Did you know that there are nearly 700,000 practicing lawyers in the United States? With so many legal professionals to choose from, it can make it difficult to find the one that is best for you. This is especially true when looking for elder law attorneys.
The good news, though, is that finding the right elder law attorney is much easier than it seems. Let’s explore everything you need to know about the find a lawyer who can handle your elder law case.
1. Do They Specialize in This Area of Law?
As you might guess, it’s important to make sure that the attorney you’re looking into specializes in elder law. Attorneys can specialize in many areas of law, and elder law attorneys are specifically trained to handle the legal issues that pertain to aging individuals.
They also usually have a deep understanding of Medicaid, long-term care planning, and Social Security Disability. They also know how to handle Alzheimer’s care planning, veteran benefits, tax planning strategies, and estate planning.
So, keep this in mind when making your decision. It will play a large role in whether or not you are able to meet your goals.
2. Are They Experienced?
When looking for an elder law attorney, make sure they have the experience to handle your case. A good sign of experience is if they have been practicing law for more than 10 years.
This will tell you that they know the ins and outs of the industry and how to navigate various legal matters related to aging individuals.
It’s worth noting that working with an inexperienced firm doesn’t mean you’re guaranteed to get poor results. However, they will be much less likely to reach your goals.
Since elder law cases are often very serious matters, you can’t afford to hire someone who doesn’t have a substantial amount of experience working with clients like you.
3. Do They Have Good Reviews?
It’s always a good idea to check out the reviews of any lawyer you are considering. In fact, it can be one of the most important steps that you take when it comes to finding the right professional for you.
To get started, you can visit their website and look for testimonials. Keep an eye out for consistency in these reviews, as well.
For instance, you might find that a large number of past clients praised the level of care the firm gave to the case. Having this level of insight will make it much easier for you to choose the ideal candidate.
From here, you will be well on your way toward getting the results you need from working with them.
4. Do They Offer Free Consultations?
It’s essential to make sure that your elder law attorney offers free consultations. This will give you an opportunity to ask any questions that you might have and get a feel for the attorney’s personality.
It’s also important to make sure that they are willing to take the time to explain the details of your case in a way that is easy to understand. If they attempt to rush you through the consultation or don’t seem to put your needs first, you should look elsewhere.
With matters like these, the attorney higher should take special care to ensure that they guide you through the process.
5. Do They Have a Good Track Record?
Make sure the elder law attorney you choose has a good track record of successfully handling cases like yours.
You can ask to see a list of their former clients or look up any awards they may have won in the past. This will give you an indication of how successful they are as attorneys and if they
Many people make the mistake of hiring an elder care attorney without considering this information. Even if they are personable and seem enthusiastic about working with you, it’s not worth hiring them if they cannot get you the results that you need.
In some situations, a good track record might even outweigh other shortcomings. For instance, a firm might be small compared to its competitors but have an amazing reputation for good results.
6. Do You Feel Comfortable Communicating With Them?
Finally, it’s essential to make sure that you feel comfortable communicating with the lawyer.
You should be able to ask questions and get clear answers, as well as feel like your case is being taken seriously.
It’s also important to consider how easy it is for you to get in touch with them. Some attorneys allow you to contact them outside of business hours if you have questions or concerns.
This can provide much-needed relief during stressful times if you are wondering about your case. However, attorneys that do so often charge extra for this level of service.
It’s crucial that you understand how this will affect your overall billing so you can avoid financial surprises in the future.
Elder Law Attorneys Don’t Have to Be Difficult to Find
Choosing the right elder law attorney doesn’t have to be stressful.
By taking the time to research and find elder law attorneys who have the experience and qualifications you need, you can get the help you need in no time. Just be sure to keep the above information in mind so that you can find the best professional for your case.
Looking for more information about what we can do? Get in touch with us today to see how we can help.