Do you need to find an elder law attorney you can trust? 1 out of 10 older people experiences a form of abuse. It could come from inexperienced caregivers. But, there are also people who will take advantage of anyone for their own gain. They target people unable to care for themselves or that suffer dementia.
Here are 10 tips on how to find an elder law attorney you can trust.
Ask Friends and Family
Asking family and friends for lawyer recommendations is the place to start. These are the people that have your best interests in mind. Their opinion and reviews will be honest and helpful.
How to Find An Elder Law Attorney Online
The National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA) is an archive of lawyers that practice elder law. This committee only accepts bar-certified lawyers into their club. You can also check sites like Google Review or Yelp to see reviews about law firms.
First Impressions Matter
Attorney services, much like cars, should not be purchased without a test-drive. This test-drive is a consultation. Many attorneys offer free consultations. This is your chance to take ‘er for a spin.
Can this lawyer match your needs? How is their personality? This is an important choice; do not drive off the lot with any lawyer.
Are They Professional?
How timely are they? Are they punctual or slow on the draw? Test them.
If you are corresponding through email, they should respond within a day’s time. If you are meeting them for consultation, is the meeting on time or delayed? How do they present themselves during the interview?
Being attentive, punctual, well-dressed, and intelligible are the marks of a professional. Assess your lawyer on these, as well as their credentials.
Do You Get Along?
You are going to be spending a lot of time with this individual. It is important to like the person you are with.
Clashing personalities and butting heads are a detriment to winning cases. There needs to be camaraderie.
Diligent Note-Taking
There is a lot to be said and heard when talking with a lawyer. It is difficult to process everything in the moment, especially if you are not used to law jargon.
Write down everything you can. Take notes of what they are saying, and then figure out what they mean later. They could be two different things.
A truth-worthy lawyer will be concise. And they will not give you the run-around.
Credentials
Check if the lawyer is still a practicing lawyer. Some people lose their Bar status from malpractice or other scrupulous reasons.
Each state has a State Bar Association. Here is Washington state’s. Search by their name. The website will reveal any past disciplinary actions against the attorney. You should avoid these guys.
Experience Matters
Find an attorney that has helped others with similar issues. Make sure your lawyer has experience in every matter or concern. They need to have set a good precedent.
How Much Will It Cost?
It is ok to ask this!
Finding an elder law attorney that you trust is difficult.
You should get referrals from friends and family and peers. Make sure they are practicing, recognized with NAELA, and are professional. Also, find a lawyer that matches your needs and your personality.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation.