empty beer cans, one of the workers inadvertently dropped a lit cigarette inside the living room couch to smolder for several hours resulting in the fire. In proving the origin and burn pattern of the fire, David was able to secure a sizable and unexpected settlement from the insurance carrier for the renovation company.
The latest matter that David handled for me was the administration of the estate of my late mother who owned personal and real property in the States of New Jersey and Florida. His administration of the estate in those separate jurisdictions was seamless. His particular knowledge of New Jersey income tax procedure saved me tens of thousands of dollars that my accountant was prepared to have me hand over to the tax authorities in that State. Even when the Florida estate administration became complicated by the homeowners association action to foreclose on the Florida house for alleged non-payment of HOA fees, David was able to have that matter resolved and dismissed.
He is quite a talent and I would highly recommend him to anyone.
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16 Apr, 2021 by Phil
I am a CPA in the suburban Philadelphia are, and have known David personally for over 50 years and professionally for more than 30 years. If I have a particularly complex estate or trust matter which may or has included fiduciary litigation, income, gift or estate taxation, and has litigation between beneficiaries, creditors or as against the Internal Revenue Service, I have David on my speed dial. Ultimately, these matters are referred to him, and our office has retained him on any number of related files.
Not only a good friend by his deeds, I once had to explain to my father that the reason we were good friends was that he was and is fearless, no matter the adversary in and out of business. So it was no surprise to me when he took on the fifth largest law firm at the time in Philadelphia and beat them representing a contestant in a will contest over a several million dollar estate even though his adversaries had the advantage financially and with a far more extensive staff at their disposal.
I would enthusiastically recommend him to any potential client.
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5.0
3 Reviews
16 Jul, 2021 by Scott
After my father passed away unexpectedly in 2019, I immediately began the work of acting as his personal representative. Unfortunately, my father had no legal Will which led to a contested estate. The estate attorney I hired initially was not interested in handling litigation filed by another heir, and recommended David Garten for the job. Calling David Garten was the best decision I could have made.
David Garten is an expert in Florida State Estate Law. He is a litigation attorney who handles contested estates and defends his clients with zeal. He exudes the calm confidence and total professionalism of an expert in his field. There are none of the blustering or hyperbolic statements that you will find with unqualified attorneys who are just trying to get your business. David will never leave you with a false sense of confidence on any issue. David’s credentials are impeccable, and he is a regular contributor to Florida State Bar Association publications. David’s staff is top notch and well organized, a sure sign of an excellent attorney. I also found David and his staff to be approachable and easy going, not stuffy or hard to communicate with as some attorney’s offices can be.
David’s work on my father’s estate was exemplary. He successfully negotiated settlements and diffused or won the unnecessary litigation brought against the estate. At one point David parlayed a pre-trial deposition into a settlement that enabled me to continue my work to close the estate without interruption. This is one of many examples of David’s expert handling of my father’s estate. David is very cost conscious and employs other Estate Attorneys to handle the more routine aspects of estate administration. You can rest assured that you won’t be gouged. David’s calm approach to angry opposing counsel, random unnecessary litigation, and wary nerve-wracked clients, was incredibly reassuring as we worked through various issues.
I would highly recommend David Garten to represent you if you are the executor or personal representative of a contested estate. In fact, I would say that if relatives are likely to litigate after the loss of a loved one, skip the standard Estate Attorneys and call David Garten for the representation that you really need.
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09 Mar, 2016 by Pat
I was living out-of-state when notified of my estranged husband's death. I needed to be advised and represented by an attorney who was familiar with Florida's state statutes for elective shares regarding the surviving spouse. My situation required a lot of special research. David made me feel comfortable and confident that everything was covered. He kept me appraised of the current status, even though there were time issues holding up our progress. Given the circumstances of my case, I felt David was attentive, personable and gave my case the required attention to detail needed. I was especially impressed with the follow up on David's part and his paralegal, Cheryl. At the conclusion of my case, they both made me feel like I would want to use there service again and/or would refer my family and friends to them.
David and Cheryl, thank you again.
