Elder Law Attorneys concentrate in the areas of law pertaining to seniors and their families such as estate planning, Medicaid, elder neglect and nursing home expenses. Elder law attorneys are particularly sensitive with the difficult decisions involved in a senior’s later years. But how do you choose an Elder Law Attorney?
If you or a family member need the services of an Elder Law Attorney, ask questions of them in the preliminary meeting or telephone conversation. Some of the questions that should be asked are:
- How much of the practice is devoted to elder law issues?
- Does the practice emphasize a particular area of elder law, such as nursing home law, estate planning or Medicaid planning?
- How much experience does the attorney have with cases that are similar to your issue?
- How are fees computed? Are they an hourly rate or are they billed as a flat fee service?
- What are the attorney’s professional affiliations?
- What is the cost of the initial consultation?
- Is a retainer, which is a ‘fee pre-payment’ against the costs, going to be required?
While hiring any professional, it is instinctive to ask for references, but an Elder Law attorney is unable to provide this client information due to confidentiality issues. So you must rely on your ‘interviewing’ skills, the attorney’s reputation and experience, as well as your rapport with the attorney.
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