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12 Dec, 2024 by Sherrie lacey
The attorneys and staff were professional and caring throughout an extremely difficult time for me. They walked me through everything from beginning to end; the timeline they gave me was accurate. The appointments were minimal, the process was quick, easy. I highly recommend Babut Law Offices.
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04 Dec, 2024 by Dennis brown
The Experience was seamless. From the Attorney Completing my Bankruptcy case. To the knowledgeable Accountant who also assisted with my taxes. In which I will continue to use. I am at ease. Knowing I have a fresh start.
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03 Dec, 2024 by Diane moore
It was a pleasure working with Babut Law Offices. Megan did wonderful work completing our estate planning documents. Her guidance and care throughout the entire process was thorough and appreciated. We couldn't be happier and will return in the future if additional services are needed. Highly recommend them!
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26 May, 2024 by Sis eliz
MIRC was so helpful in my case back when the Trump ban happened. We were successful in getting my husband to the states. Thank you for all your hard work and time on my case.
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13 Jan, 2024 by Jasmin peerez
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13 Feb, 2023 by Viajero nica
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26 May, 2024 by Sis eliz
MIRC was so helpful in my case back when the Trump ban happened. We were successful in getting my husband to the states. Thank you for all your hard work and time on my case.
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13 Jan, 2024 by Jasmin peerez
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13 Feb, 2023 by Viajero nica
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26 May, 2024 by Sis eliz
MIRC was so helpful in my case back when the Trump ban happened. We were successful in getting my husband to the states. Thank you for all your hard work and time on my case.
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13 Jan, 2024 by Jasmin peerez
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13 Feb, 2023 by Viajero nica
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26 May, 2024 by Sis eliz
MIRC was so helpful in my case back when the Trump ban happened. We were successful in getting my husband to the states. Thank you for all your hard work and time on my case.
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13 Jan, 2024 by Jasmin peerez
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13 Feb, 2023 by Viajero nica
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26 May, 2024 by Sis eliz
MIRC was so helpful in my case back when the Trump ban happened. We were successful in getting my husband to the states. Thank you for all your hard work and time on my case.
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13 Jan, 2024 by Jasmin peerez
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13 Feb, 2023 by Viajero nica
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26 May, 2024 by Sis eliz
MIRC was so helpful in my case back when the Trump ban happened. We were successful in getting my husband to the states. Thank you for all your hard work and time on my case.
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13 Jan, 2024 by Jasmin peerez
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07 Mar, 2014 by Phil
I cant say enough negative about this lawyer. He was hired to defend a case where an employee left drugs in a company van which was in the back of the van in the tool box for that employee. According to rory himself the police officer made multiple mistakes in the search. there was a 1 hr. interview done by a detective and the police officer that was never noted or mentioned in the report. There was over 8 items in the police report that was incorrectly stated and reported. Some of which made me look as if i was not only guilty but as if i was a user of the drugs found. Prior to court dates rory told me and my wife REPEATEDLY that he was going to fight this case and get things taken care of. the day of my first court appearance instead of fighting the case i was not guilty for AS WE DISCUSSED he made a agreement with the prosecuter came back to me with the deal and then said its a btter option. HIS EXCUSE was that if we didnt take the offer and lost the judge WOULD most likely sentence me outside of the guidelines. thinking of my business and wife i assumed he had my best interest at hand. After we walked out of the court room he stopped to talk to me and my wife and said "even though i think we would have had no issues beating the case you taking the plea is a much better way to go." I couldnt believe this lazy ignorant kid was turning to me AFTER telling me i need to take the plea because im going to be sentenced out of the guidelines if he cant beat it...he then less than 20 mins later tells us he could have beat the case no problem!!!! On top of him not doing his job, i have had 2 back surgeries since 2005 i've been in a pain clinic where i get monthly injections, i do monthly physical therapy, and for over 12 years i have had THE EXACT SAME MEDICATION PRESCRIBED. Because of the case i have to do urine screens, rory has been in front of my judge 4 times each time me and my wife have basically had to BEG him to address the judge and get my medications okayed so they do not violate me. Not one single time did he address the court. I was violated for drug screens because the judge had not okayed the medications DUE TO RORY BEING AS LAZY AND IN EXPERIENCED AS HE IS. after the 4th court date when walking out me and my wife got mad and asked why he did not address the court AGAIN FOR THE FOURTH TIME. his answer was "do you want the judge to take us serious or not?" we couldn't believe that we actually heard that come out of a lawyers mouth! the situation made me so mad i told him i would be looking for a new laywer and walked out. to show his maturity rory twice made the comment to me "good luck". It was seriously like dealing with a college kid living with mom. Finally as if he couldnt get worse my case is still not done, he never addressed the court, MY DRUG SCREEN PERSON had to contact the judge the judge said he would give rory 24hrs to contact him and get my medications straight, all rory had to do was call and what does he do he DROPS ME AS A CLIENT when the case isnt even finished and still will not take care of something we have been asking him to do for 3 months. PLUS HE SENT ME A BILL FOR 300 more dollars when i paid him 900$ he has spent 2 hrs in court and not once put work into my case. We are taking him in court this week i recently found out this kid just recently graduated from law school which explains his complete ignorance. But you will clearly see when you meet him how he cant even take care of himself or his office so why would he be able to take care of anyone else. I should have listened to my wife!
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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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