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08 Mar, 2016 by Anonymous
After being victimized by several other attorneys regarding Trusts, Elder Law and Guardianship I did extensive research prior to finding a West Palm Beach attorney with the expertise and experience of David M. Garten, Esq. He was very responsive regarding scheduling and thoroughly knowledgeable in his field of law. He was always sympathetic and concerned to act in my best interest. His fees were reasonable and there was never a suspicion that his time billed was inflated. Hiring Mr. Garten actually turned out to be an extremely excellent value when at our first meeting he suggested he would, and actually did notify my insurers who ended up carrying a significant portion of my case with Mr. Garten's supervision. I now know how fortunate I was to have been represented by such a caring, compassionate, and expert attorney. I would never hesitate to encourage anyone needing the type of legal services offered by Mr. Garten to meet with him. Although it was very unpleasant going thru a lawsuit, David Garten’s advocacy made the situation a lot more tolerable. I will remain forever grateful for his services.
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05 Aug, 2016 by Anonymous
Mr. Stabler is definitely one of the better attorneys I have worked with. His response time can't be beat. He was efficient in handling my matter. I found him to be responsive and sensitive to my concerns. Was very fair in his billing practices and did not spring surprises on me. Also, he was helpful and patient. He helped me accomplish my objective and offered additional insight to make my situation and transaction easier. He is an outstanding attorney!
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5.0
1 Reviews
10 Jan, 2011 by Anthony
I have been consulting Mike Lampert for years. He has always come through for us even in the most difficult circumstances.
He is hard working, honest, and reliable.
I would never consider consulting anyone else.
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08 Oct, 2024 by Melissa torres
Tracie was very sweet and got all the information from me very fast. Everything is done through text messaging making it easy to sign and get started. I will keep the review updated on the rest of the process but initial process is easy and everyone is kind and attentive.
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08 Oct, 2024 by Dylan o'connor
I couldn’t be more impressed with Goldlaw! Don, Robert, and Alex were fantastic—always attentive and quick to respond to any concerns I had. Their attention to detail and commitment to keeping me informed throughout the process made all the difference. I truly felt like they cared about my case. I highly recommend them for anyone seeking dependable and professional legal support!
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07 Oct, 2024 by Kristian arguelles
Great service hoping to pull thru awesome help from Amanda butler
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01 Feb, 2024 by Stephanie faust
Cory Strolla is the ultimate top tier firearms instructor. Not only is his knowledge and experience in firearms training, safety and law beyond excellent levels, his teaching tactics are on point. He is well educated, dedicated and perceptive. You get great training tailored to your needs for firearms, self-defense and safety awareness. Not only will you grow at any level under his instruction, you will also have the best time of your life. Most fun and exciting experience ever. He truly puts his heart into helping others learn to be comfortable, confident and safe in the ability to protect themselves and all they love.
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27 Jan, 2024 by Kevin kreuter
It was so very worth spending a half day with Cory going through the firearms safety training course. He was super professional & knowledgeable, including the relevant laws (of course, since he's an attorney), and packed in a wealth of knowledge and practice into 4 hours. What I appreciated was his ability to adjust & tailor the session to each individual's specific prior experience -- I had some experience shooting, but not any formal training, and learned an incredible amount, and feel much more confident about moving forward. Thank you!
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27 Jan, 2024 by Tammy o'rourke
What an amazing and educational experience! As an absolute beginner (never have shot a handgun) to feeling confident in simply holding a gun to shooting within the 4 hour safety training was so rewarding! Cory tailors to your exact experience and goals and inspires the importance of knowledge and safety to create confidence and competence in gun usage. Super excited to continue to the next level. I highly recommend Cory for any level of gun usage for his expertise and quality of safety.
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25 Jul, 2013 by Anonymous
Very good mediator. Settled a very nasty will/trust contest which I did not think would settle.
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05 Mar, 2013 by Anonymous
Had a family dispute and hired Holly to mediate. After her intervention, the family dispute was much much worse--there was increased animosity among family members and I was in a worse position regarding the family estate.
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20 Aug, 2024 by Terri
I simply went to Evan to have a few changes made to my will. He was very cordial and was ready to help me.
