Dealing with lawyers

Kmitch

so I’m hiring a lawyer as I was told by my mothers social worker, Went on NELF, I got told a meeting to discuss elder care would be $400 and a durable power of attorney will be an additional $700. Is this normal?

If it is are you aware of any grants that could cover this or cheaper options to get a DPA?

M1

that’s actually pretty reasonable rates….you might ask your local council on Aging about any grants that might cover some of the costs. It’s worth it in the long run, as costs for care are going to be a lot more than that. Medicaid applications can be tricky so worth the attorney fees.

mabelgirl

I am so sorry you’re having to handle this at your age. I found through the local senior center legal help for my mother. It was a free service based on her financial situation . The kicker was they wouldn’t do a DPOA if they deemed she could not understand and because she doesn’t see herself as needing anything told them she’d call when she is ready! 😣.

cdgbdr

I'm in Ohio and had Wills, Living Wills, POA, DPOA for both me and my DH for $650. Yours may be higher due to location. I hope you can find an affordable service. The geriatric assessment social worker advised me to use the free forms. I opted for an atty.

wigmaof9

My folks had POA documents naming my sister and I as co-POA's but she lives half way across the country. I was also having some issues with the documents and the hospital actually questioned the documents before my Father died in January, because they were written all wonky and were 15 years old. I went to an Elder atty and the cost was about $700. Well worth the cost and once the documents were completed, I was reimbursed from her personal funds, legally. It was the best course to take, as now I have complete control of everything and can sign all documents for her, without her present. It has truly been a blessing. She is now in assisted living after her Dementia diagnosis and is thriving. She still gets a bit irritated that she can't handle things on her own, but she has managed to lose her checkbook and actual cash. So, I have to keep close tabs of her money. I keep very tight records of EVERY dime spent on her behalf as well, so NO one can come back at me. (Yes, I have one of "those" people in my immediate family).