Once you have found an elder law attorney and have scheduled an initial consultation, you need to gather all documentation pertinent to your situation to take with you to the appointment. You also need to prepare a list of questions to ask the attorney. Seven questions you should ask your elder law attorney are:
- What will it take to resolve my case and how long will it take?
- Which attorney will be handling my case?
- What is the attorney’s experience and track record with cases like mine?
- If there is going to be trial, does this attorney do trial work?
- Is this attorney a member of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA)?
- Are there any alternate courses of action I should consider?
- What costs are involved and how they are computed?
If you decide to retain an elder law attorney, ask for a written agreement that specifies what services the attorney will perform and the costs and expenses. Even if you have an oral agreement, you are still responsible for any charges for work the attorney and his staff does for you. Having a written contract, however, can come in handy if there is ever a dispute regarding fees or services performed.