3 months later and at least 4 cancelled appointments, he did nothing. I told him I'm finding another attorney and would like my paperwork back . He said he would fed ex to me..... still waiting , days later. He is not answering texts, calls.,
Luckily I did not pay him up front!
DO NOT USE THIS ATTORNEY!!!
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01 Apr, 2022 by Lydia
Evan went above and beyond to help my husband and I set up a trust for our grandson. He took the time to go over all of our options until we could be comfortable with our decision. I have recommended him to several friends.
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FAQs
Questions? We have answers
What an Elder Law Lawyer Can Do for You
An elder law lawyer specializes in legal issues that affect older adults, their families, and caregivers. These lawyers handle a broad range of topics, including estate planning, Medicaid and Medicare, long-term care planning, guardianship, elder abuse, and retirement planning. The goal of an elder law lawyer is to protect the rights, finances, and well-being of elderly individuals and to help them plan for future healthcare and financial security.
If you or a loved one is aging and facing challenges related to healthcare, finances, or legal matters, an elder law lawyer can provide essential guidance to protect your rights and interests as you age.
When Should I Hire an Elder Law Lawyer?
Hiring an elder law lawyer can be beneficial in many situations where older adults need help with legal, financial, or healthcare-related decisions. Common reasons to hire an elder law lawyer include:
- Estate planning: If you want to create or update a will, set up trusts, or ensure that your assets are distributed according to your wishes, an elder law lawyer can help with comprehensive estate planning.
- Medicaid and Medicare planning: If you need help qualifying for Medicaid to cover long-term care or need advice on navigating Medicare benefits, a lawyer can guide you through the application process and protect your assets.
- Long-term care planning: If you’re concerned about paying for nursing home care or assisted living, a lawyer can help you create a financial plan and explore options for government assistance.
- Guardianship or conservatorship: If a family member is unable to make decisions due to age-related cognitive issues, an elder law lawyer can assist in setting up legal guardianship or conservatorship to ensure their care.
- Elder abuse and exploitation: If you or a loved one is experiencing physical, emotional, or financial abuse, an elder law lawyer can help you take legal action to stop the abuse and recover damages.
- Retirement planning: Elder law lawyers can assist with planning for retirement, including managing pensions, Social Security, and other retirement income.
- Special needs planning: If you have a disabled family member who requires special care, an elder law lawyer can help create trusts or other legal arrangements to ensure their long-term financial and healthcare needs are met.
What Does an Elder Law Lawyer Do?
An elder law lawyer provides a wide range of legal services to help older adults and their families navigate the complexities of aging, healthcare, and estate planning. Their responsibilities often include:
- Drafting wills and trusts: Creating legal documents that outline how an individual’s assets will be distributed after death, ensuring that their wishes are honored.
- Medicaid and Medicare planning: Helping clients protect their assets while qualifying for government benefits to cover healthcare and long-term care costs.
- Establishing guardianships: Assisting families in setting up guardianship or conservatorship for loved ones who are unable to make decisions due to mental or physical incapacity.
- Protecting against elder abuse: Investigating claims of elder abuse or financial exploitation and representing the victim in legal actions to stop the abuse and seek compensation.
- Planning for long-term care: Developing strategies to cover the costs of nursing homes, assisted living, and other long-term care options without exhausting the elder’s financial resources.
- Managing probate and estate administration: Guiding families through the probate process to ensure that the decedent’s assets are distributed according to the law and their wishes.
- Setting up advance directives: Helping clients establish healthcare directives and powers of attorney to ensure their medical and financial decisions are carried out if they become incapacitated.
How Are Elder Law Lawyers Paid?
Elder law lawyers typically charge for their services based on the complexity of the case and the type of legal work involved. Common payment structures include:
- Hourly rate: Many elder law lawyers charge by the hour, especially for tasks such as drafting documents, handling legal disputes, or providing ongoing legal advice. Hourly rates typically range from $150 to $500 or more, depending on the lawyer’s experience and location.
- Flat fee: For specific tasks, such as drafting a will or setting up a trust, some lawyers charge a flat fee. This can range from $500 to $5,000 or more, depending on the complexity of the estate plan.
