CHEAP ADVICE CAN COST YOU GREATLY, FREE ADVICE CAN COST YOU YOUR HOUSE

Most people who call our office schedule an appointment with us. Although we can’t know for certain, the ones who don’t often seem concerned about the fees. So, here’s some advice on fees. First, make sure you are comparing apples to apples. The general practitioner will most likely quote you less than the specialist or could overcharge as you end up paying for the attorney’s “learning curve”. If you seek a fair estimation of reasonable fees, speak to at least two firms of comparable size that specialize in Elder Law. The attorneys in our firm have over thirty years of combined experience in asset protection and Medicaid planning.

Second, be wary of free “half hour” initial consultation. A comprehensive Medicaid plan can’t be developed in a rushed, topical, meeting. That approach leaves you confused with the hope that you’ll understand what the attorney eventually recommends if you hire him. The better approach is to pay a reasonable fee to receive a set of recommendations that are developed and explained in a more thorough manner. That takes more time, is more comforting and well worth the cost of a reasonable legal fee.

Finally, don’t underestimate the potential loss you can suffer by not seeking the advice of an experienced elder law attorney. Here’s one example: You can continue to own a home while receiving Medicaid benefits. However, if you check the wrong box on the Medicaid application, the state can force you to sell the home as a condition of receiving benefits. Once sold, the proceeds are usually exhausted on private nursing home care payments. If the nursing home is helping you with the application, don’t expect them to tell you which box to check off. If you do, that “free” help can literally cost you hundreds of thousands of dollars. As the old adage goes, “you get what you pay for.”

Regards,
Eric R. Oalican, Esq.
Oalican Law Group, LLC©