- Retainer: For long-term legal representation, such as managing a trust or handling guardianship matters, a lawyer may charge a retainer, which is an upfront payment that covers future legal work.
- Contingency fee: In some elder abuse or financial exploitation cases, a lawyer may work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if they recover compensation for the client. This fee is typically a percentage of the settlement or damages awarded.
Be sure to discuss fees with your lawyer during the initial consultation to understand how you will be billed and what the total cost of services might be.
How Much Does an Elder Law Lawyer Cost?
The cost of hiring an elder law lawyer varies depending on the complexity of the case, the lawyer’s experience, and the fee structure. General cost estimates include:
- Simple estate planning: Drafting basic documents, such as a will or power of attorney, may cost between $500 and $2,000, depending on the complexity of the client’s assets and wishes.
- Complex estate planning: Setting up more advanced estate plans, such as revocable or irrevocable trusts, Medicaid planning, or special needs trusts, can range from $2,000 to $10,000 or more.
- Guardianship or conservatorship: Legal fees for setting up guardianship or conservatorship often range from $2,000 to $5,000 or more, depending on the complexity of the case and whether disputes arise.
- Medicaid planning: Legal fees for Medicaid planning can range from $1,500 to $10,000, depending on the level of asset protection needed and the complexity of the individual’s financial situation.
Always ask for an estimate of fees during your initial consultation to ensure you understand how much the legal services will cost.
Top Questions to Ask an Elder Law Lawyer
Before hiring an elder law lawyer, it’s important to ask the right questions to ensure they have the experience and expertise needed to handle your case. Key questions to ask include:
-
What experience do you have with elder law cases?
Make sure the lawyer has experience handling cases similar to yours, whether it's estate planning, Medicaid applications, or elder abuse claims. -
How do you charge for your services?
Clarify whether the lawyer charges by the hour, a flat fee, or a retainer, and ask for a detailed estimate of the total cost. -
What is the best approach for my case?
Ask for an honest assessment of your situation and what legal strategies the lawyer recommends. -
How long will the process take?
Whether it’s drafting an estate plan or setting up a guardianship, ask the lawyer how long they expect the process to take. -
Will you handle my case personally?
In larger firms, junior attorneys or paralegals may handle parts of the case. Make sure you know who will be working on your case directly. -
What documents should I bring to the consultation?
Ask the lawyer what documentation or information you should prepare for your consultation, such as medical records, financial statements, or prior legal documents.
How to Check the Credibility of an Elder Law Lawyer
To ensure you are hiring a reputable elder law lawyer, follow these steps to verify their credentials and experience:
- Check their bar status: Verify with your state bar association that the lawyer is licensed to practice and has no history of disciplinary actions.
- Look for elder law experience: Review the lawyer’s website or professional profile to ensure they specialize in elder law and have experience with cases similar to yours.
- Read client reviews and testimonials: Look for client reviews on platforms like Avvo, Martindale-Hubbell, or Google to see what previous clients have said about the lawyer’s professionalism and success rate.
- Ask for references: A credible lawyer should be able to provide references from past clients who have worked with them on elder law issues.
- Check for certifications: Look for certifications or affiliations with organizations such as the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA), which can indicate the lawyer’s dedication to elder law.
What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?
To get the most out of your first consultation with an elder law lawyer, it’s important to come prepared with relevant documents and information. Here’s what you should bring:
- Existing estate planning documents: If you have a will, trust, or power of attorney in place, bring copies for the lawyer to review.
- Financial records: Provide details of your assets, including bank accounts, investments, real estate, and retirement accounts, as well as any debts.
- Medical information: If the case involves guardianship or Medicaid planning, bring relevant medical records that detail the individual's health condition and care needs.
- Insurance policies: Bring information about health insurance, long-term care insurance, and any other relevant policies.
- Questions for the lawyer: Write down any questions you have about your legal needs, the process, and the lawyer’s fees.
- List of family members or beneficiaries: Prepare a list of the individuals you want to include in your estate plan or who will be affected by the legal process.
By preparing thoroughly for your consultation, you can help the lawyer assess your situation more effectively and receive the best legal advice tailored to your needs.
